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

Discus and support Set Default Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) Distro in Windows 10 in Windows 10 Tutorials to solve the problem; 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... Discussion in 'Windows 10 Tutorials' started by Brink, Jun 1, 2018.

  1. Brink Win User

    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:
    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)

    Set Default Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) Distro in Windows 10 [​IMG]

    Set Default Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) Distro in Windows 10 [​IMG]

    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



    Set Default Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) Distro in Windows 10 [​IMG]

    Set Default Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) Distro in Windows 10 [​IMG]

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


    That's it,
    Shawn


    Related Tutorials

    :)
     
    Brink, Jun 1, 2018
    #1

  2. 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:


    We'll be waiting for your response.
     
    Devlin Sco, Oct 27, 2019
    #2
  3. Brink Win User
    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
     
    Brink, Oct 27, 2019
    #3
  4. Brink Win User

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

    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
     
    Brink, Oct 27, 2019
    #4
  5. Amit_Sun Win User
    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
     
    Amit_Sun, Oct 27, 2019
    #5
  6. 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
     
    Prakhar_Khare, Oct 27, 2019
    #6
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Set Default Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) Distro in Windows 10

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