Step-by-Step Guide to Updating WSL Kernel on Windows 11

How to Update WSL on Windows 11

Updated December 12, 2025: Keeping the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) updated is essential for optimal performance on Windows 11. This guide provides straightforward instructions for updating your WSL kernel and components with just one command. While updates are typically handled automatically via Windows Update, it is helpful to know how to manually check for and install the latest updates for WSL.

It’s also important to note that transitioning from WSL 1 to WSL 2 is categorized as an upgrade, rather than an update, requiring a different set of steps. This guide will equip you with the knowledge needed to effectively manage your WSL installation and enable automatic updates.

Step-by-Step Guide to Install WSL Updates on Windows 11
FAQs Regarding WSL Updates on Windows 11

Step-by-Step Guide to Install WSL Updates on Windows 11

Updating WSL on Windows 11 is a simple process. Follow these steps:

Open Start Menu: Access the Start menu on your Windows 11 device.
Open Command Prompt: Search for “Command Prompt, ”right-click on it, and select the Run as administrator option.
Check Current Version (Optional): To confirm your current WSL version, enter the command and hit Enter:

wsl --version

Update WSL: To initiate the update process, type the following command and press Enter:

wsl --update

Confirm Latest Kernel Update (Optional): To verify that the latest update was successful, execute the command:

wsl --version

Roll Back to Previous Version (Optional): If needed, you can revert to the prior version of WSL using:

wsl --update --rollback

Upon completing these steps, any available updates will automatically download and install on your computer.

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Be aware that when you use this command to update WSL, there might be a delay between the kernel release on GitHub and its availability through Windows Update. Consequently, the WSL version running on your device may not always reflect the latest version released by Microsoft.

Enabling Automatic WSL Updates

To ensure that WSL updates install automatically on Windows 11, follow these instructions:

Open Settings: Navigate to the Settings application.
Go to Windows Update: Click on the Windows Update option.
Select Advanced Options: Access the Advanced options tab.
Toggle on Automatic Updates: Enable the “Receive updates for other Microsoft products” option.

After completing these steps, your system will automatically download and install updates for WSL.

FAQs Regarding WSL Updates on Windows 11

Below are commonly asked questions concerning the manual update process for WSL:

How do I update WSL on Windows 11?

Update WSL by opening PowerShell or Command Prompt as an administrator and running the wsl --update command. A system restart is required to apply the changes.

Must I manually check for WSL updates?

While WSL updates generally occur through Windows Update, you have the option to manually trigger updates with the wsl --update command whenever you wish to verify you are using the latest version.

How can I check my current WSL version?

To view your installed version, simply run wsl --version in the command line.

What is the difference between updating and upgrading WSL?

Updating WSL refers to installing the latest kernel and components, whereas upgrading involves transitioning from WSL 1 to WSL 2, which entails enabling virtualization features and converting the distribution with wsl --set-version.

Is it possible to revert to a previous WSL version?

Yes, if you encounter issues with the latest version, use the command wsl --update --rollback to revert to the previous kernel.

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

Microsoft typically releases new kernels on GitHub prior to rolling them out through Windows Update, which may result in a short period where your version is out of sync with the latest release.

How do I enable automatic updates for WSL?

Go to Settings > Windows Update > Advanced Options and turn on the “Receive updates for other Microsoft products” setting to allow automatic installations of WSL updates.

Will updating WSL impact my Linux distributions?

No, updating WSL affects only the subsystem components, not your installed Linux distributions or their associated packages.

Note: This guide has been updated to provide accurate and current information about WSL updates as of December 12, 2025.

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