How to check the Windows Subsystem For Linux (WSL Version) version in Windows

The Windows Subsystem for Linux is running on Windows 11 and Windows 10. You can use bash to test some commands or run some of the other utilities best Linux apps. . Dual booting is much more convenient than having both operating systems.

Some items only work with certain WSL versions, so you don’t know which version you have. This article will show you how to find the WSL version for Windows 11 as well as Windows 10. It also includes a couple of other tricks.

What is the difference between WSL Versions and other versions?

WSL is available in only two form.

WSL 2 can only be used on Windows 11 and Windows 10 Version 1903 Build 19362 v.2, or later. You’re fine if you have Windows 10 installed and are keeping your computer up-to-date. We have an article that will help you determine if you are unsure Which version of Windows do you use? You already have. Windows 10 older versions are not compatible with WSL 1.

Windows WSL Version: How do you check it?

WSL is installed using PowerShell, or via the command line with the wsl.exe –install You will be able to use the default WSL version by simply typing “command” You now have the default version of WSL Ubuntu 20.04 LTS Linux distro with its WSL 2 versio.

If you don’t know if the default WSL installation was done correctly, or if you’ve installed multiple Linux distributions that differ from one another and need to determine which version you are using. It’s also possible to find out the version of each distribution in this case.

1. Open the Command Prompt or Powershell Start the command wsl –list –verbose or wsl -l -v.

2. As you can see, the output also shows the distro name NAME, STATE, VERSION. . Pay attention to the asterisk. You can choose the WSL distro marked with an asterisk.

WSL will default to the default distro, even if WSL isn’t asked. You can see the default distro command line interface (CLI) by running it.

What can I do to change the WSL Versio?

Let’s convert openSUSE-42 to WSL 2 from WSL 1. This same procedure can be used to modify any distro, from WSL 1 to WSL 2.

1. Open the Command Prompt or PowerShell Run the following comman: wsl –set-version [name] [wsl version number] where name Is the distro name wsl version number This is the one you desire. It is in this instance wsl –set-version openSUSE-42 2.

The message will be displayed Conversion in progress, this may take a few minutes… A fresh installation of the distro can be completed in as short as 20 seconds. Once you get the message, it is done, Conversion complete.

2. Make sure to run this command in order to set up the WSL version properly wsl –list –verbose or wsl -l -v Again, command.

What is the best way to check WSL defaults and last update?

You should first check the current defaults before you attempt to change the default WSL or Linux distro. It will also display the date and time WSL was last updated.

1. Open the Command Prompt or PowerShell Run the following comman: wsl –status.

The defaults from the previous WSL update, along with the current kernel version, will be displayed.

What is the best way to update WSL?

It’s been quite some time since the WSL last updated. To ensure you are using the most recent version, you’d like it updated.

1. Open the Command Promptor PowerShellAs administrator. This can be done by searching for Command Prompt and PowerShell within the Start Select the menu and then click on it with the right mouse button Run as administrator.

2. The command should be executed wsl –update. . It will automatically download the latest version if it is available.

3. After the update is complete, you will be able to see the latest kernel version. Run the command wsl –shutdown You can make this change effective.

What is the best way to get automatic updates for WS?

Have you ever checked your WSL status to see that the message “”…automatic upgrades cannot occur because of your system settings”? This is how you can fix it.

1. Open Windows Settings Click here to go there Windows Update then Advanced options.

2. Switch on Receive updates for other Microsoft products. . You’ll always be able to access the most recent version.

What can I do to change the default WSL version?

You might prefer to have WSL 1 on future Linux distro installation. You can change this quickly. This is also a way to change WSL 2 default.

1. Open the Command Prompt or PowerShell Run the following comman: wsl –set-default-version [wsl version number] where the wsl number represents which version you are looking for. This is an example wsl –set-default-version 1. the operation completed successfully When it is done.

2. Run the wsl –status To confirm that the default WSL version was changed, use this comman.

What can I do to change the default Linux distro?

Open the Windows Start menu, select WSL and you might choose to install a different Linux distribution than Ubuntu. You can easily change your mind.

1. Open the Command Prompt or PowerShell Start the command wsl –set-default [name], (where name is your distro name, as indicated by the list command. We will change this to kalilinux in the following example.

2. Only takes seconds for the change to take effect and the command prompts to display again. The following commands can be used: wsl –list –verbose or wsl -l -v To confirm that the default distro was changed, type “command.

When you are ready to run, WSLfrom the Start It opens the menu Kali Linux.

Get more information about WSL commands

You can view the WSL help documentation by using the command wsl –help.

You can also check our article on how to install WSL Bash Windows 11. . We’re sure to have even more WSL-related articles waiting for you when you return.