Check whether WSL 2 is already installed and, if not, install it with a single command (wsl --install --no-distribution).
If you are not using WSL, you can jump straight to the Setup Packages page.
This is step 1 of 3 in setting up your development environment: System Requirements (this page) → Install AlmaLinux 10 → Setup Packages.
All commands on this page are executed in
Windows Terminal, on your Windows host - not inside AlmaLinux 10.
Before installing WSL 2, make sure your machine meets the following:
Intel VT-x, AMD-V, or SVM Mode).For the full, up-to-date list, see Microsoft's prerequisites documentation.
Open Windows Terminal and execute the following command:
wsl --versionIf the command is recognized, the output should look similar to this (your version numbers will likely differ):
WSL version: 2.2.4.0
Kernel version: 5.15.153.1-2
WSLg version: 1.0.61
MSRDC version: 1.2.5326
Direct3D version: 1.611.1-81528511
DXCore version: 10.0.26091.1-240325-1447.ge-release
Windows version: 10.0.22631.3737This means you already have a modern WSL 2 install, and you can proceed directly to install AlmaLinux 10.
If instead the command is not recognized (an error instead of the output above), your system has only the older, inbox WSL component, which predates the --version flag entirely - continue with the section below to install the modern version.
Run the below command to install WSL 2 without a default Linux distribution (you'll install AlmaLinux 10 specifically on the next page, so there's no need for a default one here):
wsl --install --no-distributionThis single command enables the required Windows features (Virtual Machine Platform and Windows Subsystem for Linux), downloads and installs the WSL 2 kernel, and sets WSL 2 as the default version.
Restart your computer if prompted.
Once restarted, confirm the install by running wsl --version again (see Check your WSL version above), then continue to Install AlmaLinux 10.
If wsl --install is blocked or unavailable on your machine (for example, a locked-down corporate device where automatic feature-enabling is disabled by policy), you can enable the required Windows features manually instead.
Open the Run prompt by pressing Win + r, type OptionalFeatures in the dialog and press Enter.
This will open a window where you can turn Windows features on/off.
Make sure that the below features are activated (checked):
Virtual Machine PlatformWindows Subsystem for LinuxIf any of the above features are missing, then first you need to install them manually using this guide and then continue with the below steps.
Click Ok and restart your computer.
Open Microsoft Store, search for Windows Subsystem for Linux and install it.
Make sure that version 2 of WSL is set as default by executing the below command in Windows Terminal:
wsl --set-default-version 2Run wsl --version again to confirm the modern component is now in place, then continue to Install AlmaLinux 10.
Q: What if wsl --version isn't recognized at all?
A: That means you only have the legacy, inbox WSL component, which predates this flag - it errors instead of printing a version number. Follow Install WSL 2 above; running wsl --install --no-distribution upgrades you to the modern version.
Q: What if wsl --install fails or is blocked by policy?
A: Use the manual installation steps above instead.
Q: What if the OptionalFeatures dialog doesn't show all required features?
A: Install them manually first using Microsoft's manual install guide, then continue with the steps above.
Q: Do I need to restart my computer after enabling the Windows features?
A: Yes, a restart is required after clicking Ok in the OptionalFeatures dialog (or after wsl --install --no-distribution prompts for one) for the feature changes to take effect.
Q: What if my machine doesn't meet the minimum requirements for WSL 2?
A: Double-check the minimum requirements above, in particular that hardware virtualization is enabled in your BIOS/UEFI - this is the most common blocker. If you're still unsure, consult Microsoft's prerequisites documentation.