Windows Subsystem for Linux migration to Microsoft Store begins in Windows 11 Insider programme

mylesillidge

mylesillidge

Journalist
Joined
Jul 29, 2021
Messages
3,994
Reaction score
4,236
Good news for Linux fans running Windows 11

The Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) is now available to download directly from the Microsoft Store on the latest Windows 11 Insider Preview Build.

WSL is a compatibility layer that allows Windows users to run Linux binary executables natively.
 
When MS showed off the windows terminal it was no surprise this was coming.

rambo919 said:
I hate to break it to staff writer but "linux fans" don't wanna run linux in windows.... they wanna run windows in linux....
Click to expand...

This is not what this is for.
 
rambo919 said:
Wouldnt know, most apps I use are already on both OS's natively.... I cannot think of anything on linux that does not have a windows version or better alternative.
Click to expand...
Yes true, only real reason I see use for WSL in Windows, is for use with native linux containers. In Linux I don't really see a real use case for Windows VM's.
 
KleinBoontjie said:
Yes true, only real reason I see use for WSL in Windows, is for use with native linux containers. In Linux I don't really see a real use case for Windows VM's.
Click to expand...
Yip. docker using WSL is great, as is running linux shell command and tools against the /mnt/c/ mount
 
rambo919 said:
WSL is basically the windows version of wine....
Click to expand...
WSL was that.

WSL2 is much cleverer. It runs a modified version of the Linux kernel via the hypervisor. Microsoft have simply done the work to make it play nicely with Windows, like getting the filesystems to sync. There is no compatibility layer with WSL2.
 
konfab said:
WSL was that.

WSL2 is much cleverer. It runs a modified version of the Linux kernel via the hypervisor. Microsoft have simply done the work to make it play nicely with Windows, like getting the filesystems to sync. There is no compatibility layer with WSL2.
Click to expand...

Agreed... WSL was a bit of an abortion, but still useful in its own way.

WSL2 on the other hand is pretty damned awesome.
 
gregmcc said:
If you are a Linux fan you wouldn't be running Windows.
Click to expand...
I disagree completely. Linux is an objectively superior operating system when it comes to design. However it has a problem in that the support for it is very limit.

WSL allows people to leverage the superior design of Linux in terms of operating design, whilst keeping the hardware support of Windows. I do all my work on the Linux side of my computer. For me, it is just a normal Ubuntu machine sans an init system.
 
konfab said:
I disagree completely. Linux is an objectively superior operating system when it comes to design. However it has a problem in that the support for it is very limit.

WSL allows people to leverage the superior design of Linux in terms of operating design, whilst keeping the hardware support of Windows. I do all my work on the Linux side of my computer. For me, it is just a normal Ubuntu machine sans an init system.
Click to expand...
I only use Windows for Office and a few other apps which simplify interaction with customers
 
KleinBoontjie said:
Yes true, only real reason I see use for WSL in Windows, is for use with native linux containers. In Linux I don't really see a real use case for Windows VM's.
Click to expand...
Other than gaming, the only reasons to use a VM on linux are hardware and must have third party programs especially if DRM is involved in some way. And even though many people don't wanna admit it.... there are free but closed source programs that are vastly superior to what linux has. Both sides have their positives and negatives.

A lot of that is moot though because hardware passthrough when it works is a PITA to get working half the time.

It's easier to run windows and add linux on top than the other way around because of how light and open the latter is.

Wine has improved immensely but it still has speed and compatibility issues.
 
konfab said:
I disagree completely. Linux is an objectively superior operating system when it comes to design. However it has a problem in that the support for it is very limit.

WSL allows people to leverage the superior design of Linux in terms of operating design, whilst keeping the hardware support of Windows. I do all my work on the Linux side of my computer. For me, it is just a normal Ubuntu machine sans an init system.
Click to expand...

I would agree on the kernel level and overall design, but I find that the desktop environments is one area that can do with some significant improvements.

I still get lots of UI bugs in Gnome and KDE Plasma. They lack polish, much like Windows does for the first 6 months after release. Good support for mixed display scaling is also still an issue for laptops. They would be well served by the strict quality control that the Kernel development is placed under.

But the biggest issue is the significantly lower quality of 3rd party app's Linux versions. Thinks like OBS, Skype, Discord, anydesk/teamviewer are all have reduced features or significantly more bugs. the lack of graphics hardware acceleration in media application remains a significant issue, mostly Nvidia and AMD's fault.

regarding WSL, all I use it for personally on my windows's box, is to get access to digg and mtr for troubleshooting.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top
Sign up to the MyBroadband newsletter
X