Checking WSL Installation

1. List Installed Distributions:

   wsl --list --all
   
   

2. List Running Distributions:

   wsl --list --running
   
   

3. Check Available Online Distributions:

   wsl --list --online
   
   

4. Check WSL Version:

   wsl --list --verbose
   
   

5. Check if WSL Feature is Enabled:

   dism.exe /Online /Get-Feature /All | find "Microsoft-Windows-Subsystem-Linux"
   
   

Installing a New Distribution

1. Install a Distribution: (Replace <distro-name> with the name of the distribution, e.g., Ubuntu.)

   wsl --install -d <distro-name>
   
   

Uninstalling a Distribution

1. Unregister (Uninstall) a Distribution:

   wsl --unregister <distro-name>
   
   

2. Check for Remaining Files:

   • Path: C:\\\\Users\\\\<your-username>\\\\AppData\\\\Local\\\\Packages\\\\<distro-folder>\\\\LocalState\\\\
   • Ensure no .vhdx files remain.

Uninstalling WSL Completely

1. Remove Installed Distributions:
   • Go to Settings → Apps → Apps & Features and uninstall each distribution.
2. Disable WSL Feature:
   • Open Windows Features (optionalfeatures.exe).
   • Uncheck Windows Subsystem for Linux and Virtual Machine Platform (if applicable).
3. Remove WSL Kernel Update:
   • Go to Settings → Apps → Apps & Features and uninstall Windows Subsystem for Linux Update.

Starting WSL

1. Open a Distribution:

   wsl -d <distro-name>
   
   

2. Open from Start Menu:

   • Search for the distribution (e.g., Debian, Ubuntu) in the Start Menu.

Logging Out of WSL