The Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) has been one of Microsoft’s smash hits in recent years. Opening up Windows to allow a suitable GNU / Linux environment to run without the need for a virtual machine has made all the difference to developers and casual Linux enthusiasts around the world.
WSL was a popular addition to Windows 10 when the stable release arrived in 2019. Now, with Windows 11, Microsoft takes it one step further and brings WSL into the Microsoft Store as a standard store app for Windows 11 devices.
So why did Microsoft add WSL to the Microsoft Store?
Microsoft Adds Windows Subsystem for Linux to Microsoft Store
There is something very official about adding to the Microsoft Store. Although the Windows Subsystem for Linux has been around for over five years at this point, it has never had a simple Microsoft Store app that updates and upgrades like any other Store app.
Until now, this has been an additional feature of Windows which, while fairly easy to install, could crash just as easily depending on your version of Windows.
In short, it could be a finicky and sensitive kit. Now you won’t have to worry about these trivial issues anymore, as Microsoft turns the Windows Subsystem for Linux into a Microsoft Store app.
Traditionally, WSL has been installed as an optional component inside Windows. This means that you need to go to the “Turn Windows Features On or Off” dialog box to activate it, which requires you to restart your machine. The actual binaries that make up the WSL logic in this optional component are part of the Windows image and are maintained and updated as part of Windows itself.
How to install the Windows Subsystem for Linux from the Microsoft Store
Before you go to the Microsoft Store to install WSL, make sure:
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You are using Windows 11 (Windows build 22000 or higher) and
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You have the Virtual machine platform optional component enabled.
If the latter trips you up, as some do, you can enable the feature in PowerShell.
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Grab powershell in the search bar of the start menu, right click and select Execute as administrator.
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Enter the following command: dism.exe / online / enable-feature / featurename: VirtualMachinePlatform / all.
When you’re ready, go to the Windows Subsystem for Linux Microsoft Store page and select To install.
What’s new in WSL?
As well as being able to update WSL without worrying about breaking everything or losing your configuration, the new Windows 11 Microsoft Store version of the app also comes with a few upgrades.
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WSLg GUI, or Windows Subsystem for Linux, is now integrated into the application
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There are several new –ascend characteristics
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WSL Linux kernel is updated to version 5.10.60.1
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A new progress indicator
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New –version command displays version information
The Microsoft Docs for WSL details the full list of updates.
WSL Microsoft Store app only available on Windows 11
The only downside is for users stuck on Windows 10 for whatever reason. For now, at least, the new WSL Microsoft Store app isn’t coming to Windows 10 anytime soon. It’s a Windows 11 affair only. The official Microsoft blog announcing the new WSL app isn’t clear on whether this situation will change in the future, but Windows 10 isn’t even mentioned, so don’t expect a sudden change.
For now, if you can upgrade to Windows 11 for free, you can try the Windows Subsystem for Linux Microsoft Store app. Otherwise, you’ll have to sit there and wait for Microsoft’s Windows 11 minimum system requirements to change or for your free update to become available.
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