If you need to uninstall Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) on Windows 10, follow these steps. First, you’ll remove the WSL feature itself, then you’ll uninstall any Linux distributions installed on your machine. Lastly, clean up any remaining files or folders. This guide will walk you through each step to ensure WSL is entirely removed from your system.
How to Uninstall WSL in Windows 10
Removing WSL from your Windows 10 computer involves several steps, but it’s a straightforward process. Following these instructions will ensure you completely remove WSL and any associated files.
Step 1: Open Control Panel
Open the Start menu, search for “Control Panel,” and click to open it.
The Control Panel is where you can access many of the settings and features on your Windows computer. Here, you’ll be able to turn off WSL.
Step 2: Go to Programs and Features
In the Control Panel, navigate to “Programs” and then click on “Programs and Features.”
In this section, you can see a list of all the software installed on your computer. You’ll be looking for Windows features here.
Step 3: Turn Windows Features On or Off
On the left side of the Programs and Features window, click “Turn Windows features on or off.”
This will bring up a new window where you can enable or disable various Windows features, including WSL.
Step 4: Uncheck Windows Subsystem for Linux
In the Windows Features window, find “Windows Subsystem for Linux” and uncheck the box next to it. Click “OK” to confirm.
Unchecking this box will disable WSL on your system. This step might take a few minutes to complete.
Step 5: Restart Your Computer
After making these changes, restart your computer to ensure that WSL is fully disabled.
Restarting your PC will apply the changes and finalize the uninstallation of WSL from your system.
Step 6: Uninstall Linux Distributions
Open the Start menu, search for the Linux distros you’ve installed (like Ubuntu), right-click, and choose “Uninstall.”
This will remove the individual Linux distributions from your computer. Make sure to repeat this step for every Linux distro you have.
Step 7: Clean Up Remaining Files
Navigate to C:Users[YourUsername]AppDataLocalPackages and delete any folders related to your Linux distributions.
This step ensures that there are no leftover files from your WSL installation, giving you a fresh start.
Once you’ve completed these steps, WSL will be completely uninstalled from your system. Your computer will no longer have any Linux subsystems, and all associated files will be removed.
Tips for Uninstalling WSL in Windows 10
- Backup Your Data: Before uninstalling, make sure to back up any important data from your Linux distributions.
- Check for Dependencies: If you use software that relies on WSL, be aware that uninstalling it might affect those programs.
- Clear Cache: Consider clearing your Windows cache to ensure no remnants of WSL remain.
- Update Windows: After uninstalling, check for any Windows updates to keep your system running smoothly.
- Reinstalling WSL: If you change your mind, you can always reinstall WSL through the same Windows Features menu.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reinstall WSL after uninstalling it?
Yes, you can easily reinstall WSL by going back to the Windows Features menu and checking the “Windows Subsystem for Linux” box.
Will uninstalling WSL affect my Windows system?
Uninstalling WSL will not affect your Windows system’s overall functionality but will disable any Linux environments you have set up.
Do I need to uninstall WSL before upgrading to Windows 11?
No, you do not need to uninstall WSL before upgrading, but it’s a good idea to ensure it’s compatible with your new OS version.
How can I backup my Linux distributions?
You can backup your Linux distributions by copying the relevant files from the AppDataLocalPackages folder before you uninstall WSL.
Does uninstalling WSL free up disk space?
Yes, uninstalling WSL and its associated Linux distributions will free up disk space on your computer.
Summary
- Open Control Panel: Access the Control Panel from the Start menu.
- Go to Programs and Features: Navigate within the Control Panel.
- Turn Windows Features On or Off: Access Windows features.
- Uncheck Windows Subsystem for Linux: Disable WSL.
- Restart Your Computer: Apply the changes.
- Uninstall Linux Distributions: Remove individual distros.
- Clean Up Remaining Files: Delete leftover files.
Conclusion
Uninstalling WSL in Windows 10 is a fairly simple process if you follow the steps outlined above. By taking the time to properly uninstall and clean up, you can ensure that your system remains tidy and free of unnecessary files. Remember, if you ever need WSL again, it’s just as easy to reinstall.
For further reading, Microsoft’s official documentation provides in-depth details on managing WSL and its various features. Whether you’re looking to free up some space or troubleshoot an issue, knowing how to uninstall WSL can come in handy. So, don’t hesitate to dive in and clean up your system when needed.
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.