WSL - Install a Linux Distribution

January 10, 2026

Summary

This guide explains how to install a Linux distribution on Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL). It covers the installation command using PowerShell, the password setup process, and how to verify the installation by listing all installed distributions.

  1. Install a Distribution
# for example, install "Ubuntu"
wsl --install -d ubuntu

# set a new password during the step
  1. Verify the installation
# Eixt from the Distribution
exit

# Show the list of Distributions
wsl --list --verbose

See also:

WSL - Install a Linux Distribution

WSL - Start up a Distibution