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WSL 2(Window)

This guide explains how to install and configure WSL 2 (Windows Subsystem for Linux) on Windows 10 or Windows 11.

🧩 1. Check System Requirements​

Run this in PowerShell or Command Prompt to verify your system architecture (WSL 2 requires a 64‑bit system):

systeminfo | find "System Type"

Expected output:

System Type: x64-based PC

Ensure that your system meets the following requirements:

  • Windows 10, version 2004 (Build 19041) or higher, or Windows 11
  • Virtualization enabled in BIOS (Intel VT-x / AMD-V)
  • Administrative privileges on your machine

Check your Windows version:

winver

⚙️ 2. Enable WSL and Virtual Machine Platform​

Open PowerShell as Administrator and run:

dism.exe /online /enable-feature /featurename:Microsoft-Windows-Subsystem-Linux /all /norestart
dism.exe /online /enable-feature /featurename:VirtualMachinePlatform /all /norestart

Restart your computer after these commands complete.

🧠 3. Install the WSL 2 Kernel​

Download the Linux kernel update package for WSL 2 from Microsoft:

👉 https://aka.ms/wsl2kernel

Run the .msi file to install the update.

🐚 4. Set WSL 2 as the Default Version​

After installing the kernel, set WSL 2 as your default for new distributions:

wsl --set-default-version 2

To verify:

wsl --status

Expected output:

Default Version: 2
Kernel version: 5.x.x

🐧 5. Install a Linux Distribution​

You can install your preferred Linux distribution from the Microsoft Store.

Example for Ubuntu:

wsl --install -d Ubuntu-22.04

After installation, launch Ubuntu from the Start menu and set up your username and password.

Update the system:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

🔍 6. Check Installed WSL Versions​

List all installed distributions and their versions:

wsl -l -v

Example output:

  NAME            STATE           VERSION
* Ubuntu-22.04    Running         2

If a distribution is still using WSL 1, you can upgrade it:

wsl --set-version Ubuntu-22.04 2

⚡ 7. Useful Commands​

CommandDescription
wsl --helpShow all available options
wsl --list --verboseList all installed distros and their WSL versions
wsl --set-default-version 2Set WSL 2 as the default version
wsl --set-version <Distro> 2Convert a specific distro to WSL 2
wsl --terminate <Distro>Stop a specific distro
wsl --shutdownStop all running WSL instances

🧰 8. Common Troubleshooting​

IssueSolution
Error: 0x8007019eWSL is not enabled → enable WSL via PowerShell (Step 2)
Error: 0x80370102Virtualization not enabled → enable in BIOS
WSL not startingRestart LxssManager service or use wsl --shutdown
Slow performanceCheck antivirus exclusion or disk usage in Windows settings

✅ 9. Verify Everything Works​

Run:

wsl
uname -a

Expected output:

Linux <hostname> 5.x.x-microsoft-standard-WSL2 #1 SMP ... x86_64 GNU/Linux

Congratulations! 🎉 You now have WSL 2 fully installed and ready to use.

🧑‍💻 Next Steps​

  • Install Docker Desktop (uses WSL 2 backend)
  • Configure VS Code Remote – WSL extension
  • Try running Python, Node.js, or other Linux-based tools directly from WSL

📅 Last Updated: November 2025 🧑‍💻 Author: Huy Pham