The Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL), a compatibility layer for running Linux binary files, programs and libraries in the ELF file format, is now available as a preview for Windows 11 in the new Microsoft Store. New versions and functions should be rolled out even faster on the way.
Preview of the WSL for Windows 11
With the release of the preview for the Windows Subsystem for Linux under Windows 11, Microsoft promises to distribute “the latest WSL updates and functions even faster” without the user having to update Windows. Updates are to be rolled out directly via the Microsoft Store in the future.
The actual binary files that form the WSL logic in this optional component will be part of the Windows image in the future and will be maintained and updated as part of Windows 11 itself.
Microsoft
The compatibility layer is no longer seen as an optional component of the operating system, but as a standalone application. “This decouples WSL from the Windows version”, continues Microsoft.
WSL switches to the Microsoft Store
In order to get the latest versions of the subsystem, users no longer have to fall back on a Windows Insider Preview, but can always find future builds in the Microsoft Store.
The current preview is based on the LTS kernel Linux 5.10, which is supported until November 2026, and largely corresponds to the current version, which is also available under Windows 10. The following features have been added:
- WSLg is now bundled as part of the WSL app!
- New wsl.exe –mount features!
- Add –mount –vhd to make mounting VHD files easier
- Implement filesystem detection for wsl –mount. This change implements filesystem type detection if no –type is specified when using wsl.exe –mount.
- Add –name feature to wsl –mount. This change adds support for optionally naming a mountpoint when mounting a disk through WSL.
- Updated Linux kernel to 5.10.60.1
- Added progress indicator helper function used to show a Please Wait message with animated dots on the conversion process to show users that WSL is still running.
- Switched wsl –install to not require the –distribution argument. This change switches wsl –install to not require the –distribution argument but maintains support to avoid breaking existing scripts.
- Added wsl.exe –version command which displays relevant version information
Windows Subsystem for Linux – Preview for Windows 11
More information The detailed WSL documentation provides information on the changes to the current preview.
Windows 10 is left out
In order to be able to install and update the Windows subsystem for Linux via the Microsoft Store in the future, in addition to Windows 11 from the regular build 22000.194, the” Virtual Machine Platform “is required, which is installed as an optional component via the Windows control panel can be.
Under Windows 10, the Windows Subsystem for Linux can be found in the Microsoft Store, but cannot be installed with the reference to the system requirements.
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