On Windows 11, it’s possible to uninstall the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL), but it requires multiple in-order steps. Although Microsoft has streamlined the installation of WSL2 with a single command or using the Microsoft Store, removing the platform is not as simple as clicking the “Uninstall” button from the “Apps & features” settings page.

If you want to uninstall WSL from your computer completely, you want to make sure first to remove the Linux distros, followed by uninstalling additional components and then disabling the platform.

Although the ability to run Linux on Windows 11 is a useful feature for developers and users who need access to both platforms, it might come a time when you no longer need the platform or may need to reset it to fix problems.

Whatever the reason, you can permanently remove WSL2 by uninstalling all the components in order.

In this guide, you will learn the steps to remove the Windows Subsystem for Linux platform on Windows 11. 

Uninstall WSL on Windows 11

To uninstall the Windows Subsystem for Linux from Windows 11, you first want to remove the distros, kernel update, and the remaining components.

Remove Linux distros

To uninstall a distro of Linux from WSL on Windows 11, use these steps:

  • Open Settings on Windows 11.
  • Click on Apps.
  • Click the Installed apps page on the right side.
  • Quick note: In version 21H2, the page was referred to as Apps & features.
  • Select the Linux distribution and click the Uninstall button.
  • Click the Uninstall button again.

Once you complete the steps, repeat the steps to remove any remaining distro as necessary.

Open Settings on Windows 11.

Click on Apps.

Click the Installed apps page on the right side.

Select the Linux distribution and click the Uninstall button.

Click the Uninstall button again.

Remove Windows Subsystem for Linux components

To uninstall the WSL Linux kernel and GUI components on Windows 11, use these steps:

  • Open Settings.
  • Click on Apps.
  • Click the Installed apps page on the right side.
  • Select the Windows Subsystem for Linux item.
  • Click the menu (three-dotted) button on the right and the Uninstall button.

After you complete the steps, you can uninstall the platform from Windows 11.

Open Settings.

Click the Installed apps page on the right side.

Select the Windows Subsystem for Linux item.

Click the menu (three-dotted) button on the right and the Uninstall button.

Remove WSL from Windows 11

To uninstall the Windows Subsystem for Linux components from Windows 11, use these steps:

  • Open Settings.
  • Click on Apps.
  • Click the Optional features page on the right side.
  • Under the “Related settings” section, click the More Windows features option.
  • Clear the Virtual Machine Platform option.
  • Clear the “Windows Subsystem for Linux” option.
  • Click the OK button.
  • Click the Restart now button.

Once you complete the steps, the Windows Subsystem for Linux will be completely removed from Windows 11. 

Click the Optional features page on the right side.

Under the “Related settings” section, click the More Windows features option.

Clear the Virtual Machine Platform option.

Clear the “Windows Subsystem for Linux” option.

Click the OK button.

Click the Restart now button.

If you change your mind, you can always set up the environment again with these instructions.