WSL Archives

Winsage

February 18, 2025

5 reasons you shouldn’t use Windows as a NAS OS

The author transformed a mini PC into a basic Network Attached Storage (NAS) solution using a standard Windows installation. While Windows can work for simple setups, it is generally inefficient for NAS due to its resource usage, lack of native ZFS support, forced updates, complicated Docker and VM management, and clunky remote access. Windows runs unnecessary background services that consume RAM and storage, while dedicated NAS software optimizes performance. Windows does not support ZFS natively, which is beneficial for data integrity and features like compression and encryption. Windows updates can disrupt services due to their unpredictable nature, unlike dedicated NAS systems that allow for scheduled updates. Managing Docker containers or virtual machines is more complex on Windows compared to Linux, which is better suited for these tasks. Remote access on Windows requires cumbersome setups, while Linux offers easier SSH access and web interfaces for management.

Winsage

February 16, 2025

Help test Fedora on Microsoft Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) before official release

The integration of Fedora into Microsoft’s Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) is nearing completion, with a community testing event scheduled for February 17, 2025. This event invites users of Windows 10 or 11 to help identify bugs and provide feedback. Participants need an x86 or AArch64 setup with virtualization capabilities, a willingness to follow guidelines, and the ability to download large test images. Resources for installation and troubleshooting are available on the Fedora WSL test day wiki, and participants can share their findings through Fedora’s testing week online platform.

Winsage

February 7, 2025

Microsoft improves Windows Terminal: new features, bug fixes and better stability

Microsoft has released an update to Windows Terminal, version 1.22.10352.0, for all users outside the preview channel. The update includes support for Sixels, enhanced emoji functionality, command snippets, a refined Cascadia Code font addressing Arabic glyph issues, and a new colour palette named Ottosson currently in testing. The settings interface has been revamped, introducing a compatibility page and terminal emulation page within Profiles, allowing easier management of application compatibility settings. Users can now dictate path translations when dragging or copying files into the terminal with four available options. Changes include reselecting previously used commands saving them in history, updated translation modes for POSIX paths, and a new compatibility setting to block applications from writing to the clipboard. Bug fixes include proper functioning of the Ctrl+Insert hotkey and the Close Window action now requiring confirmation. Future updates promise enhancements in version 1.23.10353.0, including a complete rewrite of support for multiple windows, improved tray icon consistency, and a streamlined customization experience for the New Tab menu. New simple settings have been added, including rainbow suggestions and an icon picker feature. Users can now copy screen content with escape sequences and applications can utilize specific escape sequences for C1 controls. The full changelog and download options are available on GitHub and the Microsoft Store.

Winsage

February 7, 2025

Installing Ubuntu on WSL Just Got Much Easier

A new tar-based distribution format for Ubuntu has been introduced for the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL), allowing developers and system administrators to install and manage Ubuntu WSL instances without using the Microsoft Store. This format enables local hosting of images, providing enterprises with more flexibility and simplifying deployment. Users can install Ubuntu by executing the command wsl --install ubuntu in the Windows Terminal or by downloading an image and double-clicking the .wsl file. Both methods require WSL version 2.4.8 or higher. The new tar-based format will become the default, while the older appx format will still be supported.

Winsage

February 6, 2025

Ubuntu Officially Available on the Updated Windows Subsystem for Linux

Ubuntu has launched its availability on Microsoft’s tar-based Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) distribution architecture, enhancing deployment and scalability for enterprise use. Key features include easier deployment from a tar file, the ability for organizations to manage Ubuntu WSL images internally, and customization options for administrators. To install Ubuntu on WSL, users need WSL version 2.4.8 or higher and can do so using the command wsl --install ubuntu, downloading a tar-based image, or by double-clicking the .wsl file. Comprehensive documentation is available for advanced configurations and custom distributions.

