How to Access WSL Files From Windows

Q: Where are files under /mnt/c located in Windows?

With the default Windows drive mount, files under /mnt/c are already Windows files at the corresponding C:\ path. For example, /mnt/c/Users/ /Downloads/ corresponds to that Windows user’s Downloads folder. Adjust the path if your automount settings were customized.

Q: Can you list Linux files directly from PowerShell?

Run wsl -d -- ls -la /home to list the contents of /home in the named distribution. To read a text file, use wsl -d -- cat /home/ /file.txt, substituting your actual distribution name and file path.

Q: Can you save all of a distribution’s files in a Windows archive?

In PowerShell, run wsl --export C:\Backups\distro.tar, using your actual distribution name and an existing destination directory. This creates a snapshot containing the distribution’s files for backup or transfer, rather than providing live access.

On Windows 11, access WSL files from Windows by pressing Windows + E, entering \\wsl.localhost\ in File Explorer’s address bar, and pressing Enter. Open your Linux distribution, then open home and the folder named for your Linux username. This works with an installed WSL 1 or WSL 2 distribution.

You can also open a Linux folder from a WSL terminal, copy files into Windows, or save a folder for repeat access. On Windows 10 version 1903 and later, use \\wsl$\ in File Explorer’s address bar instead.

The short version

Open in Explorer: Enter \\wsl.localhost\ on Windows 11 and open your distribution.
Find personal files: Open home, then the folder named for your Linux username.
Start from a terminal: Run explorer.exe . inside WSL to open the current folder in File Explorer.
Copy to Windows: Select a file, press Ctrl + C, open a Windows folder, and press Ctrl + V.

Method	Best use	Requirement or catch
Explorer address bar	Browse your Linux files	An installed WSL distribution, running if you use `\\wsl$\`
Linux navigation entry	Browse without typing a path	Use the address bar if the entry is missing or empty
Explorer command from WSL	Open your current Linux folder	Windows process launching must be enabled
PowerShell command from WSL	Open your current folder through PowerShell	Windows process launching must be enabled
Windows applications	Open, edit, or copy individual files	The app must support the file type and UNC path
Quick access pin	Return to a frequently used folder	The distribution must be accessible
Mapped drive	Access a WSL location by drive letter	Reconnection depends on distribution availability
VS Code WSL extension	Open a Linux project in an editor	Windows VS Code and Microsoft’s WSL extension

Open your Linux home folder in File Explorer

On Windows 11, enter \\wsl.localhost\ in File Explorer’s address bar, then press Enter. Open the distribution containing your files, followed by home and your Linux username folder. Windows 11 can start the distribution automatically when you access it through this address.

To go straight to your home folder, enter \\wsl.localhost\<DistroName>\home\<LinuxUser> instead. Replace <DistroName> and <LinuxUser> with your distribution name and Linux username.

On Windows 10 version 1903 and later, enter \\wsl$\ in File Explorer’s address bar and open the same folders. You can also enter \\wsl$\<DistroName>\home\<LinuxUser> directly. The \\wsl$\ route also works on Windows 11. This address only works while the distribution is running, so start it first with wsl -d <DistroName> if needed.

Use the Linux entry in File Explorer

Select Linux in File Explorer’s left navigation pane, then open your distribution. Open home and your Linux username folder to reach your personal files.

The Linux entry’s visibility can vary with the WSL installation state. If it is missing or empty, enter \\wsl.localhost\ in the address bar on Windows 11, or use \\wsl$\ on Windows 10 version 1903 and later.

Open a folder from the WSL terminal

Open your distribution from Start or a WSL terminal profile. To switch to your Linux home folder, run this command:

cd ~

For a different folder, use cd /path/to/folder with the actual Linux path. Once you are in the folder you want, run the following command, including the final period:

explorer.exe .

File Explorer opens the current WSL directory. This method works with WSL 1 and WSL 2 on Windows 11 and Windows 10 version 1903 or later, provided launching Windows processes from WSL is enabled.

PowerShell provides another way to open the current directory when Windows process launching is enabled. From inside the desired WSL folder, run this command, again including the final period:

powershell.exe /c start .

