Turning on WSL in Windows 11 is usually a piece of piss, but sometimes it can be a bit stubborn or cause a headache. Maybe you’ve already tried the classic “turn on features” trick, rebooted a million times, and still nothing’s happening. Or perhaps the Linux distro won’t install or throws up errors. Happens more often than you’d think — Windows can be a bit picky, especially if virtualization isn’t enabled or if there’s a mismatch somewhere. The good news? Once it’s up and running, it’s a game changer for developers, sysadmins, or anyone keen to run Linux tools on their machine without dual-booting or messing around with virtual machines. Here’s a quick rundown with some real-world tips to get your WSL environment humming. Because, honestly, the process can be a bit patchy sometimes, and working out where it’s bungled is part of the fun.
How to Enable WSL in Windows 11
Enable the Windows Subsystem for Linux feature
First up, head to Start menu, type or search for “Turn Windows features on or off,” and open that panel. It’s the control panel for optional Windows features, and you need to get into it because you’ll have to switch WSL on here. On the newer builds, it’s a good idea to also enable “Virtual Machine Platform” while you’re at it — that’s needed for WSL 2. Make sure both are ticked before hitting OK.
- If things aren’t working, double-check that Hyper-V is enabled in your BIOS. It’s a common pain point many overlook, because Windows doesn’t always flag it up — look for options like “Intel VT-x” or “AMD-V” and ensure they’re turned on.
Reboot your machine so Windows can sort itself out
Once you’ve ticked those boxes, Windows will ask you to restart. Do it — nothing will happen with WSL until you do. This step is crucial, as it’s when Windows loads all the new kernel modules and features. Sometimes, a restart might take ages or get stuck, so if that happens, a forced shutdown and quick reboot can do the trick. After the reboot, WSL should be enabled, but next up, you’ll want to install your chosen Linux distro.
Grab a Linux distro from the Microsoft Store
Fire up the Microsoft Store (still the easiest way, no fuss), search for Ubuntu, Debian, Kali, or whatever floats your boat, and hit Install. Sometimes the store can be slow or give errors — a bit frustrating but just hang in there. If the store app refuses to open, try typing ms-windows-store://home into your browser or Run box to give it a nudge.
- Pro tip: For a quicker setup, you can also install WSL directly via PowerShell with:
wsl --install. This command automatically handles the installation, but your PC needs to be running Windows 10 (1904+) or Windows 11.
Get your Linux environment going
Once the distro downloads, find it in your Start menu and click to open. The first run can take a few moments as it sets up everything — sometimes it’s slow, and occasionally it might hang. If that happens, close the window, wait a bit, and give it another go. During setup, you’ll create a Linux username and password — some setups might get a bit sticky here, but just try again. Once it’s all good, you’ll be able to run Linux commands, scripts, and even graphical apps if you’ve set up an X server (like VcXsrv or Xming). Once you get past the initial hurdles, it’s a serious productivity booster.
Tips for WSL on Windows 11
- Make sure your Windows is fully up to date! WSL 2 relies on newer features, so jump into Settings > Windows Update and grab the latest updates.
- Enable Virtualization in BIOS — restart your PC, jump into the BIOS, find options like “Intel VT-x” or “SVM Mode,” and turn them on. Slightly annoying, but it’s necessary.
- If your distro is playing up or won’t update, run
wsl --updatefrom PowerShell or CMD as an admin. It updates the kernel and can fix performance hiccups. - Install Windows Terminal for a better command line experience. It supports tabs, themes, and makes switching between PowerShell, CMD, and WSL a breeze.
- If you’re running WSL 2, keep an eye on system resources — it can chew through CPU and RAM if you’re doing heavy stuff. Just a heads-up.
Common Questions
What’s the deal with WSL 2?
Basically, WSL 2 is a big step up from the first version. It runs an actual Linux kernel inside a lightweight VM, meaning way better compatibility and speed. But it also needs Hyper-V and virtualization turned on — so check those BIOS settings if it’s running slow or acting dodgy.
Do I need a Microsoft Account to install Linux distros?
Yep, you’ll need one for the Store, but not for WSL itself. Once it’s installed, you can run Linux without signing into anything specific.
Can I run graphical Linux apps on WSL?
Sure can, but you’ll need an X server like VcXsrv or Xming. It’s not as seamless as native Linux, but it works with a bit of patience. Some folks report issues with screen scaling or sound, so be ready for a few tweaks.
What are the requirements for WSL?
Windows 10 v1903+ or Windows 11, with virtualization enabled in BIOS. Not all older PCs will handle WSL 2 easily, so check your hardware.
Switching between distros
Run wsl -l -v in PowerShell or CMD to see what’s installed and which one’s default. You can change the default with wsl --set-default . Sometimes you’ll need to reboot or restart Windows Terminal for changes to stick.
Summary
- Turn on Windows Features — including WSL and Virtual Machine Platform.
- Reboot to let everything settle.
- Get a Linux distro from the Store or simply run
wsl --install. - Launch, set up, and start cracking on with Linux commands.
That’s a wrap
Once it’s all sorted, you’ve got a pretty powerful tool at your fingertips — a Linux shell right inside Windows. It’s not always smooth sailing on the first go, but once it’s up, you can do pretty much anything — testing, coding, or just tinkering with Linux without the fuss. Hopefully, this helps someone cut through the initial headaches and get stuck into the good stuff. Cheers and good luck!