WSL 2 will be generally available in Windows 10, version 2004

March 13th, 2020

WSL 2 will soon be officially available as part of Windows 10, version 2004! As we get ready for general availability, we want to share one additional change: updating how the Linux kernel inside of WSL 2 is installed and serviced on your machine. We’ve heard lots of community feedback that the install experience could be streamlined, and we’re taking the first step towards this by improving the servicing model of the Linux kernel. We’ve removed the Linux kernel from the Windows OS image and instead will be delivering it to your machine via Windows Update, the same way that 3rd party drivers (like graphics, or touchpad drivers) are installed and updated on your machine today. This change will give you more agility and flexibility over Linux kernel updates in WSL 2. Read on to learn more about how you’ll see this in the user experience.

How will I notice this change?

Our end goal is for this change to be seamless, where your Linux kernel is kept up to date without you needing to think about it. By default this will be handled entirely by Windows, just like regular updates on your machine. Inside of the initial release of Windows 10, version 2004, and in the latest Windows Insiders slow ring preview build you will temporarily need to manually install the Linux kernel, and will receive an update in a few months that will add automatic install and servicing capabilities. We made this change now and will have a patch later to ensure that all users in the initial general release of WSL 2 will be serviced via this dynamic model, and no one will be left in a middle state using the prior system.

Automatic install and updates

If you’ve ever gone to your Windows settings, and clicked ‘Check for Updates’ you might have seen some other items being updated like Windows Defender malware definitions, or a new touchpad driver, etc. The Linux kernel in WSL 2 will now be serviced in this same method, which means you’ll get the latest kernel version independently of consuming an update to your Windows image. You can manually check for new kernel updates by clicking the ‘Check for Updates’ button, or you can let Windows keep you up to date just like normal.

If you’re installing WSL for the first time, we’ll check for updates and install the Linux kernel for you during the WSL install process.

Temporary experience of manually installing the Linux kernel in Windows 10, version 2004 and Windows Insiders slow ring

After updating to Windows 10 build 19041.153, when you run any of the following commands:

• wsl (If a WSL 2 distro is your default distro)
• wsl —set-version 2 , – wsl —set-default-version 2
• wsl —import and wsl —export targeting WSL 2

You’ll see a one-time message instructing you to update your kernel. It will instruct you to go to the link: https://aka.ms/wsl2kernel.

Once there, follow the instructions to download the MSI package, run it to install your Linux kernel, and you’ll be finished and ready to use WSL 2. When automatic install and update of the Linux kernel is added you’ll start getting automatic updates to your kernel right away.

Future plans and where to learn more

We’re excited for the release of WSL2, and to keep working on the WSL install experience. If you’d like to learn more about WSL 2, check out our latest overview video WSL 2: Code faster on the Windows Subsystem for Linux. Please stay tuned for more updates from us soon!

As always you can reach members of the WSL team that are on Twitter, or me personally @craigaloewen on Twitter if you have any general questions. For technical issues please file an issue on the WSL Github Repo. We always love hearing your feedback, thank you for helping make WSL amazing, and we’ll see you with the next update soon!

Updates:

• 3/13/2020 – Thank you to our WSL distro partners: Canonical, Debian, openSUSE, Kali Linux, and Pengwin for adding a change to their distro launcher to help support this experience!
• 3/13/2020 – Added link to WSL 2 explanation video
• 6/22/2020 – Changed verbage to ‘WSL 2’

Craig Loewen

Program Manager, Windows Developer Platform

How to uninstall WSL2 on Windows 10

If WSL2 isn’t working correctly or not for you, it’s possible to uninstall it completely from Windows 10 – here’s how.

On Windows 10, you can uninstall the Windows Subsystem for Linux 2 (WSL2) when you no longer need to use the integration, and in this guide, you’ll learn how to complete the task. WSL2 is the second version of the integration that Microsoft has built to run Linux on Windows 10 using a lightweight virtual machine instead of a direct translation between Linux and Windows available with the first version.

