A Step-by-Step Guide to Easily Update the Windows Subsystem for Linux 2 Kernel

The Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) enables users to run Linux applications on Windows without the need to boot into a separate operating system. However, performance can lag compared to native Linux environments. To enhance functionality, it’s recommended to keep the WSL kernel updated, as newer versions incorporate performance improvements and support for modern hardware.

Understanding WSL’s Architecture

WSL 2 operates with its Linux kernel running on a hypervisor, similar to KVM on Linux systems. This design allows for efficient interaction between the Windows host and the Linux guest, managing resources like memory and CPU usage. Although the kernel is optimized frequently by Microsoft, some hardware drivers may not play a significant role in WSL because the hardware remains virtualized.

Installing WSL and Checking Kernel Version

To begin using WSL on Windows 10 or 11, first ensure that you have the Windows terminal installed. You can easily install WSL by executing the following command in PowerShell:

wsl --install -d Ubuntu-24.04

After installation, you can check the available distributions and their respective versions with:

wsl --list --online

Once installed, a Linux terminal opens, notifying you of the installation status. It is important to update your Ubuntu system afterward with:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

To check which version of WSL you are using, execute:

wsl -l -v

If the version displayed is 1, upgrade it with:

wsl --set-default-version 2wsl --set-default [Distribution]

Replace [Distribution] with the name of your installed Linux distribution.

Updating the WSL 2 Kernel

To update the kernel, follow these steps:

1. Install Developer Packages:Within your WSL terminal, install the necessary development tools with:

   sudo apt install build-essential flex bison dwarves libssl-dev libelf-dev libncurses-dev git

2. Download the Kernel Source Code:Create a directory and clone the WSL2 kernel repository:

   mkdir kernelcd kernelgit clone https://github.com/microsoft/WSL2-Linux-Kernel.git --depth=1 -b linux-msft-wsl-6.6.ycd WSL2-Linux-Kernel

3. Configure the Kernel:To customize your kernel, give it a unique name with:

   scripts/config --file Microsoft/config-wsl --set-str LOCALVERSION "-custom-microsoft-standard-WSL2"

   You can enter the configuration editor for more detailed customizations with:

   make menuconfig KCONFIG_CONFIG=Microsoft/config-wsl

4. Compile the Kernel:Create the kernel using:

   echo 'yes' | make -j $(nproc) KCONFIG_CONFIG=Microsoft/config-wsl

   Then install the modules:

   sudo make KCONFIG_CONFIG=Microsoft/config-wsl modules_install

5. Finalize the Installation:Copy the newly created vmlinux file from your Linux home directory to the appropriate Windows directory:

   cp vmlinux /mnt/c/Users/[username]/WSL/

   Create a file named .wslconfig in your Windows user profile folder, entering the following configuration, replacing [username] with your actual Windows username:

   [wsl2]kernel=C:Users[username]WSLvmlinux

   Close all WSL instances using:

   wsl --shutdown

   When you start WSL again, check your kernel version with:

   uname -a

Updating the WSL kernel not only enhances performance but also helps in utilizing recent hardware advancements.

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