Let's break down some of the key commands to use in PowerShell that you'll need to know. You're able to set either as default as well as setting a version specifically to each Linux distro you have on your PC. To get started with WSL2, check out this post: How to install WSL2 on Windows 10 where we have explained the installation process of WSL2. If it is suitable for you, then you can continue to use it, or else you can come back to VirtualBox and VMware.

This means you can run Linux installs with a combination of different versions. If you have not yet installed WSL2 on Windows 10 or 11, then you must try it once. The good thing about WSL2 is that it doesn't replace WSL1. If you want to reboot immediately, simply omit this from the end of the command. Open PowerShell as administrator and enter this command: dism.exe /online /enable-feature /featurename:Microsoft-Windows-Subsystem-Linux /all /norestartĮventually, you will need to reboot your PC, adding norestart means you won't be immediately kicked out of whatever you're doing. The first is by adding -enable-wsl1 to the install command used above.īut you can also enable the component at any time, even after you already have WSL2 up and running. Fortunately, you can do this in two ways.

WSL2 is now the standard, but if for any reason you also want to use WSL1 alongside it, you'll need the optional Windows Subsystem for Linux component enabling. How to enable Windows Subsystem for Linux optional component for WSL 1 You will also require the optional Windows Subsystem for Linux component if you wish to also use WSL 1 alongside WSL 2. Alternatively, you can download it directly from its Microsoft Store listing (opens in new tab). WSL is now distributed through the Microsoft Store and the simplified installation process will pull this version in.

Wsl 2 virtualbox