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How to Uninstall Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) in Windows 11

Written by

Richard

Apr 23, 2026 Updated Apr 27, 2026 3 min read

Windows 11 Settings System Advanced WSL toggle

You uninstall Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) from Windows 11 by using PowerShell commands to unregister and remove its Linux distributions (the individual Linux operating systems you’ve installed) and features.

WSL lets you run Linux environments right on your Windows PC. You might want to remove it if you don’t need it anymore or want to free up some disk space. This process will completely remove all Linux distributions installed via WSL and their associated files.

For instance, to fully remove WSL and any distributions like Ubuntu 22.04 LTS, you’ll execute specific commands. Remember, this action is irreversible and deletes all your Linux data.

⚡ Quick Answer

To uninstall Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL), first uninstall your Linux distributions from Settings or File Explorer. Then, turn off the “Windows Subsystem for Linux” feature via Optional Features or by toggling it off in Settings.

Option 1Uninstall via Settings

You can uninstall Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) in Windows 11 easily through the Settings app if you’re using a recent version.

Open Settings by pressing the ⊞ Win+I keys.
Click System on the left, then click Advanced on the right. Open Advanced settings

Advanced settings menu in Windows 11 system settings

Click on Virtual Workspaces.

Virtual Workspaces tile located within Windows 11 advanced settings

Turn off Windows Subsystem for Linux.

Toggle switch to disable Windows Subsystem for Linux

Click Yes if the User Account Control (UAC) window appears. (Admin privileges required).
Close Settings once the process is finished.

Option 2Manual Uninstall

If the Settings app doesn’t offer the option to uninstall WSL Windows 11, you can manually remove your Linux distributions and the WSL feature using these steps.

Open the Start menu.
Click the All apps button.
Uninstall your Linux distributions:
- Open File Explorer (press ⊞ Win+E) and click Linux in the side panel to see your installed versions.
- Right-click your Linux distribution (e.g., “GenericLinux”) and select Uninstall. Confirm your choice.

Confirmation prompt for uninstalling Windows Subsystem for Linux

Uninstall the Windows Subsystem for Linux app:
- Right-click the Windows Subsystem for Linux app in your app list.
- Select Uninstall and confirm.

System settings menu for removing Windows Subsystem for Linux

Press ⊞ Win+R, type OptionalFeatures.exe, and press Enter.
Uncheck Windows Subsystem for Linux and click OK. (Admin privileges required).

Uninstalling Windows Subsystem for Linux feature via Windows settings

Click Restart now to finish the removal.

Summary

Getting rid of WSL is a pretty simple process. You’ll delete your Linux apps and then turn off the feature in Windows settings. By following these steps, you can fully clean up the WSL environment from your system and reclaim your disk space.

Frequently Asked Questions

To completely uninstall the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) on Windows, you can use the Settings app to remove the feature or PowerShell to unregister specific Linux distributions.

How to completely uninstall the subsystem for Linux WSL on Windows?
Open Settings, go to System, and select Optional features. Find Windows Subsystem for Linux and select Uninstall. You can also use the wsl --unregister command in PowerShell to remove specific distributions.
How do I disable Windows Subsystem for Linux WSL?
Open the Start menu, search for “Turn Windows features on or off,” and uncheck the box for “Windows Subsystem for Linux.” Click OK and restart your computer.
How do I completely remove WSL2?
Uninstall all Linux distributions first. Then, go to “Turn Windows features on or off,” uncheck “Windows Subsystem for Linux” and “Virtual Machine Platform,” click OK, and restart your system.
How do I uninstall Apps on WSL?
Open your Linux terminal and use the package manager for your OS, such as sudo apt remove. To remove the entire distribution, use the wsl --unregister command in Windows PowerShell.

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Tags: #Windows 11

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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.

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