How to List Installed WSL Distros on Windows 11
Listing installed WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux, a feature that runs Linux software directly on Windows 11) distributions on Windows 11 takes one quick command in your terminal.
Running `wsl -l -v` in Command Prompt or PowerShell shows every Linux system on your PC, along with its current version number and run state.
Use the command wsl -l -v in Command Prompt or PowerShell to list installed WSL distros and their status. This command shows the name, state, and WSL version for each distribution. You can also find them by opening the Linux folder in File Explorer .
Check via File Explorer
You can list WSL distros Windows 11 directly through the built-in File Explorer without using the command line. This method lets you view a dedicated folder for every installed Linux environment right from the left-hand navigation pane, making it easy to check what you have installed at a glance.
Another way to see your installed Linux systems involves using the built-in File Explorer .
- Open File Explorer on your computer.
- Look at the menu on the left side of the window.
- Click on the Linux folder.
Open File Explorer and look at the left-hand navigation pane. Click the Linux entry to view a dedicated folder for every Linux environment installed on your machine.
Check via Terminal
If you prefer using commands, the Terminal app provides more details about your Linux setup. Basic listing commands do not require admin privileges, though some management tasks might need them.
Open the Terminal app, which provides access to both Command Prompt and Windows PowerShell.
Understanding wsl --list vs wsl --list --verbose
Knowing how to list WSL distros Windows 11 using different command flags helps you see more than just names. Running basic commands gives you a simple name list, while adding verbose flags shows extra details like whether each environment is currently running and its assigned version number.
wsl -l -v
Expected Output:
Discover which Linux distributions are available to install from the Microsoft Store by using the `winget search <distro-name>` command. Typing `winget search ubuntu`, for instance, lists all available Ubuntu versions.
wsl --online
Identifying the Default Distro
The distribution marked with an asterisk (*) in the list serves as your default. This version launches automatically when you type `wsl` in your terminal.
Troubleshooting Missing Distros
If a distribution fails to appear, confirm that the WSL feature is enabled. Running `wsl --status` lets you check your status. If you run into issues, make sure your PowerShell execution policy allows scripts to run by opening an admin terminal and running `Set-ExecutionPolicy RemoteSigned`.
Summary
Review your WSL distributions on Windows 11 by checking the Linux folder in File Explorer or running the `wsl -l -v` command in your terminal.
How do I list available distributions that are not yet installed?
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard is a writer at Geek Rewind who turns complex IT tasks into clear, step-by-step guides. He draws on years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, focusing on Windows, Linux and WordPress: the problems people actually run into, and the fixes that work. His server and WordPress guides come from systems he runs himself. Richard builds and maintains the platform behind Geek Rewind, from its Ubuntu servers and Nginx configuration to its custom WordPress plugins. Many new tutorials start with readers' questions, and he's always glad to answer them in the comments.
[…] When the Windows Terminal app opens, run the commands below to list the currently installed distros. […]