I can't uninstall WSL from windows 11

Question

I followed several tutorials, I already deleted Ubuntu and Windows subsystem for Linux from the add and remove programs section. But the problem comes when trying to deactivate it from Windows Features, I uncheck it and when I click OK it stays loading (I waited two days and it kept loading) More precisely, it stays at “looking for necessary files.”

Answer 1

The Linux Icon is there because Windows Subsystem for Linux is still active.

First you make sure everything is deleted:

Run those cmds:

1. wsl --unregister Ubuntu
2. wsl --uninstall

When the Linux Path is empty deactivate WSL. To do that you've to go to: "Turn Windows features on and off" and deactivate WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux"

Now everything is gone.

~Luschtige

Answer 2

Hi walter david mendoza weber

Welcome to the Microsoft Community, glad to help you. Realized that you can't uninstall WSL from Windows 11.It is recommended that you try the following:

1.Use the PowerShell command:

Open PowerShell (as administrator) and run the following command to disable WSL: Disable-WindowsOptionalFeature -Online -FeatureName Microsoft-Windows-Subsystem-Linux

2.Clean up the residual files related to WSL:

Check the C:\Users<YourUsername>\AppData\Local\Packages directory for any WSL-related folders, and delete them if there are any.

Check if there are any folders related to WSL or Ubuntu in the C:\Program Files\ directory, if so, delete them.

3.Use the command line tool DISM:

Open a command prompt (as administrator) and run the following command: dism /online /disable-feature /featurename:Microsoft-Windows-Subsystem-Linux /norestart

After running, restart your computer.

4.Check the integrity of the system files:

Sometimes corrupted system files may prevent uninstalling the feature. Open a command prompt (as administrator) and run the following command to check and repair the system files: sfc /scannow Then try to uninstall WSL again.

5.Uninstall in Safe Mode:

Sometimes, starting Windows in Safe Mode can solve some problems. Restart your computer, then hold down the "Shift" key during startup and click "Restart" to access advanced startup options. Select Troubleshooting > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Reboot and then on the Startup Settings screen and select "Enable Safe Mode". In Safe Mode, try uninstalling WSL again.

I look forward to hearing from you and sharing more information.

Zoro-MSFT | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

Answer 3

Same with my system. What did i do wrong?

Answer 4

WSL doesnt show up in there. It also doesnt show up in apps and features and its also already disabled in windows features, Yet it still shows up in start menu, Can be opened and interacted with but not uninstalled. Same goes for the Linux icon on my desktop and in the file explorer. This is incredibly annoying and I cant get rid of it

Answer 5

This last part was the only thing bothering me. Thanks.