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Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) is a Windows feature that lets you run a Linux environment and Linux tools alongside Windows applications. You install a Linux distribution—such as Ubuntu or Debian—inside WSL; WSL itself is not a distribution.
What WSL provides
WSL lets a Windows computer host a GNU/Linux environment, including command-line tools such as Bash, utilities, and applications. It is especially useful for developers who want Linux tooling or Linux-first frameworks while continuing to use Windows apps on the same machine. Microsoft describes WSL as a Windows feature for running Linux file systems, command-line tools, and GUI apps alongside the traditional Windows desktop.
How a Linux distribution fits in
WSL is the Windows feature; a Linux distribution supplies the Linux environment you use within it. Ubuntu is installed by default through Microsoft’s documented streamlined setup, but users can choose other supported distributions, including Debian and Kali, or import a distribution. Microsoft’s installation instructions explain the current options.
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WSL 1 and WSL 2: the architectural difference
| Aspect | WSL 1 | WSL 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Earlier WSL architecture. | Uses a Linux kernel inside a lightweight virtual machine managed by WSL. |
| System-call compatibility | Does not use the WSL 2 Linux-kernel architecture. | Designed to provide full Linux system-call compatibility, according to Microsoft. |
| File-system performance | Different performance characteristics from WSL 2. | Improved file-system performance was a design goal; actual results depend on workload and where files are stored. |
| Windows integration | Integrates Linux environments with Windows. | Also integrates with Windows while using its managed lightweight VM. |
Microsoft says both WSL versions can run side by side, and a distribution can use either version. WSL 2’s virtual machine is managed behind the scenes: users generally work with WSL commands and their distributions rather than setting up and operating a conventional virtual machine themselves. The differing architectures can affect workflow, networking, and workload behavior, so check Microsoft’s current WSL 1 and WSL 2 comparison for details that match your use case.
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Installing WSL
On supported Windows versions, Microsoft’s streamlined installation command is wsl --install. It enables required components, installs the Linux kernel, sets WSL 2 as the default, and installs Ubuntu by default. You can select another distribution instead. Exact requirements and behavior depend on your Windows version and WSL release, so follow the current Microsoft installation guide rather than relying on a fixed build requirement.
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When WSL is a good fit
- You need Linux command-line tools or a Linux development environment while keeping Windows applications available.
- You want a Linux distribution integrated with Windows without managing a traditional VM in the usual way.
- Your specific workload’s compatibility, file access, or networking requirements have been checked against Microsoft’s WSL version guidance.
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