Open and copy files with Windows apps

Browse to your file through \\wsl.localhost\<DistroName> on Windows 11 or \\wsl$\<DistroName> on either supported Windows version, then open it with a compatible Windows application. Apps that accept UNC network paths can also use the WSL path in their file-opening dialog. The app must support both the file type and that location.

To copy a file into Windows, select it in File Explorer and press Ctrl + C. Open your destination folder in Windows, then press Ctrl + V. You can use this route when an application cannot open the WSL location directly.

Access through these WSL paths uses the distribution’s default Linux user and that user’s permissions. Those permissions still apply when you open or edit a file with a Windows application.

Save a folder for repeat access

For a folder you use regularly, open its WSL location in File Explorer. Right-click the folder and select Pin to Quick access. You can then select its pinned entry in the navigation pane, or under Home on Windows 11, while the distribution remains accessible.

A mapped drive gives the WSL location a drive letter. Start the distribution first, then on Windows 11 select This PC > More > Map network drive in File Explorer. Choose an unused letter under Drive and enter \\wsl$\<DistroName> under Folder.

Select Reconnect at sign-in if you want Windows to attempt reconnection, then select Finish. Reconnection depends on the distribution being available.

On Windows 10, begin with This PC > Computer > Map network drive. Choose an unused letter under Drive and enter \\wsl$\<DistroName> under Folder. Optionally select Reconnect at sign-in, then select Finish.

Open Linux projects in VS Code

For editing a Linux project, install the Windows edition of Visual Studio Code and Microsoft’s WSL extension. You need a compatible Linux distribution that meets the extension’s runtime requirements; both WSL 1 and WSL 2 are supported.

In Windows VS Code, press F1 and select WSL: Connect to WSL. To choose a particular distribution, select WSL: Connect to WSL using Distro and choose the distribution when requested. Then select File > Open Folder... to open a Linux directory.

For a folder already open in VS Code, select WSL: Reopen Folder in WSL from the command palette. You can also launch the editor from inside the desired WSL directory if the code command is available on your PATH:

code .

When your WSL folder will not open

Start by confirming the installed distribution’s name. Open PowerShell or Command Prompt and run the following command to list your distributions:

wsl --list --verbose

Use the distribution name shown in that list when entering its Explorer path. If necessary, start that distribution from PowerShell or Command Prompt with the following command, replacing the placeholder with its name:

wsl -d <DistroName>

Return to File Explorer and try the WSL address again. If explorer.exe . fails inside the Linux shell, use the address-bar method; terminal launching requires Windows process interoperability to be enabled. The interoperability settings control Windows app launching and PATH integration, rather than acting as a separate Explorer file-sharing switch.

On a managed PC, ask your administrator to review WSL restrictions if they prevent access. Microsoft provides administrative policies that control WSL availability and permitted configurations.

Use the supported \\wsl.localhost\ and \\wsl$\ paths instead of following older instructions to access WSL’s internal files under AppData. Microsoft advises against accessing, modifying, or moving WSL-related AppData files with Windows tools.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are files under /mnt/c located in Windows?

With the default Windows drive mount, files under /mnt/c are already Windows files at the corresponding C:\ path. For example, /mnt/c/Users/<WindowsUser>/Downloads/ corresponds to that Windows user’s Downloads folder. Adjust the path if your automount settings were customized.

Can you list Linux files directly from PowerShell?

Run wsl -d <DistroName> -- ls -la /home to list the contents of /home in the named distribution. To read a text file, use wsl -d <DistroName> -- cat /home/<LinuxUser>/file.txt, substituting your actual distribution name and file path.

Why does changing to a WSL path with cd fail in Command Prompt?

Command Prompt does not accept a UNC path as its current directory through ordinary cd. Windows command-line tools that support UNC locations can still operate directly on a WSL path. For example, PowerShell can list a running Ubuntu distribution’s home directory with Get-ChildItem '\\wsl$\Ubuntu\home'.

Can you save all of a distribution’s files in a Windows archive?

In PowerShell, run wsl --export <DistroName> C:\Backups\distro.tar, using your actual distribution name and an existing destination directory. This creates a snapshot containing the distribution’s files for backup or transfer, rather than providing live access.