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How to Update WSL2 Kernel on Windows 11
Install the latest Windows update to get the latest WSL2 version
4 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Key notes
On Windows 11, the WSL2 or theWindows Subsystem for Linuxwill get updated when you install the latest update. Hence, it is a part of the Windows update.
However, if the automatic update fails, you must do that manually. In this guide, we will show you how you can update WSL2 Kernel on Windows 11. Let us check out the guide.
Why do I need to update WSL2 Kernel on Windows 11?
Why must you update the WSL2 Kernel on Windows 11 if the Windows update will update it manually?
The main reason behind this is that the Linux distro you are using might need something in the latest WSL update, and the Windows update might not have arrived.
The lag can be a big hurdle for you to run the Linux distro smoothly on your PC. So, you need to manually update the WSL2 Kerner on Windows 11.
Notably, you can force update the WSL2 Kernel from the command line itself. Note that this method isn’t similar to upgrading from WSL to WSL2.
How can I update WSL2 Kernel on Windows 11?
Do note that there is a lag between the update becoming available through Windows update for Windows Subsystem for Linux and Microsoft releasing a new kernel to GitHub.
So, the version available via the Windows Update may not match the version you installed manually.
How do I enable automatic WSL2 updates?
When you toggle on the above option, you will start receiving updates for the WSL2 Kernel automatically, and your PC will install the latest updates without your input.
This way you don’t have to worry about manually installing the WSL2 Kernel update on your Windows 11 PC. However, you should make sure that the Windows updates are installed regularly.
How can I roll back the WSL2 Kernel to the previous version?
Often, you might need to roll back to the previous version of the update in case there is something problematic with the current version. Following the above steps, you can easily roll back to the previous WSL2 update on your Windows 11 PC.
How do I install a specific WSL2 distro?
How can I enable Windows Subsystem for Linux?
Following the above steps, you will be able to enable the Windows Subsystem for Linux on your Windows 11 PC.
That is it from us in this guide. If you are getting theWSL Something Went Wrong: Please Restarterror, then you should apply the fixes mentioned in our guide to resolve the problem.
We also have a guide explaining how touninstall WSL in Windows 11. Following the steps, you will remove all remains of WSL from your PC.
For users who are coming across theWSL2 stopped workingerror on their Windows 11 PCs, we would suggest you apply the solutions to resolve the problem.
Now that you installed WSL2, you can evenaccess EXT4 on Windows 11easily.
Feel free to let us know in the comments below if the above steps helped you update the WSL2 on your Windows 11 computer.
Sagar Naresh
Sagar is a web developer and technology journalist. Currently associated with WindowsReport and SamMobile. When not writing, he is either at the gym sweating it out or playing country music on his guitar.
He is an avid traveler and has been to 15 countries, going to more places soon. TRAVEL and WORK is his mantra for a peaceful life.
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