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ammarjaved's avatar
ammarjaved
Iron Contributor
Aug 31, 2021

How to install the Linux Windows Subsystem in Windows 11

  Install using Command Prompt Step 1: Start CMD with administrative privileges. Step 2:Execute "wsl --install" command. Step 3:Run "wsl -l -o" to list other Linux releases. Step 4:You can...
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DanielePP's avatar
DanielePP
Copper Contributor
Jan 18, 2022

Hi,

I tried to write the wsl --install comand in my cmd prompt, ( in windows 11 ) but it doesn't work , after i write wsl --install it shows a list of comands but it doesn't start the Ubuntu installation. I have already installed Docker in my PC. Could you help me please ? Thank you best wishes

  • Efetobor's avatar
    Efetobor
    Copper Contributor
    Jan 25, 2022

    hi, DanielePP that is because you didn't specify the type of Linux you wanted, also the tutorials usally assume you know the full command so they tend to skip it to do you use this command say maybe for ubuntu ''wsl -- install -d ubuntu'', if it was red hat it would be "wsl --install -d redhat"   

    • Barry_Bazza's avatar
      Barry_Bazza
      Brass Contributor
      Jan 28, 2022

      Efetobor 

       

      According to Microsoft the single command ''wsl --install" should automatically download and install Ubuntu.

      • ItsWindows_Duh's avatar
        ItsWindows_Duh
        Copper Contributor
        Dec 22, 2022

        Barry_Bazza That's not true and you know better- if you bothered to read that is. Microsoft ("windows") does not state anywhere that simply typing 'wsl --install' will install any specific distro on your system. you have to specify what distro and sometimes what version. Ubuntu for example: "wsl --install -d Ubuntu-20.04" will install Ubuntu 20.04 LTS subsystem and you can adjust for what rendition you want. Don't be unnecessarily ignorant just to argue points you are unable to substantiate 

    • DanielePP's avatar
      DanielePP
      Copper Contributor
      Jan 28, 2022
      Hi, now It works
      Thank you very much.
      Best wishes
      D
      • DJ_Cozatt's avatar
        DJ_Cozatt
        Copper Contributor
        Feb 28, 2022

        DanielePP 

         

        'wsl --install -d Debian' fails.

         

        The message was that wsl2 needs a kernel update.

  • HarshadYP's avatar
    HarshadYP
    Copper Contributor
    Mar 19, 2022

    HI When I have tried first then I had same problem but when I run command prompt as administrator rights then it works ok.DanielePP 

    • DanielePP's avatar
      DanielePP
      Copper Contributor
      Mar 19, 2022
      Hi, thank you !
  • alihammad's avatar
    alihammad
    Copper Contributor
    Nov 13, 2022

    DanielePP 
    Run wsl -l -o to show the list.

    Run wsl --install -d Ubuntu to install Ubuntu.

  • sophicist's avatar
    sophicist
    Copper Contributor
    Jul 12, 2023

    DanielePP  i had a similar issue that was solved by opening the terminal as an admin

  • vikassardhara's avatar
    vikassardhara
    Copper Contributor
    Dec 30, 2023
    Run CMD as administrator
  • techchunk's avatar
    techchunk
    Copper Contributor
    Aug 07, 2024

    Run the CMD as AdministratorDanielePP 

  • josephanpriestly17's avatar
    josephanpriestly17
    Copper Contributor
    Aug 10, 2024

    when the command is written on my system, it shows a list of instructions but installation does not start

     

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