Reset X Window Layout in WSL2 on Windows 10: Tech Support Guide
If you use WSL2 extensively and have experienced issues with your X window layout after your computer monitor goes to sleep, this guide will help you reset the X window layout in WSL2 on Windows 10.
What is WSL2?
Windows Subsystem for Linux version 2 (WSL2) is a compatibility layer for running Linux binary executables natively on Windows 10 and Windows Server 2019. WSL2 uses a real Linux kernel to provide its functionality, which makes it faster and more efficient than its predecessor, WSL.
Why Does the X Window Layout Get Messed Up?
When your computer monitor goes to sleep, the X window server may lose its connection to the display, causing the layout to get messed up. This can result in half-rendered or off-screen windows that you can't move or interact with.
How to Reset the X Window Layout in WSL2
To reset the X window layout in WSL2, follow these steps:
- Close any open X window applications in WSL2.
- Stop the X window server by running the following command in the WSL2 terminal:
```bash
$ sudo /etc/init.d/xrdp stop
```
- Restart the X window server by running the following command in the WSL2 terminal:
```bash
$ sudo /etc/init.d/xrdp start
```
- Reopen any X window applications in WSL2. The layout should now be reset.
Tips to Prevent the X Window Layout from Getting Messed Up
To prevent the X window layout from getting messed up in the future, you can try the following tips:
- Disable the computer monitor from going to sleep.
- Use a different X window server that is more stable and less prone to connection issues.
- Use a different terminal emulator that is more compatible with WSL2 and X window applications.
References
- Microsoft. (2021). Windows Subsystem for Linux overview. https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wsl/about
- Microsoft. (2021). WSL2 architecture. https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wsl/wsl2-architecture
- Microsoft. (2021). XRDP for WSL2. https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wsl/tutorials/wsl-remote#xrdp-for-wsl2
- Stack Overflow. (2021). WSL2: X server stops working after screen lock. https://stackoverflow.com/questions/62511729/wsl2-x-server-stops-working-after-screen-lock
- Reddit. (2021). WSL2 X server issues. https://www.reddit.com/r/bashonubuntuonwindows/comments/j3w9qf/wsl2_x_server_issues/
Note: This article is intended for informational purposes only. The author and publisher are not responsible for any damage or loss caused by following the instructions in this article. Always make sure to back up your data and use caution when modifying system settings.