Windows · Developer Tools
Windows Subsystem for Linux 2
Windows Subsystem for Linux 2
Version 3.0.3 · by Microsoft
Official site: docs.microsoft.com
About Windows Subsystem for Linux 2
*"Windows Subsystem for Linux lets developers run a GNU/Linux environment -- including most command-line tools, utilities, and applications -- directly on Windows, unmodified, without the overhead of a traditional virtual machine or dualboot setup"* -
## Package parameters
- `/Version:1` - the version of WSL to install. Defaults to `2`
- `/Retry:true` - whether to retry install on logon after computer is restarted for WSL 2. Ignored when `Version` is `1` and it defaults to `false`
Example: `choco install wsl2 --params "/Version:2 /Retry:true"`
## Note
- There are checks that are performed to ensure the system supports WSL 1 or 2. If any of these checks fail, the install will fail.
- WSL 1 requires a restart before it can be used if this is a fresh install of Windows.
- WSL 2 requires a restart before it can be installed if WSL 1 wasn't installed previously. Otherwise, it will be enabled if it detects WSL 1.
- **Important**:
- `/Retry:true` should only be set when installing WSL 2 on systems that didn't have WSL 1. Setting this param to `true` will schedule a self deleting task if script didn't detect WSL. That task if created will run `choco install wsl2 -y -f` in a powershell window after the computer is restarted.
- `/Retry:false` you will have to run `choco install wsl2 -f` again manually after a restart if script didn't detect WSL.
How to install Windows Subsystem for Linux 2
- Click Download — the developer's official website opens in a new tab.
- Download the latest version there and run it. Choose Custom/Advanced where offered, and skip any bundled extras.
- Prefer the command line? With Chocolatey you can install and update it with: choco install windows-subsystem-for-linux-2
- Open Windows Subsystem for Linux 2 once it finishes installing.
Frequently asked questions
Is Windows Subsystem for Linux 2 free to download?
Yes. The Download button sends you to docs.microsoft.com, the developer's official site, where Windows Subsystem for Linux 2 is available to download. Grabware doesn't host or modify any files.
What is the latest version of Windows Subsystem for Linux 2?
The version listed here is 3.0.3, published /Date(1791. The developer's site always has the newest release.
How do I install Windows Subsystem for Linux 2 from the command line?
With Chocolatey, run: choco install windows-subsystem-for-linux-2. This installs it from the official source and keeps it updated.
Is Windows Subsystem for Linux 2 safe?
Windows Subsystem for Linux 2 downloads directly from the developer. As always, scan the installer with your antivirus and choose Custom setup to skip any bundled extras.
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