How to Update WSL Kernel on Windows 11

This guide explains how to update the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) kernel on Windows 11.

Why update the WSL kernel?

Keeping your kernel updated ensures your Linux environment runs smoothly. It provides the latest security fixes, performance improvements, and compatibility for new software tools.

What happens when you are done?

Once finished, your WSL environment will be running the most current version of the Linux kernel provided by Microsoft, ensuring better stability and access to the latest features.

Windows Subsystem for Linux allows you to run Linux tools directly on Windows without needing a separate virtual machine. While Windows Update handles these updates automatically, you can also trigger them manually.

How to manually update the WSL kernel

If you want to ensure you have the latest version right now, follow these steps:

1. Open the Windows Terminal app as an administrator. (Note: This step requires admin privileges.)
2. To check your current version, type the following command and press Enter:
   

   wsl --version

   
   
3. To download and install the latest updates, run this command:
   

   wsl --update

   
   
4. If you experience problems after an update, you can go back to your previous version by running:
   

   wsl --update --rollback

   
   

You can use these commands in either the Command Prompt or the Windows PowerShell.

Please note that there is often a short delay between when Microsoft posts a new kernel to GitHub and when it becomes available via the command line. You can track these releases on the official page on GitHub page.

Summary

WSL lets you run Linux on Windows 11 seamlessly. While Windows handles updates automatically via updates for other Microsoft products and updates for other Microsoft products, you can use the wsl --update command in an administrator terminal to force an update immediately. If an update causes issues, the wsl --update --rollback command allows you to revert to the previous version safely.