Microsoft open-sources WSL to give developers control over Linux on Windows
Well, it finally happened, folks. Microsoft has open-sourced the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL), giving developers full access to its code on GitHub! Yes, after nearly a decade of closed development and repeated requests from the community, the company has handed over the keys -- inviting coders to inspect, improve, and contribute to the very core of how Linux runs on Windows.
This isn’t some half-baked gesture, either. Microsoft has released the core WSL package (the components that power WSL 2) under an open source license. This includes command-line tools like wsl.exe, background services, init processes, networking daemons, and the Plan9-based file sharing system. You can now build WSL from source, fork it, or pitch in directly on GitHub.
Microsoft brings Windows Subsystem for Linux 2 distro support to Windows Server 2022 with KB5014678 update
Having previously only made the option available to "seekers", Microsoft has now rolled out the ability to use WLS2 distros in Windows Server 2022 to anyone who is interested in the functionality.
Last month, Microsoft released a preview of an update that brought Windows Subsystem for Linux 2 distro support to Windows Server 2022. Now this update has been made generally available, following the release of the KB5014678 update on Patch Tuesday this week.
Microsoft brings WSL 2 distro support to Windows Server 2022
In a move that will please -- and surprise -- many, Microsoft has added WSL 2 distro support to Windows Server.
The new Windows Subsystem for Linux functionality is not available by default, as it requires the installation of a special update. This will be officially released on Patch Tuesday, but it is also available as a preview right now for anyone who does not want to wait.