As a result of this change, you now get a real Linux kernel with a solution that improves performance and app compatibility while maintaining the same experience as WSL1. (See also how to install WSL2.)

Although the ability to run Linux on Windows 10 is a useful feature for developers and users who need access to both operating systems, it might come the time when you no longer need the feature, or you may need to reset it if you’re having problems.

Whatever the reason, you can always remove WSL2 by uninstalling all the components, or you can reset distros individually if they’re causing issues.

In this guide, you will learn the steps to completely remove the WSL2 integration on Windows 10.

Uninstall WSL2 on Windows 10

The uninstall process of the Windows Subsystem for Linux 2 requires multiple steps, including removing the distro, kernel update, and other components.

Step one: Uninstall Linux distros from WSL2

To uninstall a distro of Linux, use these steps:

Open Settings on Windows 10.

Click on Apps.

Click on Apps & features.

Select the distribution of Linux and click the Uninstall button.

Uninstall Linux distro on WSL2

Click the Uninstall button again.

Once you complete the steps, you may need to repeat the steps to continue removing additional distros as needed.

Step two: Uninstall Windows Subsystem for Linux update

To uninstall the WSL 2 Linux kernel update, use these steps:

Open Settings.

Click on Apps.

Click on Apps & features.

Select the Windows Subsystem for Linux update item and click the Uninstall button.

Uninstall WSL2 kernel update

Click the Uninstall button again.

After you complete the steps, you can proceed to remove the remaining components.

Step three: Uninstall WSL2 components

To disable the Windows Subsystem for Linux components, use these steps:

Open Settings.

Click on Apps.

Click on Apps & features.

Under the “Related settings” section, click the Programs and Features option from the right side.

Programs and features option

Click the Turn Windows features on or off option.

Clear the Virtual Machine Platform option.

Clear the Windows Subsystem for Linux option.

Windows 10 uninstall WSL2

Click the OK button.

Click the Restart now button.

Once you complete the steps, the Windows Subsystem for Linux will be completely uninstalled from your computer.

If you change your mind, you can always set up the environment again with these instructions. If you are running Windows 10 build 20246 and later, you can use the new method to set up WSL2.

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A problem with your hardware caused Windows to stop working correctly.

I am going quietly nuts over the following. I am not using the beta versions of Wiindows 10 available in Windows Insider. The problem has occurred several times since last week I installed the latest cumulative update for Windows 10 version 1607, build 14393.351

A problem with your hardware caused Windows to stop working correctly.

Problem signature
Problem Event Name: LiveKernelEvent
Code: ab
Parameter 1: 1
Parameter 2: 790
Parameter 3: 1680
Parameter 4: f0000000b
OS version: 10_0_14393
Service Pack: 0_0
Product: 256_1
OS Version: 10.0.14393.2.0.0.256.48
Locale ID: 3081

My computer is a Toshiba Laptop P50T. 16 BG RAM, Intel 7 processor, plenty of hard drive space! sfc /scannow and DISM scan health report no problems. No signs of viruses with 2 full scans (Windows Defender and MalwareBytes.)

I have had 2 kernel power system Event 41 critical errors during the last 7 days that this problem has occurred. The task category is 63. There are no problems shown in device manager.

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance!

Replies (27) 

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It appears that you have already run SFC and DISM scan to troubleshoot the issue.

In this case, you may refer to this link to troubleshoot it further. If still no luck, our next step would be to perform Hardware Diagnostics with your Original Equipment Manufacturer’s guidance as this matter is already best handled by their level of support and expertise.

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My sincere thanks for your prompt reply. It is much appreciated.

This morning, I turned my computer on and I checked reliability and found the following. This was done when the desktop screen was seen and reliability was accessed through control panel.

A problem with your hardware caused Windows to stop working correctly.

