How to Transfer WSL to Another Machine

How to Transfer WSL to Another Machine

hebobibun
hebobibun
linux

Introduction

Are you switching to a new computer and worried about the painstaking process of setting up your Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) all over again? Fear not! In this article, we’ll guide you through the simple steps to transfer WSL environment to another machine without breaking a sweat. Say goodbye to the hassle, and let’s get started.

Before diving into the transfer process, it’s always a good idea to back up your WSL distro, just in case anything goes wrong. To do this, open a PowerShell terminal with administrator privileges and run the following command:

wsl --export <DistroName> <BackupFileName>.tar

Replace with the name of your WSL distro (usually “Ubuntu” or similar) and with the name you want for your backup file.

Step 2: Install WSL on the New Machine

If your new machine doesn’t have WSL installed, you’ll need to enable it. Follow these steps:

  1. Open PowerShell with administrator privileges.
  2. Run this command to enable the WSL feature:
wsl --install
  1. When the installation process is complete, follow any on-screen prompts to restart your computer.

Step 3: Transfer the Backup (If You Created One)

If you created a backup in Step 1, transfer it to your new machine using your preferred method (e.g., USB drive, cloud storage, or network transfer).

Step 4: Import Your WSL Distro

On your new machine, open PowerShell with administrator privileges, and import your WSL distro using the following command:

wsl --import <DistroName> <InstallLocation> <BackupFileName>.tar
  • DistroName : The name of your WSL distro (same as in Step 1).
  • InstallLocation : Choose the directory where you want to install your WSL distro on the new machine.
  • BackupFileName.tar : If you created a backup, specify the path to the backup file.

Step 5: Set Up Your WSL Distro

Now that your WSL distro is imported, launch it and complete the initial setup, including creating a user account and setting a password.

Step 6: Verify Your WSL Environment

Open a new terminal window and test your WSL environment to ensure everything is working as expected. Install any additional packages or configurations you need for your development or work environment.

Conclusion

Transferring your WSL environment to another machine is a breeze when you follow these straightforward steps. Whether you’re upgrading your hardware or setting up a new computer, you can quickly get back to your coding and projects without the hassle of starting from scratch. Happy WSL-ing!

#wsl