Efficiently Distinguishing between WSL2 and WSL1- A Comprehensive Guide

How to Check WSL2 or WSL1

Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) is a compatibility layer developed by Microsoft that allows you to run Linux binary executables natively on Windows 10 and Windows 11. WSL has two main versions: WSL1 and WSL2. Both versions have their own set of features and benefits, but it’s important to know which version you are using to ensure compatibility with certain Linux applications and tools. In this article, we will guide you on how to check whether you are running WSL2 or WSL1 on your Windows system.

Method 1: Using PowerShell

One of the simplest ways to check if you are running WSL2 or WSL1 is by using PowerShell. Follow these steps:

1. Open PowerShell as Administrator. You can do this by searching for “PowerShell” in the Start menu, right-clicking on the result, and selecting “Run as administrator.”
2. In the PowerShell window, type the following command and press Enter:
“`
wsl –list –verbose
“`
3. The output will display a list of installed WSL distributions, along with their version information. Look for the “Version” column to determine whether you are running WSL2 or WSL1.

Method 2: Using Command Prompt

Another way to check your WSL version is by using Command Prompt. Here’s how to do it:

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator. You can do this by searching for “cmd” in the Start menu, right-clicking on the result, and selecting “Run as administrator.”
2. In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:
“`
wsl –list –verbose
“`
3. Similar to the PowerShell method, the output will show a list of installed WSL distributions, along with their version information. Check the “Version” column to identify whether you are running WSL2 or WSL1.

Method 3: Using Windows Terminal

Windows Terminal is a modern, feature-rich terminal application that supports multiple tabs and supports both PowerShell and Command Prompt. To check your WSL version using Windows Terminal:

1. Open Windows Terminal as Administrator. You can do this by searching for “Windows Terminal” in the Start menu, right-clicking on the result, and selecting “Run as administrator.”
2. In the Windows Terminal window, type the following command and press Enter:
“`
wsl –list –verbose
“`
3. The output will display a list of installed WSL distributions, along with their version information. Look for the “Version” column to determine whether you are running WSL2 or WSL1.

Conclusion

Checking whether you are running WSL2 or WSL1 is an essential step in understanding the capabilities and limitations of your Linux environment on Windows. By using the methods outlined in this article, you can easily determine your WSL version and make informed decisions about the Linux applications and tools you choose to use.