How to run Claude Code in WSL with notifications
Many people run Claude Code inside WSL on Windows. Here is how to still hear about it — and answer it — when it needs you.
By the Pet Island team · Updated Oct 17, 2026 · 5 min readClaude Code’s hooks run inside Linux when you use WSL. A hook can call powershell.exe to show a Windows notification, or you can connect Pet Island, which bridges WSL for you and puts the request on the Windows island with the diff.
Why WSL is different
In WSL, Claude Code runs in Linux, while your desktop, notifications and windows belong to Windows. Anything Claude Code does when it needs you happens on the Linux side, out of sight.
Option 1: a Windows notification from a hook
Claude Code runs hooks on events. A Notification hook inside WSL can call powershell.exe, which is reachable from Linux, to show a Windows toast.
It tells you that Claude is waiting, but you still have to switch to the terminal to see the request and answer it.
Option 2: answer on the Windows island
Install Pet Island on Windows and connect Claude Code from Settings → Agents. Pet Island bridges WSL, so a request from Claude Code inside Linux shows up on the island at the top of your Windows screen, with the command or the diff.
Allow, deny or always allow it right there. Questions and plans work too.
Troubleshooting
Nothing appears: make sure Pet Island is running on Windows and that Claude Code is connected in Settings → Agents. Restart the Claude Code session after connecting.
The toast route does nothing: check that powershell.exe runs from your WSL shell and that Windows notifications are turned on.
FAQ
Do I need to install anything inside WSL?
No extra app. Pet Island sets up the connection when you connect Claude Code.
Does it work with several WSL distributions?
Yes. Each Claude Code session reports to the same island.
Is my code sent anywhere?
No. Requests go from WSL to the island on the same computer.