> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://itsfoss.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Backup and Restore WSL Distributions - URL: https://itsfoss.com/wsl-backup-restore/ - Published: 2024-07-03T08:57:46.000Z - Updated: 2025-02-05T10:59:55.000Z - Description: Learn about taking backup of the Linux system in WSL and restoring it later. - Author: Sreenath - Tags: Using WSL When you are exploring Linux, sometimes you make changes that have unintended consequences. You may reinstall Linux easily with WSL, but you'll lose the existing data and configuration you had on it. Thankfully, WSL allows you to export your Linux distro as a tar file and import it later. This is equivalent to a backup and restore feature. Let's see how it is done. ## Export a WSL Linux distribution In WSL, you have the option to export a distribution to a TAR file, along with the configurations and settings intact. First, list all the installed WSL distributions on your system using: ``` wsl -l -v ``` ![](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/2024/04/list-installed-distributions-using-powershell-or-terminal-1.webp) As you can see, I have an Ubuntu distribution installed, Ubuntu. You should note the name of the distribution that you want to export. It should be case-sensitive and exact. Here, I am going to take a backup of Ubuntu. ### Step 1: Create a folder for backups and open a terminal there It will be convenient if you have a dedicated folder to save all the backups. It is not necessary, but can be beneficial. I have created a folder on D: called `WSL_backups`. ![Open a terminal inside the backup directory](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/2024/04/open-a-terminal-in-backup-folder-2.png) Open terminal Now, go inside that folder and right-click on a blank space. Select “Open in Terminal” to open a terminal on that directory. ### Step 2: Create the backup Once you are in a terminal, run the command: ``` wsl --export Ubuntu Ubuntu.tar ``` This will create a backup of the specified Linux distribution. ![Take a bacup of Ubuntu by exporting it to a tar file using the --export option](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/2024/04/take-a-backup-of-ubuntu.png) Take a backup The general syntax is: ``` wsl --export ``` Where, the `distribution_name` should be the same as the output of the `wsl -l -v` command. If you open that location, you can see that a backup is created, with \~2 GB space. ## Import WSL distribution Now, it's time to import the distribution. Before moving to it, you should make sure that the distribution you are trying to import is completely uninstalled from your system. For this, use the command: ``` wsl -l -v ``` ![There is no installed distribution](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/2024/04/no-installed-distribution.png) No installed distribution 🚧 Do not proceed if the distribution is not uninstalled. ### Step 1: Create an installation folder Similar to the backup, it is wise to create a proper place for all the imported distributions. Now, open a terminal in the location where you have created the backup file. In my case, it is the `WSL_backups` folder. ![Open a terminal inside the backup directory](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/2024/04/open-a-terminal-in-backup-folder-3.png) Open terminal ### Step 2: Import the distribution Inside the terminal, run the command, ``` wsl --import ``` In my case, I have created a folder on my D Drive called the `D:\wsl-installations\Ubuntu` folder. So, the command will be: ``` wsl --import Ubuntu 'D:\wsl-installations\Ubuntu\' .\Ubuntu.tar ``` ![Import a Linux distriution in WSL](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/2024/04/import-a-distribution.png) Import a distribution I have used `.\Ubuntu.tar` as the file name because I am running the `wsl` command from the directory where the `Ubuntu.tar` backup file is stored (WSL-backups folder for me). You have successfully imported the distribution! To check, use the command `wsl -l -v`. ### Step 3: Open the imported distribution Once you have imported the distribution, you may not find it in the start menu to open it easily. So, to enter into it open a terminal and use the command: ``` wsl -d OR wsl -d Ubuntu ``` This will open the distribution as root user. ![Opening an imported distribtion will open it as a root user](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/2024/04/whoami-root-user.png) Open as root user If you want to log in as the default user created during installation, either use the command inside the distribution: ``` su ``` Or, open the WSL distribution with specified user: ``` wsl -d -u OR wsl -d Ubuntu -u team ``` ### Step 4: Set default user To log in to the default user each time you open the distribution, you need to edit a configuration file. So, inside the distribution, that is logged in as root, edit the `/etc/wsl.conf` file. ``` nano /etc/wsl.conf ``` If you have logged in as a normal user, you need to use `sudo` to edit the file. i.e. ``` sudo nano /etc/wsl.conf ``` Inside this file, add the following line: ``` [user] default = ``` Fill the `` with the one you have to log in, that is already on that system. ![Edit the WSL config file to change the defaut user](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/2024/04/default-username-in-wsl-conf.png) Change user from root Once edited, save and exit nano by pressing `CTRL + x`. Confirm using `y` and press enter. Now, terminate the system. You can do this from a new Windows terminal: ``` wsl --terminate Ubuntu ``` Or, from within that distribution: ``` wsl.exe --terminate Ubuntu ``` Thereafter, reopen the distribution using: ``` wsl ~ -d Ubuntu ``` This will open Ubuntu with the username you have provided. 💡 The command `wsl ~` will open the home directory of the default user, instead of the current Windows directory mounted automatically. ## Wrapping up That's it! You have successfully backed up and restored a WSL distribution. As specified in the above article, backup does consume additional space on your disk. While you may not back up all the systems you have installed, it is advised to take a backup for those that contain critical data.