A couple of Windows 10 releases back, Microsoft delivered the Windows Subsystem for Linux. The Windows Subsystem for Linux allows you to run Linux distros, like Ubuntu, Debian, Suse and others, on Windows 10. Around the Microsoft Ignite 2018 timeframe another distro was released to the Windows Store called WLinux. WLinux is a Linux environment for Windows 10 built on work by Microsoft Research and the Debian project. WLinux is a custom Linux distro built from Debian specifically for use on the WSL. While other distros are available for WSL, WLinux is the first optimized for use by users of WSL for WSL. It helps developer run Linux tooling on Windows and integrates into perfectly into Windows.
WSL 2 is the current default version when installing a Linux distribution and uses the latest and greatest in virtualization technology to run a Linux kernel inside of a lightweight utility virtual machine (VM).
WSL is a lighter-weight alternative to both options. WSL2 does use a virtualized Linux kernel, but there is much less overhead as the standard Linux desktop isn't running. It's also a lot easier to interoperate between Windows and Linux with WSL than with a virtual machine or Linux partition.
WSL is not for everyone. It's a bit of a niche tool, designed for developers who need to run Linux-based software on Windows 10 and 11 machines. If you're looking for something that will make your PC faster, more secure, or easier to use then WSL probably isn't going to help much at all.
However, for developers, a pure Linux environment remains the gold standard. While WSL2 provides a Linux environment on Windows, it is not a full substitute for a native Linux environment. Some applications may not work as well in the WSL2 environment, and some Linux tools and libraries may be incompatible.
Use WSL to install and run various Linux distributions, such as Ubuntu, Debian, Kali, and more. Install Linux distributions and receive automatic updates from the Microsoft Store, import Linux distributions not available in the Microsoft Store, or build your own customer Linux distribution.
Introduction: My name is Trent Wehner, I am a talented, brainy, zealous, light, funny, gleaming, attractive person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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