Problem signature
Problem Event Name: LiveKernelEvent
Code: ab
Parameter 1: 1
Parameter 2: 790
Parameter 3: 1680
Parameter 4: f0000000b
OS version: 10_0_14393
Service Pack: 0_0
Product: 256_1
OS Version: 10.0.14393.2.0.0.256.48
Locale ID: 3081
Please notice the similarity in what I originally posted.

On checking Event Viewer no critical errors are reported for this morning. Therefore, it appears that the hardware error shown above is independent of Event 41.

I have run the Windows 10 hardware troubleshooter. It has nothing to report. The various Toshiba apps report nothing wrong. Not that they enable detailed testing.

I suspect that this problem occurred as a result of installing the latest Windows 10 cumulative update for version 1607. There are other reports in various news groups, but their authenticity is unknown.

Please note that Toshiba is no longer marketing computers here in Australia and their support has been downgraded.

My device manager shows a clean bill of health.

The Toshiba web site for my model lists a BIOS update but shows this for Windows 8.1. It only shows a wi-fi update for Windows 10 which is installed. Flashing a BIOS is not my favourite occupation but I will do it if I have to.

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I seem to have almost the same problem at startup & restart with my Toshiba Satellite Pro L70. 8 GB ram Intel core i7 processor.

A problem with your hardware caused Windows to stop working correctly.

Problem signature
Problem Event Name: LiveKernelEvent
Code: ab
Parameter 1: 1
Parameter 2: 440
Parameter 3: 970
Parameter 4: 900000007
OS version: 10_0_14393
Service Pack: 0_0
Product: 256_1
OS Version: 10.0.14393.2.0.0.256.48
Locale ID: 3081

This error started with the install of cumulative update KB3197954

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To better assist you with your concern, we would like to ask if you have already tried running our Hardware and devices troubleshooter? If not, you may click here to run the troubleshooter.

If you’ve already run the Windows 10 hardware troubleshooter, you might want to consider updating your BIOS to the latest version.

There’s also a possibility that your computer is overheating.

If you’re using a laptop, it could be a common problem. Having the computer on a soft surface blocks the air vents. Laptops should only be used on a hard surface.

If you’re using a desktop, start by removing the plugs, and holding the power button for 10 seconds. Once done, open the side panel, and blow out all the dust. You may have to remove the front panel as well to clean it out.

Let us know if you have any other questions.

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Hi Ruizell & everyone

Thank you for your reply I ran the h ardware and devices troubleshooter.It said made some changes that should fix your problem.restart your PC for changes to take affect.(have try there in the past with no luck) There is no BIOS update for my Toshiba Satellite Pro laptop.My laptop is on a desk & always runs cool no problem there.All drivers are up to date & the device manager has no problems. Will let you all know if there are any changes.

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Thank you for your reply.

1. Other users of Windows 10 version 1607 are reporting the same problem. Some use desktops, others are laptop users of various makes.
2. The problem first appeared for me after the October cumulative update was installed.
3. There is no entry in Event Viewer corresponding to this hardware error. Very strange! Is it a false positive?
4. Device manager reports no problems. Nor does sfc /scannow or DISM online scan health. As well Chkdsk /f C: reports no problems
5. I have found that the hardware error is most likely to appear after a number of updates for Windows /Office have been installed and the computer is restarted.
6. My computer is well ventilated as it sits on a stand designed for cooling.
7. I have run the Windows hardware troubleshooter. No problems detected. I have also run the Toshiba troubleshooters.
8. Toshiba Service Station reports no available downloads. This does not agree with the Toshiba download pages for my model Toshiba. Getting info on what the updates are supposed to do has been difficult. I finally succeeded today! 3 different pages give different results!
9. There is a BIOS update for my computer. With difficulty I found what it is supposed to correct, but nothing appears to be relevant to the problem. But if this hardware error continues I will install it with great care. Flashing a BIOS is not my favourite occupation!