Fast ring insiders getting automatic Linux kernel updates

As you may already know, Windows 10 preview build 19645 arrived in the Fast ring recently. With this build came the fulfillment of a promise that Microsoft made a while back—automatic Linux Kernel updates for WSL 2 users.

Well, it appears that Microsoft has already started servicing the WSL 2 Linux kernel via Windows Update as promised.

Fast ring insider gets automatic Linux kernel updates

A Windows 10 user has shared to the Windows 10 Subreddit a screenshot indicating the automatic servicing of the Windows Subsystem for Linux.

On June 10, 2020, Microsoft delivered that change through insider preview build 19645.

We changed the servicing model for the Linux kernel inside of Windows Subsystem for Linux 2 distributions. This build includes this change to remove the Linux kernel from the Windows image, and instead have it be serviced via Microsoft Update.

The feature is probably rolling out gradually seeing as not all insiders in the Fast ring are receiving the automatic updates so far.

Previously, insiders had to manually search and install any new Linux kernel servicing updates on their Windows 10 PCs.

But with this change, any new features, improvements, or fixes will be installed seamlessly without the user having to do anything. It’s also a good thing for Microsoft since it can now push WSL 2 Linux kernel updates on a wider scale, globally.

The latest improvement on WSL 2 is certainly welcome, especially among developers already enjoying the multiple advantages it has over WSL 1.

For starters, WSL 2 boasts full system call compatibility. As such, you can run much more apps inside WSL 2 than WSL 1. Also, according to Microsoft, the platform has relatively low memory requirements on startup.

WSL 2 offers better file input/output performance, on top of all that.

That said, are you a Fast ring insider? Have you received any automatic Linux kernel updates yet? Let us know by leaving a message in the comments section below.