If you are installing Windows 11 specifically to use WSL 2,
: Run the following command:
Open and run:
| Step | What happens | User effort | |------|--------------|--------------| | Run wsl --install | Automatic feature enable | Very low | | Restart | One reboot | Low | | Launch WSL | Create Linux user/pass | Low | | Done | Ready to use | ✅ |
Installing WSL2 on Windows 11 is because many networking and installation issues have been resolved. Microsoft has streamlined it significantly. wsl2 install windows 11
| Issue | Solution | |-------|----------| | "WSL 2 requires an update" | Run wsl --update | | Virtualization not enabled | Enable in BIOS/UEFI | | Network/Proxy issues | Check corporate VPN or proxy settings | | Distro fails to start | Run wsl --shutdown then restart |
wsl --set-default-version 2
Replace Ubuntu with the name of the distribution you wish to install. You can find a list of available distributions by running:
Before you begin, ensure your hardware and software meet these minimum specifications: If you are installing Windows 11 specifically to
wsl --list --verbose
: For example, to install Ubuntu, run: