Microsoft Releases Windows Subsystem for Linux as Open Source

Microsoft Open Sources Windows Subsystem for Linux

In an exciting development for developers and tech enthusiasts, Microsoft has officially open sourced the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL).This innovative tool enables users to run Linux applications directly on the Windows operating system, effectively bridging the gap between these two powerful environments.

How to Install WSL

Getting started with WSL is a breeze. You can swiftly install it by executing the following command in your terminal:

wsl --install

For a comprehensive guide on configuration and setup, check out the WSL installation guide.

A Brief History of WSL

The Windows Subsystem for Linux was first introduced at the Build 2016 developer conference, officially launching with the Windows 10 Anniversary Update. Initially, WSL operated on lxcore.sys, a lightweight process provider that allowed Windows to natively execute ELF (Executable and Linkable Format) files. However, a significant advancement occurred with the release of WSL 2 in 2019, which featured native support for the Linux kernel, enhancing compatibility for applications tremendously. This version also brought a myriad of new functionalities, such as:

Support for GPU acceleration, enabling graphics-intensive applications to run smoothly.
Options to launch Linux applications with a graphical user interface (GUI).
Improved networking capabilities, including mirrored networking and DNS tunneling.
Session 0 support for running background applications securely.
Enhanced proxy and firewall support for better system integration.

These enhancements have made WSL a favorite among developers who rely on Linux tools while utilizing Windows.

Impact of Open Sourcing WSL

The open sourcing of WSL marks a pivotal moment for both the community and Microsoft. With developers now able to analyze the source code and contribute to its evolution, WSL is set to become an even more robust tool. The source code is licensed under the MIT License and is available for viewing and contributions on GitHub. This initiative fosters collaboration and innovation, allowing the community to propose enhancements and fixes.

Components Not Yet Open Sourced

It’s important to note that certain significant components of WSL remain integrated within the Windows operating system and are not open sourced at this stage. Specifically, the following items are still part of the proprietary Windows image:

Lxcore.sys: the kernel-side driver essential for WSL 1 functionality.
P9rdr.sys and p9np.dll: these facilitate filesystem redirection for the “\\wsl.localhost” path, allowing seamless file sharing between Windows and Linux.

Microsoft is actively working on separating these components from the Windows codebase to enhance WSL’s standalone capabilities further.

Additional Tools from Microsoft

In conjunction with the open sourcing of WSL, Microsoft has introduced a new open source command-line text editor, Edit. This lightweight tool is designed to boost productivity for Windows users and developers navigating the Linux environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL)?

WSL is a compatibility layer developed by Microsoft that allows users to run a Linux environment directly on Windows without the need for a virtual machine. It enables seamless integration between Linux and Windows applications.

2. Why did Microsoft decide to open source WSL?

Microsoft open sourced WSL to encourage community collaboration and innovation. By allowing developers to analyze and contribute to the codebase, Microsoft aims to enhance WSL’s features and capabilities, making it a more powerful tool for users.

3. How does one install WSL on Windows?

You can easily install WSL by running the command wsl --install in your terminal. This command sets up WSL with the default Linux distribution quickly. For more detailed instructions, refer to the official WSL installation guide.

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