How can I change the WSL bash command default directory?

Question

I have WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux) set up on my computer with Ubuntu.  When I want a Linux session, I hit Win+R and type bash because it's short and quick.  However, it always drops me into /mnt/c/Users/Michael.  I want it to drop me into my Ubuntu home directory (~) instead.

I've tried adding cd ~ to my .bash_profile, but then whenever I try to run bash from the command line, it always takes me to ~, instead of opening bash in the current directory.

I can get around this by running ubuntu from the Run Dialog, but it takes longer and is harder to spell.

How can I get bash to open ~ when run from the run dialog, and the current working directory when run from Command Prompt or PowerShell? Or, what are some good workarounds?

Answer 1

A simple kludge (workaround) would be to put

if [ "$PWD" = '/mnt/c/Users/Michael' ]
then
    cd
fi

into your .bash_profile.  That way, if you’re in your Windows home directory (C:\Users\Michael) when you run bash, it will go to your Ubuntu home directory.  If you’re anywhere else, it will stay there.

This is a kludge/workaround inasmuch as, if you manually go to C:\Users\Michael in Command Prompt or PowerShell, bash will still cd to ~.