Winsage

February 6, 2025

Running Ubuntu on Windows 11 is easier than ever

Ubuntu has introduced a new distribution architecture for the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) that simplifies the management of Ubuntu instances on Windows 11. This new tar-based WSL distribution format replaces the previous Microsoft Store method, allowing IT administrators to distribute and manage Ubuntu WSL instances using tar files. Organizations can now host and manage their own WSL images with specific policies, providing greater control and flexibility. The new method requires WSL version 2.4.8 or higher, and installation can be done via command line or by double-clicking the .wsl file.

Winsage

February 6, 2025

Ubuntu installations on WSL 2 are now better than ever and don’t require the Microsoft Store

Ubuntu is the leading Linux distribution on the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) and has been designated as the default distro. Canonical has introduced a new installation process using Microsoft's tar-based distribution model, replacing appx bundles from the Microsoft Store. This model allows for easier customization and deployment of Ubuntu instances, enabling users to manage WSL instances directly from tar files. The installation process for WSL 2 has been simplified with the command wsl --install Ubuntu. Key benefits of the tar-based model include independence from Windows Packaged Apps, customization options for developers and administrators, and a simplified installation process. Users can download the tar-based .wsl file from Ubuntu and install it easily. Other distributions like Fedora and Arch Linux are also planning to provide official images for WSL.

Winsage

February 6, 2025

Canonical Delivers Ubuntu Tar Archives for Easy Installation in the Windows Subsystem for Linux

Canonical has introduced a new tar-format archive for installing Ubuntu on the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL), allowing users to bypass the Microsoft Store. This enhancement facilitates easier customization and deployment, particularly beneficial for enterprises needing tailored Linux environments. Developers and system administrators can now distribute, install, and manage Ubuntu WSL instances directly from tar files. The new capability is available for WSL version 2.4.8 and higher, enabling installation with the command "wsl --install ubuntu" and allowing for manual downloading and installation of tar archives.

Winsage

February 5, 2025

Windows Users Will Soon be Able to Say “I use Arch, BTW”

An Arch Linux image for the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) is being developed by Arch Linux package maintainer Robin Candau. Microsoft has shown interest in supporting this project, which will feature a monthly update cycle similar to Fedora 42. Key aspects include: - A dedicated repository for Arch Linux WSL will be created on Arch Linux's GitLab. - Monthly images for Arch Linux WSL will be automatically built and published using Docker/container images with systemd support. - The image will not be available through the Microsoft Store but can be downloaded as tarballs for installation on Windows. - Technical support will be provided on a best-effort basis for WSL2, with no support for WSL1. - Arch Linux staff are not obligated to provide assistance. Previous attempts to run Arch Linux on WSL exist, but this official initiative adds legitimacy. Robin is ready to work with the Arch Linux DevOps team to start the setup unless significant objections arise. An experimental repository is available on GitLab for further exploration.

Winsage

February 3, 2025

My favorite Windows 11 File Explorer alternative just got its biggest update in years

Windows 11's third-party application "Files" has been updated to version 3.9, introducing several enhancements: - The Update Files button has a new design with a vibrant icon for easier updates. - Icons and thumbnails are now DPI aware for clarity on all display types, and a Tags Widget allows for easy tagging by dragging files onto tags. - Users can rotate JPEG-XR images and set them as desktop or lock screen backgrounds directly from the application. - A new setting allows automatic focus on newly created tabs. - The Properties Window has been improved to browse for .icl files and modify the ‘compress contents’ attribute. - Individual launch protocols for each branch of Files have been implemented. - Performance improvements include immediate loading of breadcrumb flyouts and reduced load times for thumbnails. - Drag-and-drop functionality has been refined, allowing background operation when dragging items to other applications. - Files now supports .gz archives as the default for compressed files, with updates to 7zip dependencies. - Users can toggle columns in Details View settings, with changes reflecting across all tabs. - The Home Page has been streamlined for a cleaner appearance. - Keyboard navigation enhancements allow opening breadcrumb flyouts with Space and Enter keys. - The Windows Taskbar no longer displays the number of open tabs. - Support for Lucid Link v3 has been added for cloud drive capabilities. Fixes in version 3.9 include resolving crashes, improving keyboard navigation, fixing issues with drag-and-drop support, and addressing various problems with cloud drives, columns view, and tags.