How to Update from WSL to WSL 2 in Windows 10  

    How to Update from WSL to WSL 2 in Windows 10

    How to Update from WSL to WSL 2 in Windows 10

    Published by Category: Apps & Features
    04 Jul 2022
    Designer Media Ltd

    How to Update from WSL to WSL 2 in Windows 10

    WSL 2 (Windows Subsystem for Linux 2) is a new version of the architecture in WSL that changes how Linux distributions interact with Windows. WSL 2 has the primary goals of increasing file system performance and adding full system call compatibility. Each Linux distribution can run as WSL 1 or as WSL 2, and can be switched between at any time. WSL 2 is a major overhaul of the underlying architecture and uses virtualization technology and a Linux kernel to enable its new features.

    WSL 2 uses the latest and greatest in virtualization technology to run a Linux kernel inside of a lightweight utility virtual machine (VM). However, WSL 2 is not a traditional VM experience. Learn more about the WSL 2 architecture.

    Comparing features

    Feature WSL 1 WSL 2
    Integration between Windows and Linux ✅ ✅
    Fast boot times ✅ ✅
    Small resource foot print ✅ ✅
    Runs with current versions of VMWare and VirtualBox ✅ ✅
    Managed VM ❌ ✅
    Full Linux Kernel ❌ ✅
    Full system call compatibility ❌ ✅
    Performance across OS file systems ✅ ❌

    WSL 2 is only available in 64-bit Windows 10 version 1903 build 18362.1049 or higher, OR Windows 10 version 2004 build 19041 or higher for ARM64 systems.

    See also:

    This tutorial will show you how to update from Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) to WSL 2 in Windows 10.

    The process of updating from WSL to WSL 2 involves the following steps:
    • Enable WSL
    • Enable Virtual Machine Platform
    • Set WSL 2 as default
    • Install a distro

    You must be signed in as an administrator to update from WSL to WSL 2.




    Here's How:

    1 Open an elevated PowerShell.

    2 Copy and paste the command below into the elevated PowerShell, and press Enter to enable the WSL optional feature. (see screenshot below)

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

    How to Update from WSL to WSL 2 in Windows 10-enable_wsl.png

    3 Copy and paste the command below into the elevated PowerShell, and press Enter to enable the Virtual Machine Platform optional feature. (see screenshot below)

    dism.exe /online /enable-feature /featurename:VirtualMachinePlatform /all /norestart

    How to Update from WSL to WSL 2 in Windows 10-enable_virtual_machine_platform.png

    4 Restart the computer to apply.

    5 Open an elevated PowerShell.

    6 Copy and paste the command below into the elevated PowerShell, and press Enter to set WSL 2 as the default version used when installing new Linux distributions. (see screenshot below)

    wsl --set-default-version 2

    You might see this message after running the command above: WSL 2 requires an update to its kernel component. For information please visit https://aka.ms/wsl2kernel.

    If you do, please follow the link (https://aka.ms/wsl2kernel) and install the MSI from that page on Microsoft's documentation to install a Linux kernel on your machine for WSL 2 to use. Once you have the kernel installed, please run the wsl --set-default-version 2 command again and it should complete successfully without showing the message.

    The update from WSL 1 to WSL 2 may take several minutes to complete depending on the size of your targeted distribution. If you are running an older (legacy) installation of WSL 1 from Windows 10 Anniversary Update or Creators Update, you may encounter an update error. If you do, follow these instructions to uninstall and remove any legacy distributions.

    How to Update from WSL to WSL 2 in Windows 10-set_wsl-2_as_default_version.png

    7 You can now install and setup WSL distro apps from the Microsoft Store that will use WSL 2 by default.

    That's it,
    Shawn


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  2. swarfega
    Posts : 7,254
    Windows 10 Pro 64-bit
       New #1

    Nice one Shawn
      My Computers
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  4. Brink
    Posts : 68,959
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Thread Starter
       New #2

    swarfega said:
    Nice one Shawn
    Thank you Nick.
      My Computers
    Quote Quote

  5. Brink
    Posts : 68,959
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Thread Starter
       New #3

    New Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) 2 Linux kernel to Windows 10
      My Computers
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  6. Brink
    Posts : 68,959
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Thread Starter
       New #4

    Install WSL with single command available in Windows 10 v2004 and higher
      My Computers
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  7. DanWillhelm
    Posts : 1
    Windows 10
       New #5

    Enabling virtual machine feature that is required to upgrade WSL 1 to WSL 2 didn't work until my windows 10 was manually restarted. So if you have problems try restart after "dism.exe /online /enable-feature /featurename:VirtualMachinePlatform /all /norestart"
    command and then apply "wsl --set-default-version 2".
    If you want to convert your already installed Linux version (previously installed on WSL 1) to WSL 2 then run this command "wsl --set-version <Distro> <Version>"
    eg. "wsl --set-version kali-linux 2"

    Following is the official guide:

    https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/win...install-manual
      My Computer
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