How to Remove WSL - From Deleting a Distribution to a Full Reset (Windows 11)

Removing WSL is split into two cases: deleting a specific distribution, and removing the WSL feature itself. This guide covers both.

[01] Check Installed Distributions

Before removing, confirm which distributions are currently installed.

wsl -l -v

  NAME            STATE           VERSION
* Ubuntu-22.04    Running         2
  Ubuntu-20.04    Stopped         2

wsl --unregister Ubuntu-22.04

All data (files, settings, user information) for that distribution is deleted. Back up anything you need beforehand.

Verify the deletion:

wsl -l -v

If the deleted distribution is no longer listed, it was removed successfully.

wsl --uninstall

Win + R -> type optionalfeatures -> Run
Uncheck the following items:
- Windows Subsystem for Linux
- Virtual Machine Platform
Click OK and reboot the system

Item	Description
Windows Subsystem for Linux	Core WSL functionality
Virtual Machine Platform	Virtualization base for WSL 2

To completely wipe an existing distribution and install it fresh:

# 1. Remove the existing distribution
wsl --unregister Ubuntu

# 2. Install fresh
wsl --install

Reinstall a specific version:

wsl --install -d Ubuntu-22.04

Task	Command	Scope
List distributions	`wsl -l -v`	Query
Delete a specific distribution	`wsl --unregister Ubuntu-22.04`	That distribution only
Remove WSL entirely	`wsl --uninstall`	The entire WSL feature
Full reset and reinstall	`wsl --unregister` -> `wsl --install`	Complete reset

Ubuntu installed from the Microsoft Store can be uninstalled like a regular app, but wsl --unregister is the more reliable method.