WSL 2 (Windows Subsystem for Linux 2) was is a big step forward from WSL 1. It uses a real Linux kernel which has improved performance and improved compatibility over WSL1. It was introduced back in Windows 10 20H1 build 18917 and in this video I show you how to install WSL 2 in Windows 10 (20H1) and install a Linux disto in the OS.

The first step is from an admin Powershell run the following command:

Enable-WindowsOptionalFeature -Online -FeatureName Microsoft-Windows-Subsystem-Linux

It will ask if you want to reboot your PC, you can say no at this point and then running the next command:

Enable-WindowsOptionalFeature -Online -FeatureName VirtualMachinePlatform

Reboot and then head to the Microsoft Store and install your chosen Linux distro.

Once it has installed fire up the distro and go through the user creation setup. Once that is done you can setup WSL.

Go to a Powersell and run:

WSL –set-version <distroname> 2

e.g. WSL –set-version DEBIAN 2

That’s it, you are ready to go. I would get the new Windows Terminal.

Here is my video walk through of how to install WSL2 for Windows 10:

Leave a Reply