To uninstall WSL in Windows 10, first remove your Linux distributions: open PowerShell, run wsl --list --verbose to see them, then run wsl --unregister Ubuntu (using each distro’s name) and uninstall the distro app from Settings > Apps. Next, uninstall the Windows Subsystem for Linux app if it’s listed. Finally, open Turn Windows features on or off, uncheck Windows Subsystem for Linux and Virtual Machine Platform, click OK, and restart.
Unregistering a distribution permanently deletes all files inside it. Copy anything you need out of Linux first. Here are the full steps.
Step 1: Back up your Linux files
Open File Explorer and type \\wsl$ in the address bar to browse your Linux files, then copy what you need to a Windows folder. To save a whole distribution, run wsl --export Ubuntu C:\Backup\ubuntu.tar in PowerShell.
Step 2: Unregister and remove your Linux distributions
- Right-click Start and open Windows PowerShell (Admin).
- Run
wsl --list --verboseto see your installed distributions. - For each one, run
wsl --unregister DistroName, for examplewsl --unregister Ubuntu. - Go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features, find the distro app (like Ubuntu or Debian), and click Uninstall.
Step 3: Uninstall the WSL app
Newer versions of WSL are installed as an app from the Microsoft Store.
- In Settings > Apps > Apps & features, search for Windows Subsystem for Linux.
- If it’s listed, click it and choose Uninstall.
Also look for Windows Subsystem for Linux Update or WSLg Preview and uninstall them too.
Step 4: Turn off the WSL Windows features
- Click Start, type Turn Windows features on or off, and open it. (Or press Windows key + R and type optionalfeatures.)
- Uncheck Windows Subsystem for Linux.
- Uncheck Virtual Machine Platform, unless you use it for something else, like Android apps or other virtualization.
- Click OK and restart your PC when prompted.
Command-line option
In an admin PowerShell window, you can turn off the features with:
dism.exe /online /disable-feature /featurename:Microsoft-Windows-Subsystem-Linux /norestartdism.exe /online /disable-feature /featurename:VirtualMachinePlatform /norestart
Then restart your PC.
Step 5: Remove leftover files (optional)
- The Linux kernel update package, if installed, appears as Windows Subsystem for Linux Update in Apps. Uninstall it.
- Delete any exported .tar backups or custom distro folders you no longer need.
Frequently asked questions
Does uninstalling Ubuntu remove WSL?
No. It removes that distribution only. WSL itself stays until you uninstall the WSL app and turn off the feature.
Will uninstalling WSL affect Docker Desktop?
Yes. Docker Desktop on Windows often uses WSL 2. Uninstall Docker first or switch it to another backend.
How do I reinstall WSL later?
Open PowerShell as administrator and run wsl --install, then restart.
What does “wsl –unregister” do?
It deletes the distribution and all its files, settings, and installed packages. It can’t be undone.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.