How to List All Available Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) Distros in Windows 10


The Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) is a new Windows 10 feature that enables you to run native Linux command-line tools directly on Windows, alongside your traditional Windows desktop and modern store apps.

Starting with Windows 10 build 18342 (19H1) and Windows 10 build 18836 (20H1), Microsoft added some new commands that will give you more functionality when using wsl.exe. The commands that existed inside of wslconfig.exe have been added to wsl.exe to allow you to configure your distros more easily.

--list or --l has been added to wsl.exe that lists all distributions available for the current user. These would be all installed or imported WSL distros.

See also: List distributions | Microsoft Docs

This tutorial will show you how to see a list of names for all installed and imported Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) distros available for your account in Windows 10.



Here's How:

1 Open a command prompt or PowerShell.

2 Copy and paste the command below for your version of Windows 10 into the command prompt or PowerShell, and press Enter. (see screenshots below)

(For Windows 10 version 1903 and later)
wsl --list --all or wsl -l --all

OR

(For versions earlier than Windows 10 version 1903)
wslconfig /list /all or wslconfig /l /all


3 You will now see a list of the names of all installed or imported WSL distros available for the current user.

List All Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) Distros in Windows 10-list_all_wsl_linux_distros.png List All Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) Distros in Windows 10-list_all_wsl_linux_distros_in_powershell.png


That's it,
Shawn


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