How to Connect VS Code with WSL (Step-by-Step Developer Guide)

Introduction

If you are a developer working on Windows but deploying projects on Linux servers, connecting VS Code with WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux) is one of the smartest setups you can use.

This guide explains what WSL is, why it matters, and how to connect Visual Studio Code to WSL in simple steps.

What is WSL?

WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux) allows you to run a real Linux environment directly inside Windows without using a virtual machine.

It enables developers to:

• Use Linux commands (bash, apt, grep, etc.)

• Install backend tools like Node.js, Redis, Docker

• Work in a production-like Linux environment

What is VS Code WSL Integration?

VS Code WSL integration allows:

• VS Code UI to run on Windows

• Your project files and terminal to run inside Linux (WSL)

This creates a powerful hybrid environment:

• Windows for interface

• Linux for development

Why Connect VS Code with WSL?

Benefits:

• Faster backend development

• Better compatibility with Linux servers

• Smooth Docker support

• Clean separation from Windows filesystem

• Ideal for MERN, Node.js, Python, DevOps workflows

Requirements Before Setup

Make sure you have:

• Windows 10 or 11

• WSL installed (preferably WSL 2)

• Ubuntu (or any Linux distro)

• Visual Studio Code installed

Check WSL version:

wsl --list --verbose

Step-by-Step: Connect VS Code with WSL

Step 1: Install WSL

Open PowerShell (Admin):

wsl --install

Restart your system.

Step 2: Install VS Code

Download and install VS Code from the official website.

Step 3: Install WSL Extension in VS Code

• Open VS Code

• Go to Extensions (Ctrl + Shift + X)

• Search: WSL

• Install WSL – Windows Subsystem for Linux (by Microsoft)

Step 4: Open VS Code from WSL

Open Ubuntu terminal:

VS Code will now open connected to WSL.

You will see:
WSL: Ubuntu in the bottom-left corner.

Best Practice for Developers

Always create projects inside:

/home/username/

Avoid working in:

C:\Users\

Reason: File performance is significantly better inside WSL.

Common Issues and Fix

If apt install shows “Unable to locate package”, run:

sudo apt update

Then install again.

When Should You Use WSL with VS Code?

Use it if you:

• Build backend APIs

• Use Docker

• Work with databases

• Deploy on Linux servers

• Want production-like development