The feature runs an actual Linux kernel in a virtual machine, which improves performance and app compatibility over the previous version while maintaining the same experience as the first release. This guide will teach you the steps to install the Windows Subsystem for Linux 2 on Windows 10.
Install WSL2 on Windows 10 Install WSL2 on Windows 10 (older versions)
Install WSL2 on Windows 10
Microsoft has simplified the installation process of the WSL on Windows 10 to only one command that downloads and installs all the required components, including the virtual machine platform and Ubuntu Linux by default. To install Windows Subsystem for Linux on Windows 10, use these steps: Once you complete the steps, the required Linux components will automatically install the latest version of the Ubuntu Linux distribution.
Install WSL with specific distro
To install WSL with a specific distro on Windows 10, use these steps: After you complete the steps, the Windows Subsystem for Linux 2 components will install with the distro of Linux you specified.
Remember to replace “DISTRO-NAME” in the command with the distro’s name to install, such as Debian.
Update WSL kernel
To update the WSL kernel to the latest version on Windows 10, use these steps: Once you complete the steps, if an update is available, it will download and install on the device.
If the update command doesn’t work, open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Advanced options, and turn on the “Receive updates for other Microsoft products when you update Windows” toggle switch.
Install WSL2 on Windows 10 (older versions)
Alternatively, you can still install WSL on Windows 10 version 1909 and older versions using the legacy processes. The process requires enabling WSL1, the Virtual Machine Platform, converting existing distros (if applicable), and configuring the Windows Subsystem for Linux 2 as the new default for future distro installations. If you have an ARM64 system, the Linux integration is supported on version 2004 and higher.
Enable Windows Subsystem for Linux
If you are not already using Linux on Windows 10, you must enable the Windows Subsystem for Linux (version 1) with these steps: Once you complete the steps, you must enable the Virtual Machine Platform feature.
Enable Virtual Machine Platform
To enable the Virtual Machine Platform on Windows 10, use these steps: After you complete the steps, you can set the Windows Subsystem for Linux version 2 as the new default architecture and convert existing distros.
Enable Windows Subsystem for Linux 2
To start using WSL2 or covert WSL distros to WSL2, use these steps: Once you complete the steps, your device will start using the new version of Windows Subsystem for Linux as the default architecture. (See video tutorial on the Pureinfotech YouTube channel.)
In the command, change “Ubuntu” for the distro’s name you want to convert. If you do not know the distro’s name, use the wsl -l -v command.
Confirm distro platform
To confirm distros are using the Windows Subsystem for Linux 2, use these steps: After you complete the steps, you will know if the process was successful or if you need to troubleshoot any of the steps.
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