The Error
You tried launching a Linux distro from the Microsoft Store, or typed wsl in PowerShell, and got this:
The Windows Subsystem for Linux optional component is not enabled. Please enable it and try again.
See https://aka.ms/wslinstall for details.
WSL is an optional Windows feature — disabled by default. No distro runs, and wsl does nothing until you flip that switch at the OS level.
Three Ways to Enable WSL
Pick based on your Windows version and which WSL version you need. WSL 2 is the current standard — faster, more compatible, and what Microsoft recommends for new setups.
Option 1: One-Command Install (Recommended for WSL 2)
Windows 10 version 2004 (Build 19041) and later — including all of Windows 11 — support a single command that does everything:
wsl --install
Open PowerShell as Administrator and run it. Behind the scenes, this command:
- Enables the WSL optional feature
- Enables Virtual Machine Platform
- Downloads and installs the WSL 2 Linux kernel
- Installs Ubuntu as the default distro
When it finishes, restart your PC. WSL won't work until after reboot — no exceptions.
Don't want Ubuntu? Specify a different distro:
wsl --install -d Debian
wsl --install -d kali-linux
wsl --install -d openSUSE-42
To see the full list of what's available:
wsl --list --online
Option 2: Manual Feature Enable (Older Windows 10 or WSL 1)
Stuck on a build older than 19041? Or specifically need WSL 1? Do it manually.
Step 1 — Enable WSL:
dism.exe /online /enable-feature /featurename:Microsoft-Windows-Subsystem-Linux /all /norestart
Step 2 — Enable Virtual Machine Platform (required for WSL 2):
dism.exe /online /enable-feature /featurename:VirtualMachinePlatform /all /norestart
Step 3 — Restart your PC.
**Step 4 — Install the WSL 2 kernel update:**Windows 10 users need this extra step — download the kernel update package from Microsoft's official page and run it. Windows 11 ships with the kernel already included, so skip this.
Step 5 — Set WSL 2 as the default version:
wsl --set-default-version 2
Step 6 — Install a distro from the Microsoft Store (search Ubuntu, Debian, etc.) or via command line:
wsl --install -d Ubuntu
Option 3: Windows Features GUI
Prefer point-and-click? Works fine too.
- Press
Win + R, typeoptionalfeatures, hit Enter - Scroll down and check Windows Subsystem for Linux
- Also check Virtual Machine Platform if you want WSL 2
- Click OK and restart when prompted
Verify the Fix
Reboot done? Open PowerShell and check the status:
wsl --status
Healthy output looks like this:
Default Version: 2
The Windows Subsystem for Linux kernel can be manually updated with 'wsl --update'.
Check which distros are installed and which WSL version they're running:
wsl --list --verbose
NAME STATE VERSION
* Ubuntu Stopped 2
Run wsl to launch it. Land at a Linux shell prompt? You're done.
Common Issues After Enabling
"WslRegisterDistribution failed with error: 0x80370102"
Virtualization is disabled in your BIOS/UEFI. Restart, enter BIOS setup (usually Del or F2 on boot), and enable Intel VT-x or AMD-V — sometimes listed as SVM Mode. The exact menu path varies by motherboard; check your board's manual if you can't find it.
"Error: 0x1bc" when setting WSL 2 as default
Your Windows build is too old for WSL 2. Run Windows Update to reach at least version 2004 (Build 19041). If updating isn't an option right now, fall back to WSL 1:
wsl --set-default-version 1
The wsl --install command is not recognized
You're on a Windows 10 build older than 19041. Skip Option 1 entirely — use the dism.exe steps from Option 2 instead.
Quick Reference
- Check WSL status:
wsl --status - List installed distros:
wsl --list --verbose - Update WSL kernel:
wsl --update - Shut down all WSL instances:
wsl --shutdown - Remove a distro:
wsl --unregister Ubuntu