How to Set Linux Distribution version to WSL 1 or WSL 2 in Windows 10


The Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) (aka: "WSL 1") lets developers run a GNU/Linux environment -- including most command-line tools, utilities, and applications -- directly on Windows, unmodified, without the overhead of a traditional virtual machine or dualboot setup.

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.

When you have Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) enabled, you can install Linux distribution apps from the Microsoft Store.

Users can make WSL 1 or WSL 2 the default architecture to be used as the default Linux distribution version whenever any new Linux distributions are installed.

Users can also set the Linux distribution version to WSL 1 or WSL 2 for existing installed Linux distributions at any time.

See also: Set your distribution version to WSL 1 or WSL 2 | Microsoft Docs

This tutorial will show you how to set the Linux distribution version to WSL 1 or WSL 2 for your account in Windows 10.


Contents

  • Option One: Set Default Linux Distribution version to WSL 1 or WSL 2 for New Linux Distributions
  • Option Two: Set Linux Distribution version to WSL 1 or WSL 2 for Specific Installed Linux Distributions






OPTION ONE

Set Default Linux Distribution version to WSL 1 or WSL 2 for New Linux Distributions


1 Open an PowerShell.

2 Copy and paste the command below you want to use into PowerShell, and press Enter. (see screenshot below)

(Set WSL 1 as default version)
wsl --set-default-version 1

OR

(Set WSL 2 as default version)
wsl --set-default-version 2
How to Set Linux Distribution version to WSL 1 or WSL 2 in Windows 10-set_wsl_default_version.png How to Set Linux Distribution version to WSL 1 or WSL 2 in Windows 10-set_wsl2_default_version.png

3 You can now close PowerShell if you like.






OPTION TWO

Set Linux Distribution version to WSL 1 or WSL 2 for Specific Installed Linux Distributions


1 Open an PowerShell.

2 Copy and paste the command below into PowerShell, press Enter, and make note of the Linux distribution name (ex: "Ubuntu") you want to change the version (ex: "1" or "2") for. (see screenshot below)

wsl --list --verbose

How to Set Linux Distribution version to WSL 1 or WSL 2 in Windows 10-set_linux_distribution_version_to_wsl1_or_wsl2-1.png

3 Type the command below into PowerShell, and press Enter. (see screenshots below)

wsl --set-version <distribution name> <versionNumber>

Substitute <distribution name> in the command above with the actual Linux distribution name (ex: "Ubuntu") from step 2.

Substitute <versionNumber> in the command above with the number 1 (WSL 1) or 2 (WSL 2) for the default architecture you want.

For example: wsl --set-version Ubuntu 2

How to Set Linux Distribution version to WSL 1 or WSL 2 in Windows 10-set_linux_distribution_version_to_wsl1_or_wsl2-2.png How to Set Linux Distribution version to WSL 1 or WSL 2 in Windows 10-set_linux_distribution_version_to_wsl1_or_wsl2-3.png

4 You can now close PowerShell if you like.


That's it,
Shawn


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