WSL 1 was the original release and introduced the ability to run Linux distros natively alongside Windows 10. WSL 2 is the second version that now uses virtualization to run the Linux kernel inside a lightweight virtual machine, offering the same benefits as the first version, plus better system performance and full system call support compatibility. If you recently upgraded from WSL1 to WSL2 and want to confirm the installation was completed successfully or wonder what version of the architecture you have, Windows 10 and 11 include a command to check whether you have WSL2 or WSL1 installed on your device. In this guide, you will learn the steps to confirm the Windows Subsystem version for Linux installed on Windows 11 or 10.
To check the WSL version installed on Windows 10 or 11, use these steps:
Once you complete the steps, if the output is 2, then WSL2 is installed on your machine. Since the command became available with version 2, if you get an error or there is no version number, you have WSL1 installed on Windows.
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