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To move an existing WSL distribution on the same Windows PC, export it as a VHDX to the destination drive, unregister the old distribution, then import the VHDX in place. Do not unregister the old copy until the export has finished and you have confirmed the file exists: unregistering permanently deletes that distribution’s data, settings, and installed software.
Move a WSL distribution to another drive
Microsoft’s documented move procedure uses PowerShell and a VHDX file. Replace Ubuntu with the registered name of your distribution and use a destination path that already exists or that you create first. The example stores the VHDX in D:WSLDistrosUbuntu.
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In PowerShell, export the distribution to the destination drive:
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Wait for the export command to complete. Confirm that
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Unregister the old distribution:
wsl --unregister Ubuntu -
Register the VHDX at its new path:
wsl --import-in-place Ubuntu D:WSLDistrosUbuntuext4.vhdx -
Start the distribution and check that your expected files and software are available. Keep the exported VHDX until you have verified the imported distribution.
This is Microsoft’s documented same-machine procedure. Its WSL FAQ says the export and import commands are available in Windows version 1809 and later. The VHD export and import options are documented for WSL 2; --import-in-place requires an ext4-formatted VHDX. If you are unsure which WSL version is installed, check with wsl --version before relying on the VHD workflow. See Microsoft’s WSL command reference for command details.
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Choose between a VHDX move and a tar import
A VHDX import-in-place is the documented option for moving a complete WSL 2 distribution’s virtual disk to a new path. A tar archive is another way to import a distribution at a chosen installation location, but it uses a different command and workflow.
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|---|---|---|---|
| Move a VHDX in place | VHD/VHDX, created with wsl --export ... --format vhd |
wsl --import-in-place <Name> <VHDX path> |
For WSL 2; the VHDX must use ext4. Microsoft uses this method in its move FAQ. |
| Import a tar archive to a location | Tar is the default format for wsl --export |
wsl --import <Name> <InstallLocation> <TarFile> |
Specify the install directory and archive path. The command reference also documents the --vhd option for WSL 2 imports. |
For example, a tar-based export and import can use these commands:
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wsl --export Ubuntu D:WSLDistrosUbuntu.tar
wsl --import Ubuntu D:WSLDistrosUbuntu D:WSLDistrosUbuntu.tarThe export and import syntax and format distinctions are documented in Microsoft’s basic WSL commands reference. A full VHD transfer can require considerable disk space, so make sure the target drive has room for the exported file.
Understand the unregister data-loss risk
wsl --unregister removes the existing distribution registration and its contents. Microsoft warns that “Once unregistered, all data, settings, and software associated with that distribution will be permanently lost.” If the export failed, is missing, or is saved somewhere you cannot access, unregistering can leave you without the original environment. Do not delete the VHDX after import until you have checked the new distribution.
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Use the right command for an existing distribution
The --location option in wsl --install selects where a newly installed distribution goes; it is not Microsoft’s documented relocation command for an already-installed distro. For an existing distro, use the export-and-import procedure that matches your intended format.
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When a full-distro move is not practical
If you are transferring selected files or rebuilding a distro on another machine with limited disk space, Microsoft describes using tar archives of selected directories and exporting an apt package list for reinstalling packages. Those techniques transfer chosen files and package information; they should not be treated as a complete copy of every aspect of the original distribution.
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