# last modified: 2025-04-09

# Windows Subsystem for Linux

# About Windows Subsystem for Linux

Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) lets you run AlmaLinux inside Windows - including both command-line and GUI apps. WSL is great for users who want to use Linux tools alongside their usual Windows programs.

# Supported Versions

The following AlmaLinux OS versions are available for installation via both methods - Microsoft Store and the WSL CLI tool:

AlmaLinux OS 8
AlmaLinux OS 9

TIP

If you are looking for AlmaLinux OS Kitten image, please, visit the AlmaLinux OS Kitten page.

# Prerequisites

To start with, let's check what is the Windows build number:

Press Win + R.
Run the winver command and press OK or Enter:
```
winver
```
You'll get About Windows information saying Microsoft Windows or Windows Server version. If OS Build is 19041 or higher on Windows 10 or 1709 or higher on Windows Server 2019, continue. If not, please, check the troubleshooting section.

# Install/Update WSL

Right-click on the Start menu and open PowerShell or Windows Command Prompt in administrator mode by selecting "Run as administrator".
Install WSL without any specific Linux distribution. This command prepares your system to run Linux on Windows but doesn't yet set up the actual Linux environment.
```
wsl --install --no-distribution
```
Restart your machine to finish the installation.
After reboot, check WSL status:
```
wsl --status
```
Make sure you have the latest version installed by comparing the version on output with stable releases (opens new window):
```
wsl --version
```
If your WSL version is not latest, update it:
```
wsl --update
```
If the WSL version is still not updated, see the check troubleshooting section for the alternative methods for updating.

# Install AlmaLinux OS

Now when you have the latest version of WSL installed, you can install AlmaLinux OS as a WSL distribution.

There are two methods and formats of installation and packaging available:

WSL: It is a native packaging format.
- It can be downloaded and installed either via the wsl tool or the .wsl file.
- Downloaded from github.com/AlmaLinux/wsl-images/releases (opens new window) and installed via the wsl tool or with just double-clicking.
Microsoft App Store (opens new window).

# Install AlmaLinux OS via the WSL method

The WSL format is a modern and recommended way of installation. The WSL version should be 2.4.4 and higher.

List available Linux distributions:
```
wsl --list --online
```
or short form:
```
wsl -l -o
```
You will see AlmaLinux OS versions available as AlmaLinux-8, AlmaLinux-9, and AlmaLinux-Kitten-10.
Install the needed version. Example command for AlmaLinux OS 9 installation:
```
wsl --install AlmaLinux-9
```
After the installation is completed, the AlmaLinux OS will be available as an application in a new tab with its icon an color-scheme.
Verify you have it installed. Show all installed distros:
```
wsl --list --verbose
```
or short form:
```
wsl -l -v
```
Start your AlmaLinux:
- Open it from the Windows Terminal. Click the small arrow ▾ next to the tab or the “+” icon. You’ll see a dropdown with available WSL distros listed. Click AlmaLinux OS. It will open in a new tab, ready to use.
- Or run the command:
```
wsl -d AlmaLinux-9
```

# Install AlmaLinux OS via the Microsoft App Store

Install the needed AlmaLinux OS app from the Microsoft Store:
- AlmaLinux OS 8 (opens new window)
- AlmaLinux OS 9 (opens new window)
After the installation is completed, the AlmaLinux OS will be available as an application in a new tab with its icon and color scheme.
Verify you have it installed. Show all installed distros:
```
wsl --list --verbose
```
or short form:
```
wsl -l -v
```
Start your AlmaLinux:
- Open it from the Windows Terminal. Click the small arrow ▾ next to the tab or the “+” icon. You’ll see a dropdown with available WSL distros listed. Click AlmaLinux OS. It will open in a new tab, ready to use.
- Or run the command:
```
wsl -d AlmaLinux-9
```

# Extras

# Official Microsoft documentation

The official documentation of WSL covers more use cases such as setup database, GPU acceleration and Mount an external drive or USB See: learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wsl/setup/environment (opens new window).
The official docmentation for running GUI apps on AlmaLinux OS: learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wsl/tutorials/gui-apps (opens new window).
The official documentation for Remote Development support of VS Code on AlmaLinux OS WSL distribution Remote: learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wsl/tutorials/wsl-vscode (opens new window).

# Docker Desktop integration

To enable AlmaLinux OS integration with the Docker Desktop: Settings → Resources → WSL Integration.

# Troubleshooting

# Manual installation for earlier versions of Windows and Windows Server

# Alternative methods of updating of WSL

# Method 1: Download the latest update from the GitHub rather than the Microsoft Store

wsl --update --web-download

# Method 2: Manually download and install WSL from the GitHub

Download and install the MSIXBundle (e.g. Microsoft.WSL_2.4.13.0_x64_ARM64.msixbundle) from a stable release (opens new window).

# Get Help

If you have a question or need assistance, reach us on ~SIG/WSL on the AlmaLinux Community Chat (opens new window).

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