Enable Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL 2) using Command Prompt & PowerShell

Enable WSL 2 using CMD & PowerShell : If you running Windows 11, to run a different environment like a Linux Distro , usually one will have to depend on third-party applications like hassle-free on the Windows OS itself. This latest article will guide you through the steps on How to Enable WSL 2 (Windows Subsystem for Linux) on Windows 11 using the Command Prompt and Windows PowerShell (CLI Method). We also have covered an article that explains

Run Command Prompt as Administrator

• You can now paste the following command in the CMD and then click Enter. dism.exe /online /enable-feature /featurename:Microsoft-Windows-Subsystem-Linux /all /norestart
  

The System is enabling WSL 2

• When you get the message “ The Operation Completed Successfully “, then WSL 2 is now enabled.

Command to Enable Virtual Machine Platform using Command Prompt

• The system will now enable this feature on Windows 11. Kindly wait for the “ The operation completed successfully ” message.

Install your desired Linux Distribution as a WSL App

Decoding WSL 2 CMD Command

Run PowerShell as Administrator

• In the PowerShell, enter the following command. Enable-WindowsOptionalFeature -Online -FeatureName Microsoft-Windows-Subsystem-Linux -All -NoRestart
  

WSL 2 Enabled via PowerShell

• Next, enter the command to enable Virtual Machine Platform. Enable-WindowsOptionalFeature -Online -FeatureName VirtualMachinePlatform -All -NoRestart
  

Virtual Machine Platform Enabled via Windows PowerShell

• Kindly Restart your System. You can now install your favorite Linux Distro using WSL App.

Information on the Go!

If you want to use WSL 2 which offers a full Linux kernel and better performance , you can use the following command in the PowerShell. wsl --set-default-version 2

Let’s Decode WSL2 Enable PowerShell Command

. Happy Computing! Peace out!