Running wsl <command> from windows command line is missing environment variables

[Mkassabov]

Windows Build Number

10.0.19042 Build 19042

WSL Version

• WSL 2
• WSL 1

Kernel Version

5.4.72

Distro Version

Ubuntu 20.04

Other Software

No response

Repro Steps

from the windows command line running

wsl echo $PATH

Expected Behavior

print the $PATH environment variable (e.g. echo $PATH from within wsl)

Actual Behavior

print an empty line

Diagnostic Logs

No response

[microhobby]

You need to use single quote to solve the WSL environment instead a Powershell variable. Example:

[therealkenc]

By-design Powershell. In the OP you've expanded $PATH (which expands to an empty string... except when it doesn't).