#WSL2 Windows

Microsoft has announced that the company will include an in-house custom-built Linux Kernel in Windows. This implementation is the first time that the Linux kernel will be included as a component in Windows to underpin the newest version of the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) -- WSL2. Like with WSL1, WSL2 will not provide any userspace binaries, instead, the Microsoft kernel will interface with userspace selected by the user. The installation comes via the Windows store but, it can sideloaded through custom distribution package. There will also be local patches that tune the resulting binary for use in WSL2; improving launch times, reducing the memory footprint, and curating a minimal set of supported devices. We are excited to be able to share the result and look forward to the new and interesting ways in which you will use WSL." As for security, the WSL kernel will be built using Microsoft's CI/CD systems and serviced through Windows Update that is transparent to the user. The kernel that will be provided for WSL2 will be fully open-sourced. Once it releases in Windows Insider builds this Summer. Read more in our articles including "Microsoft to ship Linux Kernel in Windows" and "Windows 7 Preview: Less of the Same".