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Asked: 2024-09-26T01:07:41+05:30 In: ,

How can I choose a specific subsystem to run in Windows Subsystem for Linux?

I’ve been diving into the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) lately, and I’m loving the flexibility it brings. However, I’ve hit a bit of a snag that I hope someone can help me with. You see, I’ve installed a couple of different Linux distributions on my Windows machine – right now, I have Ubuntu and Debian both set up and ready to go.

Here’s the thing, though: I’ve been trying to figure out how to choose a specific subsystem to run when I fire up WSL. When I just type `wsl` in the command line, it always defaults to Ubuntu. Don’t get me wrong, I like Ubuntu, but sometimes I really want to work in Debian, especially since some of my projects rely on a specific package that runs better on Debian. I’ve looked around for answers, and I keep seeing commands like `wsl –list` or `wsl -d Debian`, but I feel like I’m missing something.

I want to know if there’s a super easy way to switch between these installed distros – or does it always have to be a command line thing? Is there a way to set one as the default, or make switching less of a hassle? I heard something about a configuration file, but that sounds a bit daunting.

Also, does anyone know if there are any graphical tools for managing these distros? I’m all about the command line life, but sometimes I just want to click around. Do I have to go digging through settings in Windows, or is there a simpler way?

And while I’m asking all these questions, can anyone share their experiences or tips for working across different subsystems? I’m keen to hear how others manage their setups, especially if you have different tools or workflows that work better on one distro over another.

Any light you can shed on this would be fantastic! I’m eager to dive deeper into WSL and make the most out of these subsystems without getting too lost in command lines or overwriting configurations. Thanks in advance!

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    2 Answers






    1. WSL Help

      WSL Setup: Switching Between Distros

      Sounds like you’re diving headfirst into the whole WSL thing, and it’s awesome! Switching between different Linux distributions is definitely something you can manage without too much hassle. Here’s a quick breakdown of what you can do!

      Running a Specific Distro

      If you want to start a specific distro, you can definitely do it via the command line. Just type wsl -d Debian to open Debian when you want it instead of Ubuntu. It’s not too complicated, just remember it next time!

      Set a Default Distro

      If you’re not a fan of always typing commands, you can set a default distro! Run wsl --setdefault Debian, and that way, typing just wsl in the terminal will automatically take you into Debian instead of Ubuntu.

      Graphical Manage Tools

      About graphical tools, there’s not really a built-in GUI for managing WSL distros on Windows, but you can look into third-party applications like WSLty or Windows Terminal. They offer some nifty options and might make switching a bit easier with a nicer interface.

      Configuration File?

      As for the configuration file, that can sound a bit intimidating, but it’s just a way to tweak some settings if you choose to dive into it later. Most of the time, using the command line works fine for switching around.

      Share Experiences

      Also, don’t hesitate to share your experiences or any cool setups you come up with! Everyone has unique ways of managing their workflow, and you might discover some gems from others who have tackled the same stuff.

      Hope this helps clear things up! Enjoy your time with WSL – it’s a pretty powerful tool!



    2. To choose a specific Linux distribution when launching WSL, you can indeed use the command `wsl -d `. To set a default distribution, you can use the command `wsl –setdefault `. This way, each time you run WSL without any arguments, it will open the specified default distribution. If you prefer a graphical approach, using tools like Windows Terminal can simplify the process. You can create separate profiles for each distribution, allowing you to easily switch between them with just a click. This enhances your workflow, as you won’t need to remember the specific command each time you want to switch, and you can open multiple distributions simultaneously in their own tabs.

      For managing distributions visually, you can also consider integrating third-party tools like WSL Manager, which provides a user-friendly GUI for managing your installed distributions. These interfaces make it easier to configure settings and perform actions such as installing new packages or switching default distros without delving into command-line options. Sharing experiences in the WSL community often reveals diverse workflows: some users prefer Debian for its stability in package management while opting for Ubuntu for its rich repositories when working with certain development frameworks. Assessing your project needs and aligning them with your distribution choice can ultimately help optimize your WSL experience.


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