Windows 10: Set Default Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) Distro in Windows 10

How to: Set Default Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) Distro in Windows 10

How to Set Default Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) Distro in Windows 10


The Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) is a new Windows 10 feature that enables you to run native Linux command-line tools directly on Windows, alongside your traditional Windows desktop and modern store apps.

The default WSL distribution is the one that runs when you run wsl on a command line.

Starting with Windows 10 build 18342 (19H1) and Windows 10 build 18836 (20H1), Microsoft added some new commands that will give you more functionality when using wsl.exe. The commands that existed inside of wslconfig.exe have been added to wsl.exe to allow you to configure your distros more easily.

See also:

• What’s new for WSL in Windows 10 version 1903?
• Manage Linux Distributions | Microsoft Docs

This tutorial will show you how to set a default Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) distro for your account in Windows 10.



Here's How:

1. Open a PowerShell.

2. Copy and paste the command below for your version of Windows 10 into the command prompt or PowerShell, and press Enter. (see screenshots below step 3)
(For Windows 10 version 1903 and later)
*Arrow wsl --list --all or wsl -l --all

OR

(For versions earlier than Windows 10 version 1903)
*Arrow wslconfig /list /all or wslconfig /l /all
3. You will now see a list of the names of all WSL distros available for your account, and (Default) next to the current default WSL distro. Make note of the distro name (ex: "Debian") you want to set as default. (see screenshots below)





4. Enter the command below for your version of Windows 10 into the command prompt, and press Enter. (see screenshots below)
(For Windows 10 version 1903 and later)
*Arrow wsl -s <DistributionName> OR wsl --setdefault <DistributionName>

OR

(For versions earlier than Windows 10 version 1903)
*Arrow wslconfig /s <DistributionName> OR wslconfig /setdefault <DistributionName>

*note Substitute <DistributionName> in the command above with the actual WSL distro name (ex: "Debian") from step 3 you want to set as default.

For example: wsl --setdefault Debian






5. When finished, you can close the command prompt or PowerShell if you like.


That's it,
Shawn


Related Tutorials

• How to Enable or Disable Windows Subsystem for Linux (Bash on Ubuntu) in Windows 10
• How to Install Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) Distros in Windows 10
• How to Update and Upgrade Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) Distro Packages in Windows 10
• How to Unregister and Reset Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) Distro in Windows 10
• How to Add User to Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) Distro in Windows 10
• How to Add, Remove, and List Sudo Users in Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) Distro in Windows 10
• How to List Users in Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) Distro in Windows 10
• How to Set Default User for Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) Distro in Windows 10
• How to Switch User in Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) Distro in Windows 10
• How to Change User Password in Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) Distro in Windows 10
• How to Reset User Password in Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) Distro in Windows 10
• How to Export and Import Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) Distro in Windows 10
• How to Add or Remove Open Linux shell here context menu in Windows 10
• How to Add or Remove Linux in Navigation Pane of File Explorer in Windows 10
• How to List All Available Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) Distros in Windows 10
• How to List All Running Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) Distros in Windows 10
• How to Terminate Running Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) Distro in Windows 10
• How to Run a Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) Distro in Windows 10
• How to Access Linux Files in a Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) Distro from Windows 10

:)

 

Windows Subsystem Linux

Hello,

We would like to know more about the issue you're experiencing with using
Windows Subsystem for Linux. Kindly answer the following questions:

• Are you developing a program, an app, or a software for Linux?
• Is your Window 10 PC connected to a domain?
• Are you managing a Windows Server PC?
• What troubleshooting steps have you tried so far?
• Can you tell us the Version and OS build of your Windows 10 device? You can find this information by clicking the
  Start button, type About your PC, and then press
  Enter.

We need the following information in order to determine if we need to refer your concern to the
TechNet forums or the Microsoft Developer Network (MSDN) forums.

For now, we suggest reviewing these support articles to find out if there's an issue with the installation of
Windows Subsystem for Linux:

• Install the Windows Subsystem for Linux
• Troubleshooting Windows Subsystem for Linux

We'll be waiting for your response.

 

Sideloading Custom Linux Distro to Windows 10 Subsystem for Linux

Source: Open Sourcing a WSL Sample for Linux Distribution Maintainers and Sideloading Custom Linux Distributions Windows Command Line Tools For Developers

 

Sideloading Custom Linux Distro to Windows 10 Subsystem for Linux

Source: Open Sourcing a WSL Sample for Linux Distribution Maintainers and Sideloading Custom Linux Distributions Windows Command Line Tools For Developers

 

Error 0x80070003 Windows Subsystem for Linux

Hi,

Thank you for writing to Microsoft Community Forums.

This issue could occur when distros are not stored on your system driver or if your system is in lower build and also if Windows Subsystem for Linux is not enabled, you can follow the instruction from the article
Windows Subsystem for Linux Installation Guide for Windows 10
and check if this helps you.

You can also Manually download Windows Subsystem for Linux distro packages
and install it.

If you need any further assistance, I suggest you to post your query on
TechNet forums where you will find support engineers who are well equipped with the knowledge and help you fix the issue.

Hope it helps,

Amit Sunar

Microsoft Community – Moderator

 

Issues while installing Windows Subsystem for Linux 2

Hi Paul,



Thank you for writing to Microsoft Community Forums.



I understand that you are facing issues while installing Windows Subsystem for Linux 2 on your PC. I certainly appreciate your efforts in trying to resolve the issue by performing certain troubleshooting steps.



I would suggest you to refer the section Set a distro to be backed by WSL 2 using the command line from the article

Installation Instructions for WSL 2 and see if that helps.



However, since the issue is related to Windows Subsystem for Linux, I would suggest you to post your query on

TechNet forums, where we have support professionals who are well equipped with the knowledge to assist you with the query.



Regards,

Prakhar Khare

Microsoft Community – Moderator