Uninstall WSL2 from Windows 10

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If you no longer require, want to reset or are simply having issues with your WSL implementation, this article will cover how to uninstall WSL (specifically WSL 2) from 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 required.

 

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 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.

 

Conclusion

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