Update WSL kernel on Windows 11

Updating Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) kernel on Windows 11 can be troublesome for sometimes. WSL updates generally happen automatically with Windows Update. However, if the updates are not being installed for WSL, this article is for you. This article provides various methods using which the users can ensure the updates for WSL kernel.

Update WSL kernel on Windows 11

Now, the main ways for updating WSL kernel are provided below along with the steps for applying the same.

Method 1: Enabling WSL automatic updates

Firstly, the users can enable WSL automatic updates which will help in updating WSL kernel without automatically. For doing the same, follow the steps below.

Step 1- At first open Settings.

Step 2- Next, select Windows Update > Advanced options tab.

Step 3- Now enable Receive updates for other Microsoft products.

Method 2: Updating WSL Kernel with Command Prompt or PowerShell

Another way of Updating WSL Kernel is with the help of Command Prompt or PowerShell. Thus, follow the instructions given below for doing that.

Step 1- Primarily, run Command Prompt or PowerShell as an administrator.

Step 2- Now, copy and paste the prompt below and press Enter.

wsl --update

Step 3- For confirming the installation of the update, run the command below. Then, check if the downloaded version against the latest version in other platforms such as GitHub.

wsl --version

Step 4- However, if the WSL is not installed on the PC, then run the prompt given below and press Enter. Lastly, restart the PC after some time.

wsl --install

Method 3: Updating WSL Kernel with Microsoft Store

Last, but not the least if the Windows Subsystem for Linux application is downloaded from the Microsoft Store, then it can also be updated with the Microsoft Store. For doing that, follow the steps-

Step 1- At first, visit Microsoft Store.

Step 2- Next, search Windows Subsystem for Linux and press Enter.

Step 3- After choosing the required results, select Update if the application already exists. However, press Get for getting the application.

Step 4- Wait for the updating process and then open WSL. This should update WSL.

That’s it!