Installation of 2.1.0 does not remove all older installed wsl packages

[janderssonse]

Windows Version

Microsoft Windows [Version 10.0.19045.3930]

WSL Version

2.1.0

Are you using WSL 1 or WSL 2?

• WSL 2
• WSL 1

Kernel Version

No response

Distro Version

Ubuntu 22.04.03

Other Software

No response

Repro Steps

Having an older version of WSL installed, namely 5.10.16, https://www.catalog.update.microsoft.com/ScopedViewInline.aspx?updateid=3a0c55a7-52db-4f8f-91bc-52683cf327cc. Install 2.1.0 with installer package or intune. Notice that 5.10.16 is still left dangling even though 2.1.0 succeded.

Expected Behavior

When installing 2.1.0 older wsl packages are removed, like in my case https://www.catalog.update.microsoft.com/ScopedViewInline.aspx?updateid=3a0c55a7-52db-4f8f-91bc-52683cf327cc 5.10.16 update should not be left dangling.

Actual Behavior

When installing 2.1.0 older wsl packages like 5.10.16 is left dangling, which leaves an old wsl.exe under System32. This might lead to starting up ancient wsl-versions, depending on PATH-order etc. In my case wsl 2.1.0 is installed under Program Files/WSL/ which is not first in my PATH, so you can guess what happens (and with no admin rights, there is no possibilty to change PATH order either).

Diagnostic Logs

No response

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[janderssonse]

The dangling old component in red. This should not be left after installation of 2.1.0 or at least be at the same updated .version . calls to wsl.exe will use this as anything "Program Files/WSL" due to being in "System32/wsl", i. e earlier in the default env PATHS. in windows.

[benhillis]

The component you have circled above is the kernel for the inbox version of WSL. This will be getting removed in the future once the lifted version of WSL is available everywhere.