To install additional Linux distributions after the initial install, you may also use the command: wsl -install -d.To see a list of available Linux distributions available for download through the online store, enter: wsl -list -online or wsl -l -o.Replace with the name of the distribution you would like to install. To change the distribution installed, enter: wsl -install -d.Change the default Linux distribution installedīy default, the installed Linux distribution will be Ubuntu. All future launches should take less than a second.
The first time you launch a newly installed Linux distribution, a console window will open and you'll be asked to wait for files to de-compress and be stored on your machine. This command will enable the required optional components, download the latest Linux kernel, set WSL 2 as your default, and install a Linux distribution for you (Ubuntu by default, see below to change this). You can now install everything you need to run Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) by entering this command in PowerShell or Windows Command Prompt and then restarting your machine. If you're running an older build, or just prefer not to use the install command and would like step-by-step directions, see WSL manual installation steps for older versions. You can update to the latest Windows version in the Settings menu or using the Windows Update Assistant. To check your Windows version and build number, select Windows logo key + R, type winver, select OK.
