Easy Guide To Switch Default WSL

Oct 23, 2025 by Jhon Lennon 33 views

Hey guys, ever found yourself needing to change the default Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) distribution that launches when you type wsl in your command prompt? It's a common scenario, especially if you've installed multiple Linux distributions on your Windows machine and want a specific one to be the go-to. Maybe you've been tinkering with Ubuntu and now want to make Debian your primary, or perhaps you're just exploring and want to switch things up. Whatever your reason, it's a pretty straightforward process, and I'm here to walk you through it step-by-step. We'll cover why you might want to do this, the simple commands you need, and a few handy tips to make sure you get it right. So, let's dive in and make your WSL experience even smoother!

Why Switch Your Default WSL Distribution?

Alright, so you might be wondering, "Why bother switching my default WSL distribution?" That's a fair question, my friends. The main reason is convenience and efficiency. When you have multiple Linux distros installed, like Kali Linux for security testing, Ubuntu for general development, and maybe even a custom-built distro for a specific project, typing just wsl will launch the one that's currently set as the default. If you find yourself spending most of your time in, say, your Fedora environment, constantly having to type wsl -d <YourFedoraDistroName> can get a bit tedious. Setting your most-used distro as the default means you can just type wsl and jump straight into your preferred environment, saving you those precious few seconds and keystrokes.

Another reason could be for testing or development workflows. If you're working on a project that requires a specific Linux environment, setting that environment as the default can streamline your development process. You'll spend less time managing your WSL instances and more time actually coding or experimenting. Think of it like setting your favorite web browser as the default – it's just the one you use most often, so you want it to open automatically.

Furthermore, understanding how to manage your default WSL distribution is a key part of becoming proficient with WSL. It's not just about installing Linux on Windows; it's about making it work for you. Being able to easily switch the default allows for greater flexibility and control over your dual-environment setup. So, whether it's for daily use, specific projects, or just to better understand your system, switching the default WSL distribution is a useful skill to have in your developer toolkit. It’s all about optimizing your workflow and making your computing life a little bit easier, guys!

How to Check Your Current Default WSL Distribution

Before we start making any changes, it's super important to know what's currently set as your default WSL distribution. You don't want to go messing around without knowing your starting point, right? Luckily, checking this is incredibly simple. All you need to do is open up your command prompt (CMD) or PowerShell, and type in a very specific command.

Here’s the magic command you need:

wsl -l -v

When you hit enter, this command will give you a list of all the Linux distributions you have installed on your system through WSL. But it does more than just list them; it also provides crucial information about each one. You'll see the NAME of the distribution, its STATE (whether it's running or stopped), and importantly, a little asterisk (*) next to the one that is currently set as your DEFAULT.

Take a look at an example output. You might see something like this:

Windows Subsystem for Linux Distributions:
Name: Ubuntu-20.04
State: Running
Version: 2

Name: Debian
State: Stopped
Version: 2

Name: Kali-Linux
State: Stopped
Version: 2
*

In this example, you can clearly see that Ubuntu-20.04 is the default because it has the asterisk next to it. If you see your desired distro marked as default, awesome! If not, then you're in the right place, because the next step is figuring out how to change it. This command is your best friend for managing your WSL instances, so get comfortable with it, guys. It’s the first step in understanding your current setup before you make any modifications.

The Command to Change Your Default WSL Distribution

Alright, now for the main event – how do you actually change the default WSL distribution? It’s surprisingly easy, and it all comes down to another simple command. Remember that list you got from wsl -l -v? You’ll need the exact name of the distribution you want to set as your new default from that list.

Let's say you want to make Debian your new default. The command you’ll use is:

wsl --set-default <DistributionName>

So, in our example, to set Debian as the default, you would type:

wsl --set-default Debian

If you wanted to switch to Kali-Linux, you'd type:

wsl --set-default Kali-Linux

Important note, guys: Make sure you type the distribution name exactly as it appears in the output of wsl -l -v. Case sensitivity might matter, and spaces in names (though less common for distro names) need to be handled correctly, often by enclosing the name in quotes if necessary, like wsl --set-default "My Custom Distro". However, most standard distro names don't have spaces.

Once you run this command, you should see a confirmation message, something like:

Default Distribution: Debian

That's it! You've successfully changed your default WSL distribution. Now, when you type wsl in your terminal, it will automatically launch Debian. Pretty neat, huh? This command is your primary tool for managing which Linux environment opens by default, giving you direct control over your WSL setup. Keep this command handy, and you'll be a WSL ninja in no time!

Verifying the Change

So, you've executed the command to change your default WSL distribution. That's awesome! But how do you know for sure that it actually worked? Did the system register your preference? Well, fear not, because verifying the change is just as easy as making it. Remember that handy command we used earlier to list your distributions? That's right, we're going to use wsl -l -v again!

Open up your command prompt or PowerShell and type:

wsl -l -v

Now, when you look at the output, you should see that the asterisk (*) has moved. It will now be next to the distribution you just set as the default. For example, if you set Debian as your default, the output would look something like this:

Windows Subsystem for Linux Distributions:
Name: Ubuntu-20.04
State: Stopped
Version: 2

Name: Debian
State: Stopped
Version: 2
*

Name: Kali-Linux
State: Stopped
Version: 2

See? The * is now next to Debian. This is your visual confirmation that the change has been applied successfully. You can also test it out directly. Close your current terminal window, open a new one, and simply type wsl. If your new default distribution launches automatically, then you've nailed it!

This verification step is crucial, guys. It ensures that your settings are applied correctly and that your workflow is set up as you intended. It’s a small step, but it gives you peace of mind and confirms that you've mastered this aspect of WSL management. Always double-check after making system changes, and wsl -l -v is your go-to command for all things WSL instance status.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

While changing the default WSL distribution is usually a smooth ride, sometimes things might not go as planned. Don't panic, though! Most issues are pretty common and have straightforward solutions. Let's cover a couple of potential bumps you might hit.