Wsl: 'wsl --set-default-version 2' throws generic asssitance

[inbay]

I am unclear why or how this is occurring, but in any case the 'wsl --set-default-version 2' powershell command throws generic assistance as below and does not appear to be an appropriate option set;
PS C:\WINDOWS\system32> wsl --set-default-version 2
Invalid command line option: --set-default-version
Copyright (c) Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.

Usage: wsl.exe [Argument] [Options...] [CommandLine]

Arguments to run Linux binaries:

If no command line is provided, wsl.exe launches the default shell.

--exec, -e <CommandLine>
    Execute the specified command without using the default Linux shell.

--
    Pass the remaining command line as is.

Options:
--distribution, -d <DistributionName>
Run the specified distribution.

--user, -u <UserName>
    Run as the specified user.

Arguments to manage Windows Subsystem for Linux:

--export <DistributionName> <FileName>
    Exports the distribution to a tar file.
    The filename can be - for standard output.

--import <DistributionName> <InstallLocation> <FileName>
    Imports the specified tar file as a new distribution.
    The filename can be - for standard input.

--list, -l [Options]
    Lists distributions.

    Options:
        --all
            List all distributions, including distributions that are currently
            being installed or uninstalled.

        --running
            List only distributions that are currently running.

-setdefault, -s <DistributionName>
    Sets the distribution as the default.

--terminate, -t <DistributionName>
    Terminates the distribution.

--unregister <DistributionName>
    Unregisters the distribution.

--upgrade <DistributionName>
    Upgrades the distribution to the WslFs file system format.

--help
    Display usage information.

PS C:\WINDOWS\system32>

---

Document Details

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• ID: b19a43be-b16a-d903-b69d-75dffce6c329
• Version Independent ID: f9d4a118-1251-8d6b-43f5-2e64808dc527
• Content: Install WSL 2
• Content Source: WSL/wsl2-install.md
• Product: dev-environment
• Technology: windows-subsystem-for-linux
• GitHub Login: @craigloewen-msft
• Microsoft Alias: crloewen

[craigloewen-msft]

Based on the output that you listed, it looks like to me that you may be running a build before Windows 18917. You need to be running Windows build 18917 or higher to access WSL 2 (you can get access to this build by joining the Windows Insider program and selecting the fast ring!)

Please check your build by running ver inside of CMD. If it's greater than 18917 please reopen this issue over in our WSL repo and we will help you there as this repo is just for the documentation! Thank you!

[Msadr471]

Thank you for help...
I joined the Windows Insider Program, But still, I don't have access "Windows build 18917 or higher"
what can I do??

[craigloewen-msft]

@Msadr471 Please check for an update in Windows Update. It should arrive to you within a day or so, and that update should update you to the latest build which will give you access to WSL2!

[soerendip]

I am running

Version 10.0.19041 Build 19041

Virtualization is enabled, but still:

C:\WINDOWS\system32>wsl -l -v
  NAME            STATE           VERSION
* Ubuntu-20.04    Stopped         1

C:\WINDOWS\system32>wsl --set-default-version 2
For information on key differences with WSL 2 please visit https://aka.ms/wsl2

Even after reboot wsl is running version 1.

[ratnesh-gupta]

I am running

Version 10.0.19041 Build 19041

Virtualization is enabled, but still:

C:\WINDOWS\system32>wsl -l -v
  NAME            STATE           VERSION
* Ubuntu-20.04    Stopped         1

C:\WINDOWS\system32>wsl --set-default-version 2
For information on key differences with WSL 2 please visit https://aka.ms/wsl2

Even after reboot wsl is running version 1.

Hi @soerendip ,
Did you resolve the issue ?
I am also facing the same issue.
Let me know how have you resolved the issue
Thanks in advance

[DogtorDoggo]

I am running

Version 10.0.19041 Build 19041

Virtualization is enabled, but still:

C:\WINDOWS\system32>wsl -l -v
  NAME            STATE           VERSION
* Ubuntu-20.04    Stopped         1

C:\WINDOWS\system32>wsl --set-default-version 2
For information on key differences with WSL 2 please visit https://aka.ms/wsl2

Even after reboot wsl is running version 1.

'wsl --set-default-version 2' will only set new installations after this command to use wsl 2. What you want is to convert current distro aka Ubuntu-20.04 from wsl 1 to wsl 2 by this command:

wsl --set-version Ubuntu-20.04 2

[ratnesh-gupta]

Thanks @DogtorDoggo . This works for me.

[luispaulopinto]

I was facing the same issue and this link helped me:

https://ubuntu.com/blog/ubuntu-on-wsl-2-is-generally-available

Basically:

Open Powershell:

1. wsl.exe --set-version Ubuntu 2
2. wsl.exe --set-default-version 2

[LoneRegister]

Looks like the wsl --set-version Ubuntu 2 is convering my 18 up to wsl 2.

Thanks.