Getting WSL set up on Windows 11 is pretty much essential if you’re into Linux stuff but hate the idea of dual-booting or running a bulky VM. It’s kinda weird how simple it sounds — just enable it, pick your distro, and go. But, of course, Windows has to complicate everything just enough to make you second-guess. Maybe the WSL command doesn’t run properly, or your Windows version isn’t compatible. Whatever the snags, this walkthrough should help you get that Linux environment humming on your Windows 11 machine. You’ll end up with a terminal to run Linux commands, scripts, and even graphical apps — pretty neat for devs, sysadmins, or just curious tech geeks. Or maybe just to see what Linux feels like without risking your main setup. Now, let’s do this.
How to Install WSL on Windows 11
Open Windows PowerShell as Administrator
First off, you need to open PowerShell with admin privileges. Hit Start Menu, type “PowerShell,” right-click on Windows PowerShell, then select Run as Administrator. This is crucial because you’ll make some system-wide changes. If you don’t run it as admin, the commands might just error out or do nothing. On some setups, it might seem to work, but then the installation hangs or fails silently. So, don’t skip this — just do it. Once PowerShell is open, you’re ready to type some commands.
Enable WSL
Type in wsl --install and press Enter. Yeah, it’s kind of wild that this single command does the job of enabling WSL, installing the required components, and even grabbing the default Linux distro, often Ubuntu. Basically, it saves you from clicking through multiple menus. This command works best on Windows 11 versions 21H2 and later, so make sure your system’s up to date. If you get errors saying “command not found” or “WSL not enabled,” you might need to turn on Windows Subsystem for Linux and Virtual Machine Platform manually in the Windows Features menu, or update Windows first.
Restart Your Computer
Once the command finishes, restart your PC. Not sure why it works, but rebooting after system changes like this seems to make everything stick. Sometimes, Windows just needs a fresh start to finalize the integration of WSL. Expect a quick reboot — it’s a pain, but it’s worth it. If you skip this step, the Linux distro might not run smoothly or even at all the first time.
Open the Microsoft Store
Next, go find the Microsoft Store. Search for “Microsoft Store” in the start menu and open it. This part trips some people up — because WSL isn’t just about the command line stuff; you also pick your Linux flavor here. On one setup it worked the first time, on another, I had to restart the store app or sign out/sign back in to get it to show all options. Sometimes, the store version is bugged and refuses to show the distro list until you update it or restart it.
Install a Linux Distribution
In the Store, search for your favorite Linux distro: Ubuntu, Debian, Kali, or whatever. Click “Install” — it downloads in the background. Once installed, you can launch it directly from the Start menu. The first time you run it, a setup window pops up asking you to create a username and password. That’s basically your Linux login. Expect to wait a minute or two for the initial setup, but after that, it’s all terminal commands and no more fuss.
Pro tip: Some distros may occasionally get stuck in the “installing” phase. If that happens, check your Windows updates, restart the store, or run wscl upgrade --full from PowerShell. Weird, I know, but Linux on WSL isn’t always perfectly smooth out of the box.
Tips for Installing WSL on Windows 11
- Check Your Windows Version: Make sure you’re running at least version 21H2; otherwise, update Windows.
- Explore Different Distributions: Not just Ubuntu! Debian, Kali, Fedora — try a few to see what fits your workflow.
- Enable Virtual Machine Platform: If the install fails, go to Settings > Apps > Optional Features > More Windows Features, then check Virtual Machine Platform and Windows Subsystem for Linux. Hit OK, then restart.
- Use WSL 2 for better speeds and so you can run graphical apps: Run
wsl --set-default-version 2in PowerShell — it switches your default distro to WSL 2, giving you way better performance. - Make scripts for common commands: If you’re constantly running the same things, just save a quick script file so you don’t have to remember complex command combos every time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to pay for WSL or Linux distributions?
Nope, everything’s free. WSL and all the Linux distros in the store won’t cost you a cent.
Can I run multiple Linux distros on one system?
Absolutely. Just install more from the Store, and switch between them in the Start menu or via wsl -d .
Is graphical app support really a thing?
Yep, with WSL 2 and the new WSLg, you can run Linux GUI apps pretty seamlessly. No need for a third-party X server anymore, which is kinda awesome.
Good for devs?
Definitely — perfect for web development, scripting, running dev tools, or just exploring Linux without leaving Windows. The performance boost with WSL 2 makes it feel almost native.
How do I uninstall WSL if I change my mind?
Just disable the feature in Windows Features or run wsl --uninstall and remove distros from the app list. Then reboot, and it’s like it was never there.
Summary
- Open PowerShell as Admin
- Type
wsl --install - Restart your machine
- Open the Microsoft Store
- Pick and install your favorite Linux distro
Wrap-up
Getting WSL on Windows 11 isn’t exactly rocket science, but it’s definitely a few steps more complicated than it should be. Still, once it’s set up, it unlocks a whole world of Linux apps and tools right on your desktop. It’s kind of nice not having to reboot into another OS or mess with virtual machines — just a tweak or two, and you’re in. Sure, it can get finicky with updates or certain hardware configs, but overall, it’s a handy setup that saves time and hassle. Fingers crossed this helps someone get their Linux sandbox up and running with fewer headaches.