How to Back Up and Restore Linux on WSL
You back up and restore Linux on WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux) using the `wsl –export` and `wsl –import` commands.
These commands create a portable tar archive of your entire Linux environment, effectively bundling all installed applications and your personal files. This process is crucial for safeguarding your data and simplifying the migration or recovery of your WSL installations.
For example, exporting your Ubuntu 22.04 LTS distribution to a tar file on your C: drive protects you from accidental data loss or system corruption.
Back up your Linux on WSL distribution by running `wsl –export ` in an administrator PowerShell. Restore it using `wsl –import `. These commands create and restore a portable tar archive of your Linux environment.
Why back up your Linux environment?
Backing up your Linux environment on WSL is smart because it lets you quickly get your work back if something goes wrong.
What happens when you are done?
After you import a backup of your Linux WSL setup, it will work like normal, but it won’t show up in the Windows Start menu or apps list anymore.
How to back up and restore Linux on WSL
Note: You must run these commands in Windows PowerShell or Command Prompt with admin privileges.
1. Open the Start menu, search for PowerShell, and select Run as administrator. Learn how to run as administrator here.
2. List your installed distributions:
wsl.exe --listExporting your WSL distribution
Exporting your WSL distribution is how you create a backup file of your Linux system using a simple command.
wsl --export Ubuntu-20.04 C:\backup\my-linux-backup.tarPro Tip: You can compress the resulting .tar file using tools like 7-Zip to save significant disk space.
Importing your WSL distribution
To restore or move your instance, use the import command. This creates a new vhdx file (a virtual hard disk file) in the directory you pick.
wsl --import Ubuntu-20.04 C:\Users\genericuser\Ubuntu C:\backup\my-linux-backup.tarAdvanced Troubleshooting and Automation
If you need to move your instance to a different drive, export it, unregister the old one with wsl --unregister, and then import it to the new path. For automation, you can save the export command in a .ps1 script and use Windows Task Scheduler to run it daily.
Summary
In short, backing up and restoring your Linux WSL setup is key for keeping your data safe and making it easy to move or fix your system.
Can I back up a running WSL instance?
It is highly recommended to shut down your WSL instance before backing it up to ensure data consistency. Use the command ‘wsl –shutdown’ in PowerShell before running your export command to prevent file corruption or incomplete snapshots of your Linux environment.
Does wsl –export include my Windows-side files?
No, the export command only captures the Linux filesystem contained within the WSL virtual disk. It does not include files stored on your Windows drives that you access via the /mnt/c path. You must back up those Windows files separately using standard backup software.
Was this guide helpful?
About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
No comments yet — be the first to share your thoughts!