# Wsl2 Systemd Config

> Use when enabling systemd in WSL2 distros.

- Skill: `loopyluci/wsl2-systemd-config` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add loopyluci/wsl2-systemd-config`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/loopyluci/wsl2-systemd-config/raw
- Safety review: pending (external: skill-scanner PASS, skillspector CAUTION)
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: LoopyLuci (https://skillmd.com/u/loopyluci)
- Updated: 2026-09-08
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/loopyluci/wsl2-systemd-config

---

# WSL2 systemd Configuration

Enabling systemd in WSL2 distributions.

## Enable systemd

```ini
# /etc/wsl.conf (inside WSL2 distro)
[boot]
systemd=true
```

```powershell
# Restart WSL2 to apply
wsl --terminate Ubuntu
# Or:
wsl --shutdown
```

## Verify systemd

```bash
# Inside WSL2
systemctl list-units --type=service
systemctl status docker
systemctl status ssh
systemctl --version
```

## Docker with systemd

```bash
# Docker is now managed by systemd automatically
sudo systemctl enable docker
sudo systemctl start docker
sudo systemctl status docker

# Check that it starts on boot
sudo systemctl is-enabled docker
```

## systemd Service Management

```bash
# Enable services that need to autostart
sudo systemctl enable ssh
sudo systemctl enable postgresql

# View all services
systemctl list-unit-files --type=service

# Journal logs
journalctl -u docker -n 50 --no-pager
journalctl -f  # follow logs
```

## Pitfalls

- systemd increases WSL2 startup time slightly
- Not all WSL2 distros support systemd (needs WSL2, not WSL1)
- Some older Ubuntu releases need manual init setup
- Docker installed via apt uses systemd when systemd is enabled
- Conflicts with /etc/init.d scripts that were used before systemd