Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) lets you run multiple Linux distributions side by side on Windows 11. If you have installed several distros over time, it is easy to lose track of what is on your system. This guide shows you every way to list your installed WSL distros, check their status, and manage them from the command line.
Prerequisites
Before you start, make sure you have:
- Windows 11 with WSL enabled
- At least one Linux distro installed via WSL
- Access to Command Prompt, PowerShell, or Windows Terminal
Method 1: Use wsl –list to See All Installed Distros
The fastest way to list every installed WSL distro is the wsl --list command.
Steps:
- Press Win + S, type PowerShell or Command Prompt, and open it.
- Run the following command:
wsl --listOr use the short form:
wsl -lTo include distros that are currently in the middle of installing or uninstalling, add the --all flag:
wsl --list --allSample output:
Windows Subsystem for Linux Distributions:
Ubuntu (Default)
Debian
kali-linuxThe distro marked (Default) launches when you run wsl without any extra arguments.
Method 2: Use wsl –list –verbose for Full Details
The verbose flag gives you more information, including the WSL version and the current running state of each distro.
Steps:
- Open PowerShell or Command Prompt.
- Run this command:
wsl --list --verboseShort form:
wsl -l -vSample output:
NAME STATE VERSION
* Ubuntu Running 2
Debian Stopped 2
kali-linux Stopped 1Column breakdown:
| Column | What it means |
|---|---|
* | Marks the default distro |
| NAME | The distro name |
| STATE | Running or Stopped |
| VERSION | WSL 1 or WSL 2 |
Method 3: List Only Running Distros
If you only want to see which distros are currently active, add the --running flag.
Steps:
- Open PowerShell or Command Prompt.
- Run:
wsl --list --runningThis filters out any distros in a Stopped state and shows only active sessions.
Method 4: Check Available Distros to Install
To see what Linux distros Microsoft offers through WSL, run:
wsl --list --onlineThis fetches the current list from Microsoft’s servers and displays distro names you can install with wsl --install -d <DistroName>.
Bonus: Useful WSL Management Commands
Once you know which distros you have, these commands help you manage them:
| Task | Command |
|---|---|
| Launch a specific distro | wsl -d <DistroName> |
| Set a new default distro | wsl --set-default <DistroName> |
| Convert a distro from WSL 1 to WSL 2 | wsl --set-version <DistroName> 2 |
| Shut down all running distros | wsl --shutdown |
| Unregister (remove) a distro | wsl --unregister <DistroName> |
Warning: The
--unregistercommand permanently deletes the distro and all its data. Back up anything important before you run it.
You can view all Linux distros installed on WSL in Windows 11 with a single command: wsl --list. Use wsl --list --all to catch any distros mid-install, and wsl --list --verbose when you need the WSL version and running state at a glance. All these commands work in PowerShell, Command Prompt, and Windows Terminal without any additional tools or admin rights. They also work on Windows 10 with WSL enabled.
