WSL is now available on the Windows 11 Store

Windows 11

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by Alexandru Poloboc 

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Key notes

  • There are many reasons to be excited about, one being the new addition to the Windows 11 Store.
  • You can find and get the Windows Subsystem for Linux preview if you search for it right now.
  • It's now easier to get WSL features faster, without worrying about changing the Windows version.
  • If you remember, in the past, WSL had to be installed as an optional component in the operating system.
WSL W11 Store

The Redmond company decided that the time was right for it to bring a preview of the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) to the Microsoft Store on Windows 11.

This latest move is designed to help make it easier to get the latest WSL updates without having to go through Windows featured updates.

Get ready to find and install WSL from the Store

We know you’re probably wondering, and the answer is no, this is not a new version of the Windows Subsystem for Linux.

It’s actually the same WSL version that many developers already know, with Microsoft only changing where it gets installed and updated from.

As a matter of fact, if you already have the in-Windows version of WSL installed, you can install the WSL preview from the Store, too.

The Redmond-based tech giant will still let you have access to all of your exact same WSL distros, with the only difference being that the store version will always take precedence, however.

In order to use WSL in the Microsoft Store on Windows 11, you’ll have to be running build 22000 or higher and have the Virtual Machine Platform optional component enabled.

With that being said, the tech company says that now you’ll get WSL features faster, without worrying about changing the Windows version or having to go through the process of downloading Windows Insider preview builds.

This is a big change indeed, considering that in the past WSL had to be installed as an optional component in the operating system.

Essentially, it decouples the subsystem from Windows featured updates itself, just like how Paint, Notepad, and some of the other core experiences like the Xbox Game Bar in Windows 11 already are separated via the store.

There are already some new features in this preview, with some changes that make mounting VHD files easier, a new progress indicator help function, and the updated Linux kernel to 5.10.60.1.

If you can’t wait for another second and wish to download this version, do note that there are some known issues.

You might be unable to start wsl.exe from a Session 0 prompt and, heading into the future, the Microsoft Store version will be the priority for Microsoft.

The company says it is making WSL in the Microsoft Store the best way to install and use the software, but the inbox Windows version will still be supported and will be present in Windows 11.

Excited about finding this software in the Store? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below.

More about the topics: Windows 11

Alexandru Poloboc

Alexandru Poloboc Shield

Tech Journalist

With an overpowering desire to always get to the bottom of things and uncover the truth, Alex spent most of his time working as a news reporter, anchor, as well as TV and radio entertainment show host. A certified gadget freak, he always feels the need to surround himself with next-generation electronics. When he is not working, he splits his free time between making music, gaming, playing football, basketball and taking his dogs on adventures.