Overview

What is Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL)?

Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) : Pwindows subsystem for linux wsl is the official microsoft application for running linux-based operating systems natively on windows.

In depth

A closer look at Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL)

Pwindows subsystem for linux wsl is the official microsoft application for running linux-based operating systems natively on windows. For a gnulinux distro running on windows such as ubuntu or debian this compatibility layer is mandatory. This is a native operating system that runs in the kernel of windows without requiring heavy emulations its performance is practically identical to running the operating system directly on your computer. In its original release windows subsystem for linux wsl allowed you only to use the linux terminal on windows without being able to interact with a more user-friendly interface. It is however possible to run applications with a corresponding interface since the release of wsl 2. This is very convenient for both developers and other users since it is possible to test code from windows without having to reboot and start another operating system. You must have windows 10 2004 or later to use windows subsystem for linux wsl. This component was initially installed as an optional module in windows features but since november 2022 it is available as a standalone app that you can download and update simplifying its installation and use. For linux to be natively used on windows downloading windows subsystem for linux wsl on your computer is a must.

Requirements

System requirements

Not Specified

Verdict

Should you download Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL)?

Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) runs on Windows 10/11 and is available under the Freeware license — the installer is 1.37 GB. We’ve catalogued it under Gnome.

Verified clean. Every Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) build on SoftLookup is scanned for viruses, spyware, adware, trojans and backdoors. We re-test on every update.