How to list installed WSL distros on Windows 11

If you want to see all the Linux distros installed on WSL, in this guide, we'll show you how on Windows 11.

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@Pureinfotech
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WSL list installed distros
WSL list installed distros

On Windows 11, you can quickly see a list of all the Linux distros you have installed on the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL), and in this guide, you will learn how.

The ability to view the Linux distros available through WSL can come in handy in many scenarios. For example, when you want to know all the distros at your disposal, want to see if you have a specific version of Linux installed, or need the exact name of a distro to uninstall it.

Whatever the reason it might, the WSL command tool can generate a list of installed Linux distros on Windows 11.

This guide will teach you the steps to view every Linux distro available through the Windows Subsystem for Linux.

List all Linux distros installed on WSL

To see all of the WSL Linux distros installed on Windows 11, use these steps:

  1. Open Start.

  2. Search for Command Prompt, right-click the top result, and select the Run as administrator option.

  3. Type the following command to see a list of the installed Linux distros and press Enter:

    wsl --list --all

    WSL list all installed distros

    Quick tip: You can also write the command as wsl -l –all.

  4. (Optional) Type the following command to view a list of running distros and press Enter:

    wsl --list --running
    Quick tip: You can also write the command as wsl -l –running.

Once you complete the steps, the command will output the distros installed (and running) on Windows 11.

This guide focuses on Windows 11, but you can use the commands on Windows 10 as well.

About the author
Avatar for Mauro Huculak

Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 21 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].