# Import file systems into WSL

## In this learning path

- [Introduction](https://learn.arm.com/learning-paths/laptops-and-desktops/wsl2/)
- [Configure and run WSL with various Linux distributions](https://learn.arm.com/learning-paths/laptops-and-desktops/wsl2/setup/)
- [Run graphical Linux applications](https://learn.arm.com/learning-paths/laptops-and-desktops/wsl2/wslg/)
- [Enable systemd in WSL](https://learn.arm.com/learning-paths/laptops-and-desktops/wsl2/systemd/)
- [Use SSH to connect to WSL](https://learn.arm.com/learning-paths/laptops-and-desktops/wsl2/ssh/)
- [Connect to WSL using RDP and VNC](https://learn.arm.com/learning-paths/laptops-and-desktops/wsl2/rdp/)
- [Developing with VS Code on WSL](https://learn.arm.com/learning-paths/laptops-and-desktops/wsl2/vscode/)
- [Import file systems into WSL](https://learn.arm.com/learning-paths/laptops-and-desktops/wsl2/import/)
- [Backup a WSL filesystem](https://learn.arm.com/learning-paths/laptops-and-desktops/wsl2/backup/)
- [Next Steps](https://learn.arm.com/learning-paths/laptops-and-desktops/wsl2/_next-steps/)

In addition to installing Linux distributions using the Windows Store and the online list, file systems can be directly imported into WSL.

## Install Alpine Linux

Check the [Alpine Downloads](https://alpinelinux.org/downloads/) 

Look for the mini root filesystem for `aarch64` and download it.

In the commands below substitute `<username>` with your Windows username.

At a Windows Command Prompt import the downloaded filesystem into WSL as a Linux distribution:

```
wsl --import alpine1 c:\Users\<username>\alpine alpine-minirootfs-3.16.2-aarch64.tar.gz
```

The name of the distribution will be alpine1.

The storage will be in `c:\Users\<username>\alpine`

When the import is complete, list the installed distributions:

```
wsl --list
```

The new alpine1 distribution will be on the list.

Start alpine:

```
wsl -d alpine1
```

Alpine Linux is now running in WSL.