What is WSL?

WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux) is a Windows operating system feature that allows a user—usually a developer—to run Linux systems on Windows. 

Why Do I Need WSL Enabled For Container Workloads?

The container workloads provided by Salad clients need Linux compatibility in order to run. WSL provides compatibility for Chefs with Windows operating systems. 

How Do I Enable WSL?

If virtualization is enabled on your PC, the Salad App will automatically handle the installation of WSL when you set up container workloads. Here’s how that works:

1. When you and your PC are eligible, you will receive a notification in the Salad App widget saying that your PC is ready to set up container workloads. 
2. Clicking “Setup” in the notification will take you to the Salad App settings. Click “Set up Container Workloads” in the settings. This process may take a few minutes.
3. Once the setup is complete, you will need to reboot your PC. On the restart, your PC will say “Updates are underway. Please keep your computer on” and “Customizing features for you”. These notifications are normal, so don’t turn off your computer during this process.

 When you’ve rebooted, you’re ready to Chop container workloads.

Enabling WSL Manually

In the extremely rare case that the Salad App fails to enable WSL automatically, you can do it yourself by following these steps:

1. Press the “Windows” key and type “cmd”.
2. Click “Run as administrator” and select “Yes” when prompted with “Do you want to allow this app to make changes to your device?”
3. In the command prompt window, type wsl --install 
4. Restart your PC.

Once you’ve rebooted, and if the installation proceeds without error, you have successfully enabled WSL on your PC. If you have any more problems going through these setup steps, head to our support page and drop us a line.

Salad Enterprise Linux

When WSL is installed on your PC, you might see a resource in your Windows Explorer side bar called “Salad Enterprise Linux”. This is where container workloads live and you will be unable to access it (containers will be unable to access the rest of your PC). It is completely harmless.

Updating Your Windows OS

Even if you opt-in to container workloads, your operating system software may be too old to run container workloads. Updating to the latest Windows 10 or 11 can solve this issue. Check for available updates in your PC settings to see if your system is eligible for an operating system update.