How to Set Default Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) Distro 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.

The default WSL distribution is the one that runs when you run wsl on a command line.

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.

See also:

This tutorial will show you how to set a default Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) distro 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 step 3)

(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 WSL distros available for your account, and (Default) next to the current default WSL distro. Make note of the distro name (ex: "Debian") you want to set as default. (see screenshots below)

Set Default Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) Distro in Windows 10-list_all_wsl_distros.png Set Default Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) Distro in Windows 10-list_all_wsl_linux_distros_in_powershell.png

4. Enter the command below for your version of Windows 10 into the command prompt, and press Enter. (see screenshots below)

(For Windows 10 version 1903 and later)
wsl -s <DistributionName> OR wsl --setdefault <DistributionName>

OR

(For versions earlier than Windows 10 version 1903)
wslconfig /s <DistributionName> OR wslconfig /setdefault <DistributionName>

Substitute <DistributionName> in the command above with the actual WSL distro name (ex: "Debian") from step 3 you want to set as default.

For example: wsl --setdefault Debian

Set Default Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) Distro in Windows 10-set_default_wsl_distro_in_command_prompt.png Set Default Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) Distro in Windows 10-set_default_wsl_distro_in_powershell.png

5. When finished, you can close the command prompt or PowerShell if you like.


That's it,
Shawn


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