How to update WSL kernel on Windows 11

Q: How can I check which WSL version I'm running?

Run the wsl --version command in PowerShell or Command Prompt to view the current version installed on your system.

Q: Can I revert to a previous WSL version?

Yes. Use the command wsl --update --rollback to roll back to the previous kernel if the latest version causes issues.

Q: How do I enable automatic WSL updates?

Go to Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options and turn on the "Receive updates for other Microsoft products" option. This ensures WSL updates install automatically.

To update WSL on Windows 11, open PowerShell or Command Prompt (admin), run the wsl --update command, and restart the computer.

UPDATED 12/12/2025: On Windows 11, you can update the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) kernel and other components with a single command, and in this guide, you will learn how.

Although WSL updates are delivered automatically via Windows Update, you may still need to check and download the latest updates for the subsystem kernel and other components. That’s where the “wsl.exe” command-line tool comes in handy.

Now, if you are trying to switch from WSL 1 to version 2, then it’s not an update. It’s an upgrade, and this process is a little different.

This guide will teach you the easy steps to update the WSL platform on Windows 11. In addition, I’ll outline the steps to enable automatic update downloads and installation.

Install WSL updates on Windows 11
FAQs about updating WSL on Windows 11

Install WSL updates on Windows 11

To update WSL on Windows 11, follow these steps:

Open Start on Windows 11.
Search for Command Prompt, right-click the top result, and select the Run as administrator option.
(Optional) Type the following command to confirm the current Windows Subsystem for Linux version and press Enter:
```
wsl --version
```
Type the following command to update the WSL on Windows 11 and press Enter:
```
wsl --update
```
(Optional) Type the following command to confirm the latest kernel update has been installed and press Enter:
```
wsl --version
```
(Optional) Type the following command to revert to the previous version of WSL and press Enter:
```
wsl --update --rollback
```

After you complete the steps, if an update is available, it will download and install on your computer.

When using this mechanism to update the Windows Subsystem for Linux, note that there is a delay between Microsoft releasing a new kernel to GitHub and the update becoming available through Windows Update. As a result, the version on your computer may not always match the most up-to-date version available for the platform.

Enable WSL automatic updates

To allow WSL to download and install updates automatically on Windows 11, follow these steps:

Open Settings.
Click on Windows Update.
Click the Advanced options tab.
Turn on the “Receive updates for other Microsoft products” toggle switch.

Once you complete the steps, updates should download and install automatically for the Windows Subsystem for Linux.

FAQs about updating WSL on Windows 11

Here’s a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) and answers about updating the Windows Subsystem for Linux manually.

How do I update WSL on Windows 11?

You can update WSL by opening PowerShell or Command Prompt as an administrator and running the wsl --update command. Restart the computer to apply the changes.

Do I need to check for WSL updates manually?

Although WSL updates are usually delivered through Windows Update, you can manually trigger the process with wsl --update whenever you want to ensure you’re running the latest kernel and components.

How can I check which WSL version I’m running?

Run the wsl --version command in PowerShell or Command Prompt to view the current version installed on your system.

Is updating WSL the same as upgrading from WSL 1 to WSL 2?

No. Updating WSL installs the latest kernel and components, while upgrading from WSL 1 to WSL 2 is a separate process that requires enabling virtualization features and converting the distro with wsl --set-version.

Can I revert to a previous WSL version?

Yes. Use the command wsl --update --rollback to roll back to the previous kernel if the latest version causes issues.

Why doesn’t my WSL version match the one listed on GitHub?

Microsoft often publishes new kernels on GitHub before they roll out through Windows Update, which can create a short delay before you receive the latest version on your device.

How do I enable automatic WSL updates?

Go to Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options and turn on the “Receive updates for other Microsoft products” option. This ensures WSL updates install automatically.

Does updating WSL affect my Linux distributions?

No. Updating WSL only updates the subsystem’s components, not your installed Linux distros or their packages.

Update December 12, 2025: This guide has been updated to ensure accuracy and reflect changes to the process.