Run Multiple Instances of the Same Linux Distro on WSL
How to Simplify Your Development Environments in Windows 10/11 by using Multiple Instances of the Same Linux Distribution on Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL).
UPDATED ON NOVEMBER 2022 WITH UP-TO-DATE INSTRUCTIONS.
Running Linux on Windows 10/11 via WSL is great, which allows you to fully utilize all the development and system tools available on Linux. Like everything in life, your enthusiasm for the new tools will catch up to you. Installing different tools and configuring your Linux environment to run these tools will result in an unstable Linux environment that will impact your day-to-day productivity.
You can alleviate the eventual degradation of your Linux environment by installing and running different Linux distros from Microsoft Store (for example, you can run Ubuntu, Ubuntu 18.04 LTS, Ubuntu 20.04 LTS, Ubuntu 22.04 LTS, Kali Linux, and Debian at the same time), but you will find that some tools work differently in different Linux distro/version.
The solution is to run multiple instances of the same Linux Distro/Version on WSL. This article will provide step-by-step instructions on running multiple instances of the same Linux Distribution/Version on WSL.
Step-by-Step Instructions (Windows 11)
1. Reset Linux Distro on WSL
The first step is to create a baseline of your Linux distro/version. This is needed so you can have a fresh start when your Linux environment becomes unstable.
Step 1.1: Open “Settings”
Step 1.2: Click on “Apps”
Step 1.3: Click on “Installed Apps”
Step 1.4: Select Linux Distro Name — e.g., Ubuntu 22.04.1 LTS
Step 1.5: Click on the “Advanced Options” link
Step 1.6: Click on the “Reset” button to reset your Linux Distro (e.g., Ubuntu 22.04.1 LTS) to the initial install state. Please note that everything will be deleted.
Step 1.7: When the reset is completed, start your Linux Distro (e.g., Ubuntu 22.04.1 LTS) then set up your Linux…
