cmaven

작업노트

:bulb: How to install multiple Ubuntu versions on WSL and configure the default distribution.

[01] List Available Distributions



1



wsl --list --online





1
2
3
4
5
6
7



NAME                  FRIENDLY NAME
Ubuntu                Ubuntu
Ubuntu-20.04          Ubuntu 20.04 LTS
Ubuntu-22.04          Ubuntu 22.04 LTS
Ubuntu-24.04          Ubuntu 24.04 LTS
Debian                Debian GNU/Linux
...

[02] Install a Specific Ubuntu Version



1



wsl --install -d Ubuntu-22.04

Other versions:



1
2



wsl --install -d Ubuntu-20.04
wsl --install -d Ubuntu-24.04

Install the default Ubuntu (latest LTS):



1



wsl --install -d Ubuntu
Version Notes
Ubuntu-20.04 Stability-focused, legacy support
Ubuntu-22.04 Standard (recommended)
Ubuntu-24.04 Latest environment

[03] Initial Setup After Installation

After installation, the distribution starts automatically and prompts:



1
2
3



Enter new UNIX username: cha
New password:
Retype new password:
Field Description
Username Lowercase ASCII (sudo permissions granted automatically)
Password Used when running sudo

[04] Verify Installed Distributions



1



wsl -l -v





1
2
3



  NAME            STATE           VERSION
* Ubuntu-22.04    Running         2
  Ubuntu-20.04    Stopped         2
Marker Meaning
* Default distribution
STATE Running Currently running
VERSION 2 Running on WSL 2

[05] Run a Specific Distribution



1



wsl -d Ubuntu-22.04

With multiple distributions installed, use -d to specify which one to launch.

[06] Set the Default Distribution



1



wsl --set-default Ubuntu-22.04

After this, running plain wsl will launch the specified distribution.

[07] Install via Microsoft Store (Alternative)

You can also install through the GUI.

  1. Open Microsoft Store
  2. Search for “Ubuntu 22.04”
  3. Select a version → click Install

:bulb: Both the command-line method (wsl --install -d) and the Microsoft Store method yield the same result. CLI is faster and better for automation.

[08] Troubleshooting

8-1. Installation errors

Virtualization may be disabled in your BIOS.

  1. Restart PC → enter BIOS (F2, DEL, etc.)
  2. Enable Intel VT-x or AMD-V
  3. Save and reboot

8-2. Check WSL status



1



wsl --status





1
2
3



Default Version: 2
WSL version: 2.x.x
Kernel version: 5.x.x

8-3. Update WSL



1



wsl --update

[09] Summary

Task Command
List available distributions wsl --list --online
Install a specific version wsl --install -d Ubuntu-22.04
List installed distributions wsl -l -v
Run a specific distribution wsl -d Ubuntu-22.04
Set default distribution wsl --set-default Ubuntu-22.04
Check WSL status wsl --status
Update WSL wsl --update

참고