On Windows 11 or Windows 10 version 2004 (build 19041) or later, the quickest setup is to run wsl --install in PowerShell opened as an administrator, restart if prompted, then launch Ubuntu and create a Linux username and password. The command installs WSL 2 and Ubuntu by default. Microsoft’s WSL installation guide covers the standard route and alternatives.
Check that your Windows version supports the quick install
The standard wsl --install procedure applies to Windows 11 and Windows 10 version 2004 (build 19041) or later. Check your version and build in Settings or by running winver. If your PC is on an earlier Windows build, follow Microsoft’s manual installation guide for older versions; the required steps vary by Windows version and processor architecture.
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WSL 2 also depends on virtualization capability. If virtualization or a required Windows feature is unavailable or disabled, installation may fail even when the Windows version is eligible.
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Install WSL 2 and Ubuntu with one command
- Open Start, search for PowerShell, right-click it, and choose Run as administrator.
- Enter
wsl --installand press Enter. This enables the required Windows components, installs the current Linux kernel, sets WSL 2 as the default, and installs Ubuntu. - Restart Windows if prompted.
- Open Ubuntu from the Start menu, or launch it from a terminal. On first launch, it unpacks its files and prompts you to create a Linux username and password. This account is for Linux and is separate from your Windows sign-in. The initial unpacking can take a minute or two.
When you type the Linux password, the terminal may not display characters as you enter them. Type the password and press Enter.
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Install a Linux distribution other than Ubuntu
Ubuntu is the default, but you can check the current list of distributions and install a different one by its listed name. Microsoft’s installation guide and WSL command reference document these commands:
- In PowerShell, run
wsl --list --onlineto display distributions available for installation. - Install your choice with
wsl --install -d <DistributionName>, replacing<DistributionName>with the exact name shown in the list. - Restart if requested, then launch the distribution and create its Linux user account when prompted.
Names and availability can change, so use the live list rather than relying on an old distribution name from a tutorial. The WSL command reference also documents options such as --location for choosing an installation folder, --no-launch to skip starting the distribution immediately, --web-download to download from an online source instead of the Microsoft Store, and --no-distribution to install WSL without a Linux distribution.
Use a manual route for older Windows builds or Store restrictions
If the quick install is unavailable, use the route that matches your Windows version and situation rather than repeating the same command. Microsoft’s manual installation guide explains how to enable the Windows Subsystem for Linux and Virtual Machine Platform features, restart, install or update the WSL 2 kernel component, set WSL 2 as the default, and install a distribution. Check that guide for the requirements that apply to your Windows build and processor architecture.
If Microsoft Store access is restricted, Microsoft also documents downloading a Linux distribution package and installing it with PowerShell’s Add-AppxPackage. Follow the current manual guide for the package and instructions; package links and availability can change. Launch the distribution after installation to finish creating its Linux account.
Troubleshoot common WSL installation problems
Start with your Windows build, the exact error text or code, and whether you have restarted after enabling features or updating WSL. Microsoft’s WSL troubleshooting guide maps errors to further checks; no single fix applies to every PC.
wslis not recognized: Check whether the Windows Subsystem for Linux optional component is enabled. On some ARM64 PowerShell variants, Microsoft advises usingwsl.exeor Command Prompt.- Error 0x8007019e: Microsoft associates this with the WSL optional component not being enabled. Check the component and follow the relevant enablement instructions.
- Error 0x80070003 or 0x80370102: Check the WSL installation location and prerequisites, including virtualization and the Virtual Machine Platform feature. Microsoft identifies system-drive placement as relevant to one installation case; consult its troubleshooting entry for your specific error.
- Kernel component update error: Confirm WSL is enabled, restart if required, and then update WSL with
wsl --update. - Distribution download stays at 0.0%: Try installing it from an online source with
wsl --install --web-download -d <DistributionName>, using the exact name fromwsl --list --online.
After an update or configuration change, wsl --shutdown stops running WSL instances so they can start again with the updated configuration. For distribution-specific or less common errors, use Microsoft’s troubleshooting guidance rather than assuming a generic reset will solve the problem.
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