HomeWinBuzzer NewsMicrosoft Introduces Two New Windows Subsystem for Linux Distros

Microsoft Introduces Two New Windows Subsystem for Linux Distros

Two new Linux distributions are available on Windows Subsystem for Linux with the release of the Windows 10 October 2018 Update.

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has expanded capabilities. The company has announced two new Linux distributions for Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL). Both distros are part of Microsoft's late roll out of the Windows 10 October 2018 Update (version 1809).

Of course, users are not getting their hands on these new distros for the time being. That's because Microsoft is still previewing the finalized version 1809 on the Insider. Windows 10 October 2018 Update has been on hold for over a month. Microsoft pulled the update in October after a data-loss bug was discovered.

Either way, when version 1809 finally returns, more open-source support will be available for Windows Subsystem for Linux.

First is WLinux, the Debian-based distribution. This is a milestone release on the Microsoft Store for one reason. It is the first Linux distro that users must pay for. At the moment, the distro is on offer for $9.99, but normally costs $19.99.

“WLinux is a custom Linux distro built from Debian specifically for use on WSL. While other distros are available for WSL, WLinux is the first optimized for use by users of WSL.”

Microsoft also revealed SLES 15 and OpenSUSE 15 are landing in the Microsoft Store for Windows 10 October 2018 Update.

Continues Linux Support

Earlier this year, Microsoft announced users can create custom Linux distros through Windows Subsystem for Linux.

“We know that many Linux distros rely entirely on software, so we would like to bring WSL closer to the OSS community,” said program manager Tara Raj in a blog post. “We hope open sourcing this project will help increase community engagement and bring more of your favorite distros to the Microsoft Store.”

Just yesterday, we reported on Microsoft's development to bring Windows Sysinternals to Linux. Mario Hewardt, Principal Program Manager for Azure Diagnostics, says Microsoft is working on bringing the ProcMon Sysinternals utility to Linux.

SourceZDNet
Luke Jones
Luke Jones
Luke has been writing about all things tech for more than five years. He is following Microsoft closely to bring you the latest news about Windows, Office, Azure, Skype, HoloLens and all the rest of their products.

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