How to Set Up VS Code with WSL 2 on Windows 10/11: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

Hey readers! Welcome to our in-depth guide on setting up Visual Studio Code (VS Code) with Windows Subsystem for Linux 2 (WSL 2) on Windows 10 or 11. This powerful combination allows you to run Linux environments seamlessly within your Windows operating system, providing a rich development experience.

In this beginner-friendly guide, we’ll walk you through the entire process step-by-step, from enabling WSL 2 to configuring VS Code. Whether you’re a seasoned developer or just starting out, we’ve got you covered. So, grab a cup of your favorite beverage and let’s dive in!

Section 1: Enabling Windows Subsystem for Linux 2

Step 1: Check System Requirements

Before you proceed, make sure your system meets the following requirements:

• Windows 10 version 1903 or higher (Windows 10 May 2019 Update)
• Windows 11 version 22000 or higher (Windows 11 November 2021 Update)
• A 64-bit x64 processor with virtualization capabilities enabled in BIOS

Step 2: Enable WSL 2

1. Open the Windows Settings by pressing Windows key + I.
2. Go to Apps > Optional features.
3. Find Windows Subsystem for Linux, and if it’s not installed, click Install.
4. Once installed, click Restart now to reboot your system and activate WSL 2.

Section 2: Installing and Configuring VS Code

Step 1: Install VS Code

1. Visit the official VS Code website and download the latest version for Windows.
2. Run the setup wizard and follow the on-screen instructions.
3. Once installed, launch VS Code.

Step 2: Install the WSL Extension

1. Open the VS Code Extensions panel (View > Extensions).
2. Search for Remote – WSL and click Install.
3. Restart VS Code once the installation is complete.

Step 3: Configure VS Code for WSL

1. Open the Command Palette (Ctrl + Shift + P) and type Remote-WSL: New Window.
2. Select your preferred Linux distribution from the list.
3. A new VS Code window will open in a remote WSL environment.

Section 3: Tips and Troubleshooting

Enhancing Performance

• Increase the WSL memory limit to allocate more memory to your WSL environment.
• Install the WSLg extension for improved graphics performance (only available on Windows 11).

Common Issues

• If you encounter issues connecting to your WSL environment, check the WSL logs using the command wsl –status.
• Reset your WSL distribution using the command wsl –shutdown followed by wsl –unregister and wsl –register, and then restart VS Code.

Section 4: Comparison Table

Feature	WSL 1	WSL 2
Kernel	Linux kernel 4.19	Linux kernel 5.x+
Architecture	32-bit or 64-bit	64-bit only
File system	NTFS	Ext4, NTFS-3G
Networking	Separate network interface	Shared network interface with Windows
Performance	Slower, less efficient	Faster, more efficient

Section 5: Conclusion

Congratulations, readers! You’ve successfully set up VS Code with WSL 2. This powerful combination provides a flexible and efficient development environment that combines the strength of Linux with the convenience of Windows.

We hope this guide has helped you navigate the setup process seamlessly. If you have any further questions or need additional guidance, check out our other articles for more in-depth tutorials and troubleshooting tips. Happy coding!

FAQ about how to set up VS Code with WSL 2 on Windows 10/11

1. What is WSL 2 (Windows Subsystem for Linux 2)?

WSL 2 is a virtual environment that allows you to run Linux natively on Windows, without the need for a virtual machine. This provides better performance and integration than the original WSL.

2. What are the benefits of using WSL 2 with VS Code?

• Access to a full Linux environment within Windows
• Improved performance for development tasks
• Seamless integration with VS Code’s terminal, file system, and debugging tools
• Support for graphical Linux applications (with GUI support in WSL 2)

3. What are the system requirements for WSL 2?

• Windows 10 version 2004 (May 2020 Update) or later
• Windows 11
• Hardware virtualization enabled in BIOS
• A supported kernel version (for example, Linux kernel version 4.19.121 or 5.10.102.1)

4. How do I enable and install WSL 2?

1. Open Command Prompt or Windows Terminal as an administrator.
2. Run the command: wsl --install
3. Reboot your computer when prompted.
4. Install your preferred Linux distribution from the Microsoft Store or using the wsl --install -d <distribution> command.

5. How do I install VS Code?

Download and install VS Code from the official website: https://code.visualstudio.com/

6. How do I set up WSL 2 as a remote development environment in VS Code?

1. Open VS Code and press Ctrl + Shift + P to open the Command Palette.
2. Type "Remote-WSL: Select Distribution" and select your installed WSL 2 distribution.
3. Select "Remote-WSL: New Window".

7. How do I access files from the WSL 2 environment in VS Code?

Files from the WSL 2 environment are accessible within VS Code’s file explorer in the remote tab.

8. How do I use the WSL 2 terminal in VS Code?

The VS Code terminal automatically uses the WSL 2 environment. You can open the terminal by pressing Ctrl + or selecting the terminal icon in the bottom toolbar.

9. How do I debug applications in the WSL 2 environment?

To debug applications in the WSL 2 environment, you need to install the "WSL Debugging" extension in VS Code. With this extension, you can set breakpoints, step through code, and inspect variables within the WSL 2 terminal.

10. What are some common issues when using WSL 2 with VS Code?

• Empty terminal: Ensure that the WSL 2 distribution is running. You can check this by running wsl -l in Command Prompt or Windows Terminal.
• Permission errors: Grant access to WSL 2 by adding your user to the "wsl" group. Run the command sudo usermod -aG wsl ${USER} in the WSL 2 terminal.
• Slow performance: Optimize WSL 2 performance by increasing the virtual hard disk space or using an SSD. You can change the size using the command wsl --set-disk-size <distribution> <size_in_GB>.