Move Ubuntu WSL to Another Drive in Windows 11
Moving Ubuntu WSL to another drive in Windows 11 lets you clear up space on your main C: drive without losing your files. Ubuntu WSL stands for Windows Subsystem for Linux, a built-in feature that runs Linux programs directly on your PC.
Your Linux setup can take up gigabytes of storage over time as you install apps and files. Windows version 10 and 11 include simple built-in commands to export your Linux system and move it to a faster or larger drive.
You can move Ubuntu WSL to another drive using Windows Settings or the command line. First, shut down WSL with `wsl –shutdown`. Then, use the “Move” option in the Apps settings or the `wsl –move` command.
Transfer WSL distros to another drive
Transferring WSL distros to another drive involves a few specific actions. WSL lets users move or transfer a Linux distro to a drive other than the one it initially occupied.
The process follows these steps.
Shut down WSL using the command below before starting. Running the Windows Terminal app as an administrator is required for this step.
wsl --shutdown
Opening the Settings app and navigating to Apps Installed apps happens once WSL shuts down.
Selecting the "Install apps" tile inside the Apps window expands the view.
Scrolling down the installed apps list reveals Ubuntu or whichever Linux distro requires relocation.
Click the three-dot menu next to the distro and choose Move from the drop-down list.
Choosing the desired new drive and clicking 'Move' completes the graphical process.
The distro relocates to the selected drive after a brief moment.
Change the WSL drive using the Move command
Command-line relocation offers another path for moving a distro using Windows Terminal running with administrative privileges.
Launch the Windows Terminal app as an administrator first.
Displaying all distros currently on the machine requires running the command below.
wsl --list --all
Shutting down WSL occurs by executing the command below.
wsl --shutdown
Moving the distro to a new drive happens by running the command below.
wsl --manage Ubuntu --move D:WSLUbuntu
The distro relocates to the specified new drive after a brief moment.
Use the Import command to change the WSL distro drive
Exporting and importing the distro to a new location serves as an alternative approach for changing drives.
A separate guide details how to export and import WSL distros.
Importing the distro to a new drive utilizes the command below after completing that guide.
wsl --import Ubuntu D:WSLUbuntu C:Ubuntu-export.tar
The D: drive acts as the destination, while the C: drive points to the location of the exported tar file.
The distro imports to the specified location after a brief moment.
This concludes the process successfully.
Conclusion:
Moving Ubuntu WSL to another drive on Windows 11 manages storage efficiently and can boost performance on the main drive. Keep these main points in mind:
- Multiple Methods: You can move your WSL distribution using the graphical interface in Settings or via the command line with the
--movecommand. - Shut Down WSL: Always shut down your WSL instance before making any moves to avoid data corruption.
- Use Windows Terminal: For advanced users, executing commands in the Windows Terminal is efficient and provides more control over the process.
- Export and Import: For a more manual approach, utilize the export and import commands to relocate your distribution as needed.
- Efficiency: Moving your WSL installation can optimize performance, especially if transitioning to faster storage solutions.
Implementing these steps helps maintain WSL installations and organizes the development environment effectively.
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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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