WSL on Windows 11: The Complete Guide to the Windows Subsystem for Linux

Running Linux on Windows was once considered a complex, technical challenge best left to those brave enough to tinker with dual-booting or virtual machines. Today, Microsoft’s Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) has flipped that script. Now, anyone can enjoy the perks of a full-featured Linux environment without ever leaving the comfort of Windows 11.

If you’re a developer, power user, or simply curious about combining the best of both Windows and Linux on one PC, you’re in for a treat. This guide will break down every aspect of WSL on Windows 11, explaining what it is, why it matters, and—most importantly—how to get it set up and running with all the latest tweaks.

What Exactly Is WSL—and Why Should You Care?

Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) is an innovative feature integrated into Windows 11, enabling you to run Linux distributions directly within your Windows environment. This means you don’t need to set up a traditional virtual machine, fiddle with dual-boot partitions, or sacrifice performance. For developers, data scientists, and anyone seeking a seamless mixed-OS workflow, WSL is a game-changer.

Supports many popular Linux distributions like Ubuntu, Debian, Kali, OpenSUSE, and even custom distros absent from the Microsoft Store. The Microsoft Store simplifies installation, but you can also import others using TAR files or .appx packages. Compared to traditional virtual machines, everything is optimized for speed and simplicity, making it accessible even for users new to Linux.

Why WSL 2 Is a Big Deal in Windows 11

While the initial version of WSL brought Linux to Windows, WSL 2 raised the bar by integrating a real Linux kernel in a lightweight virtual machine. This enhances file system performance, increases system compatibility, and effectively merges the boundaries between the two operating systems.

With WSL 2, full system call compatibility allows you to run advanced Linux applications, tools, and scripts that previously might have been incompatible. Each Linux distribution runs as an isolated container within the WSL 2 virtual machine, providing improved performance and security. Switching between WSL 1 and WSL 2 is straightforward, even running them side by side for different distros.

Who Should Use WSL?

WSL is ideal for anyone wanting to leverage Linux tools and development environments without leaving Windows 11. Use cases include web development, data science, database management, machine learning, and running Linux-only command-line utilities or scripts. If you value the flexibility of the Linux shell but prefer to keep Windows as your primary OS, WSL is perfect for you.

What Can You Do with WSL?

• Install and run a wide range of Linux distributions (Ubuntu, Debian, Kali, OpenSUSE, Arch, etc.) from the Microsoft Store or via manual import.
• Execute Linux command-line tools and programs like Bash, grep, sed, awk, or specialized binaries and graphical apps.
• Develop and debug cross-platform projects using editors like VS Code (with remote capabilities), manage Git repositories, and deploy databases or web servers.
• Utilize GPU resources for machine learning workloads within Linux, a must-have for AI developers.
• Access Windows and Linux files seamlessly, often from the same Windows Terminal pane.
• Invoke Windows commands from Linux and vice versa, enabling powerful hybrid scripting options.

System Requirements: Are You Ready for WSL?

To install and use WSL on Windows 11 (or Windows 10 version 2004 and above), ensure you’re running a compatible build. Requires Windows 11 or at least Windows 10 build 19041. If your system is older, consider updating or performing a manual setup with additional tweaks to enable WSL.

How to Install WSL on Windows 11—the Easy Way

Installing WSL on Windows 11 is incredibly straightforward. Microsoft has simplified the process to a single, user-friendly command. Follow these steps:

1. Open PowerShell as an administrator. (Right-click the Start button, select “Windows Terminal (Admin)” or “PowerShell (Admin)”).
2. Type:
   wsl --install then press Enter.
3. Follow on-screen instructions. Windows will enable necessary components and install Ubuntu by default. To install a different distro, specify it like:
   wsl --install Debian.
4. Restart your PC when prompted to finish the setup.

If you want to install WSL without a default Linux distribution, add the –no-distribution flag to the command. You can also find WSL in the Microsoft Store for a GUI-based installation process.

Choosing and Managing Your Linux Distributions

Ubuntu is the default, but a wide array of alternatives are available. To browse all online distros, enter:

wsl.exe --list --online

To install a specific distribution, use:

wsl.exe --install

Replace with options like “Debian,” “Kali,” etc. Once installed, launching the new distro from the Start Menu will prompt you to set up a user and password.

Managing WSL Versions, Upgrades, and Settings

Typically, new distributions run under WSL 2 by default, but you can switch between WSL 1 and 2 when needed. Set WSL 2 as the default for new installations via:

wsl --set-default-version 2

You can verify the current versions of your distributions with:

wsl --list --verbose

To change a distribution’s version, use:

wsl --set-version <DistributionName> <1|2>

For example, upgrading Debian to WSL 2 is done with: wsl --set-version debian 2. You can flexibly switch versions at any time.

Enabling WSL 1 Compatibility Mode

Although WSL 2 is recommended, WSL 1 can be enabled for compatibility. Run:

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

This activates the older subsystem alongside WSL 2, allowing you to toggle between them for different distributions.

Using Multiple Linux Distributions Simultaneously

The ability to have multiple Linux environments active at the same time is a key advantage.

• For the default: wsl
• To launch a specific: wsl -d <DistributionName>
• To view installed distros and versions: wsl --list --verbose

Set your preferred default for easy access or run different distros side-by-side for diverse projects.

Best Practices for Development with WSL

Once set up, WSL opens many development possibilities. Remember to configure your user accounts immediately after installation, customize environments, and use Windows Terminal for advanced workflows.

Windows Terminal offers a tabbed interface and customization options, allowing you to run PowerShell, Command Prompt, Azure CLI, and multiple WSL distributions all within a single window. Pairing with the VS Code Remote – WSL extension provides seamless coding, debugging, and access to Linux tools from a familiar editor. Additionally, configure Git within Linux for version control, and manage project files effectively across both platforms.

Maintain an organized file structure by using your Linux home directory for projects and understanding filesystem intersections in WSL2.

Advanced Options: Offline Installations, Custom Distros, and More

If internet access is limited or you want control, you can perform offline installations. Download WSL components and Linux distros from:

• WSL GitHub releases
• Enable Virtual Machine Platform with:
  dism.exe /online /enable-feature /featurename:VirtualMachinePlatform /all /norestart
• Install Linux distros via `.wsl` files or other packaged formats.

Custom distributions and complex import/export workflows are supported, providing flexibility for enterprise and power users seeking stricter version control and security.

Preview Features and Windows Insider Program

Want early access to new WSL features? Join the Windows Insider Program to test upcoming updates. This grants access to preview builds from various channels, delivering enhancements ahead of the general release.

If you prefer not to run preview OS builds, you can update WSL itself with:

wsl.exe --update --pre-release

Check the for latest updates, fixes, and new features.

Security, Compliance, and Enterprise Features

Organizations can monitor and manage WSL with enterprise tools like Landscape, integrating into existing workflows. WSL supports compliance standards and enterprise policies, making it suitable for business environments.

DevOps projects, automation, and complex infrastructure management become more streamlined with WSL en Windows 11. You don’t need to choose between Windows and Linux anymore; the integration offers the best of both worlds, designed for ease and efficiency.

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