Windows (WSL)

While AlphaBase can run directly on Windows, we recommend using Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) for the best experience. WSL provides a Linux environment that works seamlessly with AlphaBase’s features.

Why WSL?

WSL offers better file system performance, full terminal support, and compatibility with development tools that AlphaBase relies on.

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Setup

1. Install WSL

   If you haven’t already, install WSL using the official Microsoft guide.

2. Install AlphaBase in WSL

   Once WSL is set up, open your WSL terminal and install AlphaBase using one of the installation methods.

   curl -fsSL https://alphabase.ai/install | bash

3. Use AlphaBase from WSL

   Navigate to your project directory (access Windows files via /mnt/c/, /mnt/d/, etc.) and run AlphaBase.

   cd /mnt/c/Users/YourName/project
   alphabase

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Desktop App + WSL Server

If you prefer using the AlphaBase Desktop app but want to run the server in WSL:

1. Start the server in WSL with --hostname 0.0.0.0 to allow external connections:

   alphabase serve --hostname 0.0.0.0 --port 4096

2. Connect the Desktop app to http://localhost:4096

Note

If localhost does not work in your setup, connect using the WSL IP address instead (from WSL: hostname -I) and use http://<wsl-ip>:4096.

Caution

When using --hostname 0.0.0.0, set ALPHABASE_SERVER_PASSWORD to secure the server.

ALPHABASE_SERVER_PASSWORD=your-password alphabase serve --hostname 0.0.0.0

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Web Client + WSL

For the best web experience on Windows:

1. Run alphabase web in the WSL terminal rather than PowerShell:

   alphabase web --hostname 0.0.0.0

2. Access from your Windows browser at http://localhost:<port> (AlphaBase prints the URL)

Running alphabase web from WSL ensures proper file system access and terminal integration while still being accessible from your Windows browser.

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Accessing Windows Files

WSL can access all your Windows files through the /mnt/ directory:

• C: drive → /mnt/c/
• D: drive → /mnt/d/
• And so on…

Example:

cd /mnt/c/Users/YourName/Documents/project
alphabase

Tip

For the smoothest experience, consider cloning/copying your repo into the WSL filesystem (for example under ~/code/) and running AlphaBase there.

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Tips

• Keep AlphaBase running in WSL for projects stored on Windows drives - file access is seamless
• Use VS Code’s WSL extension alongside AlphaBase for an integrated development workflow
• Your AlphaBase config and sessions are stored within the WSL environment at ~/.local/share/alphabase/