Windows 10, version 2004 finally extends native support for the second-generation Windows Subsystem for Linux, also known as WSL2. Much like the first-generation Windows Subsystem for Linux, WSL2 enables users to run Linux on top of the Windows 10 operating system. Hence, while the core functionalities remain more or less the same, WSL2 has a series of improvements to offer.
WSL2 to be serviced via Microsoft Update
One such improvement is the ability to fully support Linux kernels in the installed distributions. Microsoft has announced changes to the distribution model for Linux kernel updates in the latest Windows 10 Preview Build. Meaning, in the future, Windows Subsystem for Linux can be upgraded by simply checking for updates for the Windows 10 operating system.
In other words, Microsoft will treat the Linux kernel the way it treats any other native Windows 10 feature or built-in driver pack installed on the computer. Announcing Windows 10 Insider Preview Build 19645, Microsoft had this to say:
“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 same way that 3rd party drivers (like graphics, or touchpad drivers) are installed and updated on your machine today.
Short for Windows Subsystem for Linux, WSL is a Windows 10 feature, which allows users to run native Linux command-line tools directly on Windows. Last year, Microsoft revealed its plans to ship an in-house custom-built Linux kernel as a component in the Windows 10 operating system.
As soon as you set up the Windows Subsystem for Linux, the latest Linux kernel is automatically installed. All you need to do is manually check for updates in Windows Update to get the latest versions.
Windows 10, version 1903 and Windows 10, version 1909 users are advised to keep checking for OS updates in Windows Update. In case you don’t receive the update, there’s a possibility that your device is not compatible with Windows 10, version 2004 at the moment.
Whatever the case may be, the general availability of WSL2 in Windows 10, version 2004 is much closer to reality, as promised earlier.
