WSL 2 Guide: How to Run Linux on Windows 11

Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) lets Windows users run a real Linux environment without setting up a traditional dual-boot system or managing a full desktop virtual machine. For developers, IT learners and power users, WSL 2 is one of the easiest ways to combine Windows applications with Linux command-line tools on the same PC.

Microsoft currently supports the streamlined WSL installation method on Windows 11 and on Windows 10 version 2004 or later. For a normal Windows 11 PC, the installation can usually be started with one elevated command.

What Is WSL 2?

WSL 2 is the current architecture for Windows Subsystem for Linux. It uses virtualization technology and a real Linux kernel while integrating the Linux environment closely with Windows. You can run a Linux shell, package managers, scripting tools, development runtimes and many server-side utilities without rebooting into another operating system.

WSL is not the same as installing a complete Linux desktop beside Windows. It is designed primarily for Linux command-line and development workflows, although graphical Linux applications can also be supported on compatible Windows systems.

Before You Install WSL

• Install current Windows updates.
• Make sure virtualization support is enabled if Windows reports a virtualization error.
• Use an administrator account for the initial installation.
• Back up important work before making major operating-system changes.
• Decide whether you simply need Linux tools or whether a full virtual machine or dual boot fits the job better.

Install WSL With One Command

Open Windows Terminal, PowerShell or Command Prompt as Administrator and run wsl --install. Microsoft states that this command enables the Windows features needed for WSL and installs Ubuntu as the default distribution. Restart the PC when prompted.

After restart, launch the Linux distribution. The first launch completes setup and asks you to create a Linux username and password. This Linux account is separate from your Windows sign-in.

Official reference: Microsoft Learn: Install WSL.

See Which Linux Distributions Are Available

If WSL is already installed or you want a distribution other than Ubuntu, run wsl --list --online. Then install a specific distribution with wsl --install -d DistroName, replacing DistroName with the exact name shown by the list.

If wsl –install Shows Help Instead of Installing

Microsoft notes that when WSL is already present, wsl --install may display help text rather than installing the default distribution. In that case, use wsl --list --online and then install the distribution explicitly with the -d option.

If Installation Hangs at 0.0%

Microsoft currently recommends trying wsl --install --web-download -d DistroName when the installation process remains at 0.0%. This uses an alternate WSL download path.

Check WSL Status and Version

Useful commands include wsl --status, wsl --version and wsl --list --verbose. The verbose distribution list shows installed distributions, whether each is running or stopped, and which WSL version it uses.

Update WSL

Keep the WSL components current with wsl --update. Microsoft recommends the Store-delivered WSL architecture because WSL can receive updates without waiting for a full Windows operating-system release.

Launch Linux From Windows Terminal

Windows Terminal integrates well with WSL and can create profiles for installed Linux distributions. You can keep PowerShell, Command Prompt and Linux shells in separate tabs within one application.

For Terminal profiles, panes, shortcuts and customization, see Windows Terminal Guide.

Access Windows Files From Linux

WSL mounts Windows drives inside the Linux environment. The C drive is typically available under /mnt/c. For development projects that rely heavily on Linux tools, keeping Linux-side project files inside the Linux filesystem can avoid some cross-filesystem performance and permission issues.

Open Linux Files From Windows

Windows can expose WSL files through File Explorer. Open the Linux section in File Explorer or use the WSL network location. Be careful when modifying Linux system files from Windows applications; ordinary project and document files are safer targets than operating-system files.

Install Linux Packages

Package management works like it does on the distribution you installed. On Ubuntu or Debian-based distributions, use sudo apt update and then the appropriate package commands. Do not copy random repository commands from old tutorials without checking that the source is still current.

Run Windows and Linux Tools Together

WSL can call many Windows executables from Linux, and Windows shells can invoke Linux commands through wsl. That makes mixed workflows practical, but scripts that touch many files should always be tested on noncritical data first.

WSL vs a Full Virtual Machine

Need	WSL 2	Traditional VM
Linux command line and development tools	Excellent	Excellent
Fast Windows/Linux workflow switching	Excellent	Good
Complete isolated desktop OS	Limited	Excellent
Full-machine snapshots	Not the main workflow	Excellent
Low setup overhead	Excellent	Moderate
Testing a separate networked computer	Limited	Better

Use a traditional virtual machine when you need a complete isolated operating system, snapshots or a testing environment that behaves more like a separate PC.

WSL vs Dual Boot

Dual boot gives Linux direct control of the hardware while Linux is running, but requires restarting every time you switch operating systems. WSL is more convenient for work that needs both Windows and Linux throughout the day.

If you want to try Linux independently before deciding, see How to Create a Bootable Linux USB Drive With Rufus or balenaEtcher.

WSL vs Windows Sandbox

Windows Sandbox is designed for temporary isolated Windows sessions and discards its state when closed. WSL is a persistent Linux environment intended for ongoing use. See How to Use Windows Sandbox to Test Apps Safely when the goal is testing an untrusted Windows application.

Virtualization Error During WSL Setup

If WSL reports that virtualization components are unavailable, check Windows optional features and the PC’s UEFI or BIOS virtualization setting. Intel may label the option Intel Virtualization Technology or VT-x; AMD systems commonly use AMD-V or SVM terminology. Do not change unrelated firmware settings while troubleshooting.

Distribution Will Not Start

Run wsl --status, install Windows updates and run wsl --update. Restart Windows after updates that change virtualization components. If only one distribution fails, the issue may be inside that distribution rather than the WSL platform itself.

Stop WSL Completely

To stop all running distributions and the WSL virtual environment, use wsl --shutdown. This is useful after changing WSL configuration or when you want to release WSL resources without rebooting Windows.

Do Not Unregister a Distribution Casually

Unregistering or resetting a WSL distribution can delete that distribution’s Linux filesystem. Before removing a distribution, export or back up any Linux-only files you need. Treat unregister and reset actions as destructive.

Who Should Use WSL?

• Web and software developers who use Linux-based tools.
• IT professionals learning Linux administration.
• Students practicing shell commands and scripting.
• Windows users who need SSH, Git and Linux utilities.
• People testing Linux package-based workflows without maintaining another PC.

Who Probably Does Not Need It?

If you only use everyday Windows applications and have no Linux-specific workflow, WSL adds complexity without much benefit. Install it because a real task requires Linux tools, not because every Windows PC needs it.

WSL 2 Setup Checklist

1. Update Windows.
2. Open Terminal or PowerShell as Administrator.
3. Run wsl --install.
4. Restart the PC.
5. Create the Linux username and password.
6. Run wsl --status and wsl --list --verbose.
7. Run wsl --update.
8. Update packages inside the Linux distribution.
9. Use Windows Terminal for a cleaner multi-shell workflow.
10. Back up important Linux-side project files.

Bottom Line

WSL 2 is the best starting point for most Windows 11 users who need Linux command-line tools without leaving Windows. The modern wsl --install workflow makes setup simple, and Windows Terminal gives you a practical way to keep Windows and Linux shells together. Use a full VM when you need complete machine isolation and use dual boot only when you specifically need Linux running directly on the hardware.