31. Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL)
Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) enables the ability to install a pseudo distribution of linux on windows using a fully suppported (Microsoft built) kernel; replaces the need for Cygwin.
WSL2 runs a real linux kernel which increases performance and compatiblity. It is preferred over WSL1. WSL references the WSL2 installation.
See Forwarding X Windows to setup a Windows 10 X server to display WSL applications on the Windows desktop.
31.1. Enable WSL in Windows 10
dism.exe /online /enable-feature /featurename:Microsoft-Windows-Subsystem-Linux /all /norestart
Note
Force update Windows after this step.
Windows versions up to 1909 must install KB4566116. Determine Windows Version
if needed.
Enable-WindowsOptionalFeature -Online -FeatureName VirtualMachinePlatform -NoRestart
dism.exe /online /enable-feature /featurename:VirtualMachinePlatform /all /norestart
Install x64 kernel update for WSL2.
wsl --set-default-version 2
31.2. Installing Linux Distros
Only custom linux distros built for the Windows Linux Kernel are supported.
Manual Install
See Manual Install for list of available pre-built distros.
curl.exe -L -o {DISTRO}.appx https://aka.ms/wsl-{DISTRO}
Add-AppxPackage .\{DISTRO}.appx
Launch the distro to complete installation.
Windows Store Install
This automatically installs a given distro but requires login to the Microsoft Store.
⌘ › Microsoft Store › Search › {DISTRO}
Launch the distro to complete installation.
31.3. Troubleshooting
Installation failed with error 0x80070003
WSL is only intended to run on the system drive (usually c:\). WSL was
installed to a different drive.
WSL Storage Settings
⌘ › Settings › Storage › More Storage Settings
New apps will save to
c:\
Updated: 2021-02-19 Reference
Then reinstall your distro.
WslRegisterDistribution failed with error 0x8007019e
WSL is not enabled. See Enable WSL in Windows 10.