Step-by-Step Method to Determine Your WSL Version on Windows 10

Checking Your WSL Version in Windows 10

So, you’ve decided to dive into running Linux on Windows 10 with WSL, huh? That’s cool! But now comes the fun part: figuring out which version you’ve got. Spoiler alert: it’s easier than it sounds. Just fire up the Command Prompt and you’ll see whether you’re dealing with WSL 1 or WSL 2. This can really help when you’re thinking about upgrades or trying to fix an issue.

How to Find Your WSL Version

Even if you’re not a tech wizard, this little trick will give you a clear picture of where you’re at. Whether you’re just tinkering or deep into development, it’s good to know what you’re working with.

Open Up the Command Prompt

First things first, you’ll need to get to the Command Prompt. Type cmd in the search bar next to the Start button. When you see it, just click to open. Or if you’re feeling fancy, hit Windows + R, type in cmd, and hit Enter. Easy peasy. This is your gateway to talking directly with Windows, which is always fun!

Run the WSL Command

Now, in that lovely command window, type wsl --list --verbose and smash Enter. This is where the magic happens. You’ll get a list of your installed Linux distributions along with their WSL versions. If you want to keep things snappy, you could use wsl -l -v instead. If you see WSL 1 and are thinking, “Wait, I want that upgrade,” you can easily switch to WSL 2 later.

Decipher the Results

What pops up will look like a neat little table: you’ve got the names of your distros and their respective versions. Focus on that “Version” column to see if you’re rolling with WSL 1 or the snappier WSL 2. If it’s WSL 1 and you wish to upgrade for performance, then go for it! It’s usually worth it if you want a better experience.

Tips for a Smoother WSL Experience

Keeping Windows updated is crucial here. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and check for any updates. If you don’t even have WSL yet, head over to Control Panel > Programs > Turn Windows features on or off to enable it. Don’t forget, after enabling, a restart is often necessary. For those wanting WSL 2, make sure the “Virtual Machine Platform” feature is checked in that same menu.

If you’re ready to upgrade a specific distribution to WSL 2, just run wsl --set-version 2. For instance:

wsl --set-version Ubuntu-20.04 2

Just remember, you need that Virtual Machine feature on, plus your Windows version should be 2004 or higher. To check your version, type winver.

Common Questions About WSL Verification

How do I know if WSL is even installed?

If you run wsl --list --verbose and it either throws an error or shows no distributions, that’s your hint. Time to install or enable it. For that, just pop open PowerShell as Admin and run: wsl --install. Older versions of Windows 10 might need you to enable it manually via the Control Panel.

Can I switch from WSL 1 to WSL 2?

Absolutely! Just use that wsl --set-version command. Just make sure your system has the specs to handle WSL 2. It’s a pretty sweet upgrade if you’re into better performance.

Why would someone stick with WSL 1?

Some folks might hang onto WSL 1 if they’re low on system resources or simply don’t need the extra speed. It’s lighter, so it can get the job done for basic tasks without hogging resources.

Do I need admin rights to check my WSL version?

Nope! You can check your WSL version without needing any admin rights. It’s super straightforward.

Quick Steps for a Fast Check

Open the Command Prompt or PowerShell.
Type wsl --list --verbose or wsl -l -v.
Look at the output to see your WSL version for each Linux distribution.

Checking your WSL version is a solid way to get a grip on your setup. It can pave the way to deciding if you want to upgrade for better speed and features or stick with what’s working. WSL 2, with its performance perks, is especially handy for developers wanting a smooth experience. Keeping your setup updated with Microsoft’s releases can help ensure everything runs without a hitch.

And hey, if this little tip saves you from some head-scratching hours, then it was worth it. Just remember: not everyone’s machine behaves the same, so if one thing doesn’t work, it could be something specific to your setup.