Where to Find WSL Configuration in Windows Registry

The Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) stores its per-user configuration data, installed distribution metadata, and runtime settings directly within the Windows Registry under the Lxss registry key in HKEY_CURRENT_USER. This article explains the exact registry path where WSL configurations reside, breaks down the key data stored in each entry, and details how Windows manages installed Linux distributions through the registry.

The WSL Registry Path

You can find all registered WSL distributions and user configurations at the following path in the Registry Editor (regedit):

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Lxss

Structure of the Lxss Registry Key

Under the main Lxss key, Windows manages the global defaults and individual settings for every installed Linux distribution.

1. Root Key Values (\Lxss)

The base Lxss folder contains settings that apply across your WSL environment:

• DefaultDistribution: A string (REG_SZ) containing the Unique Identifier (GUID) of the default Linux distribution launched when running the wsl command without parameters.

2. Distribution Subkeys (\Lxss\{GUID})

Each installed WSL distribution is assigned a unique GUID subfolder (for example, {a1b2c3d4-e5f6-7890-abcd-ef1234567890}). Inside each subkey, you will find the following key values:

• DistributionName: The user-friendly name of the distribution (e.g., Ubuntu, Debian, docker-desktop).
• BasePath: The absolute file path to the distribution’s storage location, where the virtual hard disk (ext4.vhdx) or root filesystem is stored.
• DefaultUid: The user ID loaded by default upon launch. 0x0 (0) corresponds to the root user, while 0x3e8 (1000) corresponds to the standard default user account.
• Flags: A bitmask value controlling distribution behaviors, such as Windows interoperability, appending the Windows PATH variable, and automatic drive mounting.
• Version: Indicates whether the distribution runs on WSL 1 or WSL 2.
• State: An internal state code used by the subsystem to manage initialization and execution status.

How to Access and View the WSL Registry

1. Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type regedit and press Enter to launch the Registry Editor.
3. Paste HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Lxss into the address bar at the top and press Enter.
4. Click on any of the GUID folders beneath Lxss to inspect the settings for each specific installed distribution.