NAME STATE VERSION * Ubuntu Running 2 Debian Stopped 2 Option A – Using wsl --unregister (Recommended) This removes the distribution’s filesystem and its Windows app registration.
wsl --status Expected result: 'wsl' is not recognized as an internal or external command or The Windows Subsystem for Linux is not installed. wsl uninstall
Here’s a technical write-up on uninstalling WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux), covering removal of distributions, the WSL feature itself, and leftover files. Overview Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) allows running Linux distributions natively on Windows. However, when no longer needed, a complete removal involves three layers: individual distributions, the WSL core feature, and residual files. Step 1: List Installed Distributions Open PowerShell or Command Prompt as Administrator : NAME STATE VERSION * Ubuntu Running 2 Debian
%USERPROFILE%\AppData\Local\Packages\CanonicalGroupLimited.Ubuntu_<random>\LocalState\ %USERPROFILE%\AppData\Local\Packages\Debian_<random>\LocalState\ %USERPROFILE%\.wslconfig Legacy WSL (WSL1) files %LOCALAPPDATA%\lxss\ Registry remnants (optional, advanced) Navigate HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Lxss and delete keys for unregistered distros. Step 6: Clean the Windows Store cache (if applicable) If you installed WSL or distros via the Microsoft Store: Overview Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) allows running
wsreset.exe Reboot your PC, then run in PowerShell: