If you want to run WSL directly from an external HDD without importing and unregistering on each PC, it's important to note that WSL currently doesn't support running distributions directly from external drives. However, there's a workaround by using a symbolic link to point the WSL installation to your external HDD. Here's how you can set it up:

Step 1: Enable WSL on Each PC

1. Open PowerShell as Administrator and run:

    wsl --install
   

2. Restart your computer if prompted.

Step 2: Move WSL Files to External HDD (Initial PC Setup)

1. Connect the External HDD: Ensure the external HDD is connected to your computer and recognized.

2. Export the Existing WSL Distribution:

    wsl --export <distribution_name> I:\wsl\ubuntu.tar
   

   Replace <distribution_name> with the name of your WSL distribution (e.g., Ubuntu) and I: with the drive letter of your external HDD.

3. Unregister the Existing WSL Distribution:

    wsl --unregister <distribution_name>
   

4. Create Directory on External HDD:

   • Open File Explorer and navigate to your external HDD (e.g., I:).

   • Create a new folder named wsl if it doesn't already exist.

5. Import the WSL Distribution to the External HDD:

    wsl --import <distribution_name> I:\wsl\ I:\wsl\ubuntu.tar --version 2
   

Step 3: Create Symbolic Link on Each PC

1. Connect the External HDD: Connect the external HDD to the new PC.

2. Move the Installation Folder:

   • Open File Explorer and move the folder where WSL would be installed (e.g., C:\WSL\) to the external HDD (e.g., I:\WSL\).

3. Create a Symbolic Link:

   • Open PowerShell as Administrator and run:

       mklink /D C:\WSL\ I:\WSL\
     

Step 4: Register WSL Distribution

1. Open PowerShell as Administrator and run:

    wsl --import <distribution_name> C:\WSL\ I:\wsl\ubuntu.tar --version 2
   

Step 5: Launch WSL Distribution

1. Open the installed Linux distribution (e.g., Ubuntu) from the Start menu.

With this setup, WSL will run from the external HDD, and you can plug it into different PCs, creating a symbolic link each time to ensure the paths remain consistent.

Keep in mind that this method might have some limitations, such as performance issues due to the external drive's read/write speeds and potential compatibility issues with WSL updates.

If you need more detailed instructions or run into any issues, feel free to ask!