October 12, 2021

Microsoft is taking a giant leap with its move to make the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) available in its store as a decoupled and separate app, meaning that customers will now be able to receive updates to the app regardless of operating system.

Although the released preview version is not a new version, Microsoft plans to use it to enable users to deploy the latest WSL updates and features more quickly.

Some of the Windows 11 features provided by Microsoft in the WSL preview include, WSLg (GUI app support for WSL), new wsl.exe — mount features, a 5.10.60.1 Microsoft Linux Kernel support, and wsl.exe — version command.

Those interested in installing and using WSL from the store must meet some important requirements, including Windows 11 build 22000 or higher and the optional Virtual Machine Platform component must also be enabled.

As long as these conditions are met, users can go to the WSL store page and click install to install WSL. Afterwards, they can install a supported Linux distro of their choice.

For more information, read the original story in ZDNet.