Fixing Funny Display Issues in WSL: Troubleshooting GUI Linux Apps

Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) is a compatibility layer that enables you to run Linux applications directly on your Windows computer without the need for a virtual machine or dual-boot setup. It provides a seamless integration of Linux and Windows, allowing you to use your favorite Linux tools and applications alongside your Windows applications.

However, sometimes you may encounter funny display issues when running GUI Linux apps in WSL. These issues can range from graphical glitches to applications not launching at all. In this article, we will explore some common display issues in WSL and provide troubleshooting steps to fix them.

1. Ensure You Have a Compatible WSL Version

Before diving into troubleshooting, it's important to ensure that you have a compatible version of WSL installed on your system. As of now, WSL2 is the recommended version for running GUI Linux apps in WSL. To check your WSL version, open a PowerShell or Command Prompt window and run the following command:

If you see "WSL 2" under the "VERSION" column for your installed Linux distribution, you have WSL2 installed. If not, you can follow the official Microsoft documentation to upgrade to WSL2.

2. Update Your Graphics Drivers

Outdated or incompatible graphics drivers can often cause display issues in WSL. To ensure you have the latest drivers installed, follow these steps:

1. Open the Device Manager by right-clicking on the Start button and selecting "Device Manager".
2. Expand the "Display adapters" category.
3. Right-click on your graphics card and select "Update driver".
4. Choose the option to search automatically for updated driver software.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the driver update process.

Once the driver update is complete, restart your computer and check if the display issues in WSL have been resolved.

3. Adjust Your Display Scaling Settings

WSL may not handle display scaling correctly, resulting in blurry or improperly sized GUI elements. To adjust your display scaling settings, follow these steps:

1. Right-click on the desktop and select "Display settings".
2. Scroll down to the "Scale and layout" section.
3. Adjust the "Change the size of text, apps, and other items" slider to your preferred scaling level.
4. Click on "Apply" and then restart your computer.

After the restart, launch your Linux app in WSL and check if the display issues have been resolved.

4. Enable Virtual Machine Platform Feature

WSL relies on the Virtual Machine Platform feature in Windows to provide a Linux kernel-compatible interface. If this feature is not enabled, you may experience display issues. To enable it, follow these steps:

1. Open PowerShell as an administrator.
2. Run the following command to enable the Virtual Machine Platform feature:

Replace with the name of your installed Linux distribution.

3. Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

After the restart, launch your Linux app in WSL and check if the display issues have been resolved.

5. Try a Different Linux Distribution

If you are still experiencing display issues, it's worth trying a different Linux distribution in WSL. Some distributions may have better compatibility and display support than others. You can easily install additional Linux distributions from the Microsoft Store or by using the wsl --install command.

After installing a different Linux distribution, launch your Linux app in WSL and check if the display issues persist.

By following these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to fix most funny display issues in WSL when running GUI Linux apps. If the issues persist, you may consider seeking further assistance from the official WSL documentation or community forums.

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