Virtualization List Installed Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) Distros in Windows 11


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This tutorial will show you how to find and list all installed Linux distros for your account in Windows 10 and Windows 11.

The Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) lets developers install a Linux distribution (such as Ubuntu, OpenSUSE, Kali, Debian, Arch Linux, etc) and use Linux applications, utilities, and Bash command-line tools directly on Windows, unmodified, without the overhead of a traditional virtual machine or dualboot setup.

You can easily view all installed Linux distros with a list of distro names and versions.

Reference:
learn.microsoft.com

Basic commands for WSL

Reference for the basic commands included with Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL).
learn.microsoft.com





Contents

  • Option One: Find All Installed Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) Distros in File Explorer
  • Option Two: List All Installed Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) Distros using Command




Option One

Find All Installed Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) Distros in File Explorer


1 Open File Explorer (Win+R).

2 Click/tap on Linux in the navigation pane of File Explorer. (see screenshot below)

3 You will now see all your installed Linux distros.

Linux_distros_File_Explorer.png





Option Two

List All Installed Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) Distros using Command


1 Open Windows Terminal, and select either Windows PowerShell or Command Prompt.

2 Copy and paste the command below you want into Windows Terminal, and press Enter. (see screenshots below)

(List name of all installed Linux distros)​
wsl --list --all or wsl -l​

OR​

(List name, state (running or stopped), and version (WSL 1 or WSL 2) of all installed Linux distros)​
wsl --list --verbose or wsl -l -v​


3 You will now see a list of all your installed Linux distros.

Linux_distros_all_commnad.png


Linux_distros_verbose.png



That's it,
Shawn Brink


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Click to expand...
Got 3 running myself, 2 for Docker desktop and 1 for my more typical Ubuntu wsl.

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My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Beelink SEI8
    CPU
    Intel Core i5-8279u
    Motherboard
    AZW SEI
    Memory
    32GB DDR4 2666Mhz
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel Iris Plus 655
    Sound Card
    Intel SST
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Asus ProArt PA278QV
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    512GB NVMe
    PSU
    NA
    Case
    NA
    Cooling
    NA
    Keyboard
    NA
    Mouse
    NA
    Internet Speed
    500/50
    Browser
    Edge
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    Mini PC used for testing Windows 11.
  • Operating System
    Windows 10 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom
    CPU
    Ryzen 9 5900x
    Motherboard
    Asus Rog Strix X570-E Gaming
    Memory
    64GB DDR4-3600
    Graphics card(s)
    EVGA GeForce 3080 FT3 Ultra
    Sound Card
    Onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ. ASUS ProArt Display PA278QV 27” WQHD
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    2TB WD SN850 PCI-E Gen 4 NVMe
    2TB Sandisk Ultra 2.5" SATA SSD
    PSU
    Seasonic Focus 850
    Case
    Fractal Meshify S2 in White
    Cooling
    Dark Rock Pro CPU cooler, 3 x 140mm case fans
    Mouse
    Logitech G9 Laser Mouse
    Keyboard
    Corsiar K65 RGB Lux
    Internet Speed
    500/50
    Browser
    Chrome
    Antivirus
    Defender.
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