He was the ruling Duke of Cieszyn during 1431–1442 (with his brothers as co-rulers) and from 1442 sole ruler over half of both Głogów and Ścinawa.

After the division of the Duchy on 29 November 1442, he received the half of both Głogów and Ścinawa as sole ruler, signed since them with the title of Duke of Cieszyn-Głogów.

Władysław's major participation in the political life of his time was in 1447, when he went to Kraków and took part in the coronation of Casimir IV as King of Poland.

On 24 August 1459, Władysław, with other Piast rulers, paid homage to King George in Swidnica and fought in his ranks near Wrocław.

In his will, Władysław left his domains to both his wife Margareta (as her Oprawa wdowia) and his brother Przemysław II, who actually took the whole government over half of both Głogów and Ścinawa.