WSL Archives

Winsage

May 26, 2026

Windows 12 at Build 2026: What to expect

Microsoft Build 2026 will occur on June 2 and 3 at the Fort Mason Center in San Francisco, featuring a keynote by CEO Satya Nadella. The event targets AI developers and enterprise teams, emphasizing a hands-on experience. In-person tickets are priced at ,099, while the keynote and select sessions will be streamed live for free. Although there is speculation about Windows 12, Microsoft has not officially confirmed its release, with reports indicating that 2027 may be the earliest for any announcement. Current initiatives include Windows K2, aimed at improving Windows 11's performance and reliability. Build 2026 is expected to cover topics such as native Windows development with WinUI 3, on-device AI capabilities, security for AI applications, and enhancements to the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL). In-person attendance will be limited, and visa support is available for international attendees.

Tech Optimizer

May 1, 2026

Ghost: A Database for Our Times?

Ghost, developed by ghost.build, is an "agent-first" Postgres database platform designed for AI-related applications, allowing developers and AI agents to create, fork, inspect, query, manipulate, and delete databases easily. It is free to use and hosted on Ghost’s Cloud infrastructure, making it suitable for testing, prototyping, and disposable database environments. Users can create databases on demand, execute SQL queries, and discard them when finished, contrasting with traditional managed databases. Ghost integrates with AI tools like Codex and Claude Code, providing direct database management capabilities through its MCP server. To install Ghost, users need a supported coding agent and a GitHub account. Installation commands differ for Linux, macOS, and Windows. After installation, users can verify the Ghost MCP server and interact with it through their coding agents. Examples of using Ghost include creating a sales data database, utilizing Ghost CLI commands, and experimenting with databases through AI agents. Ghost allows for rapid database manipulation and is ideal for proofs of concept and experimentation, although caution is advised before using it for production data.

Winsage

April 24, 2026

WSL9x: Add An Entire Windows 9x Subsystem To Your Linux

The Linux Subsystem for Windows 9x, led by Hailey Somerville, allows Linux to run within the Windows 9x framework by modifying the Linux kernel to interface with Windows 9x kernel APIs. Users need to create a specially modified Linux kernel (version 6.19) and a disk image with Windows 9x installed. The subsystem can be initiated with the wsl command, enabling both kernels to operate together. This initiative is reminiscent of Cooperative Linux and parallels the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL2) on Windows 10 and later. Contributions from the community have been vital to the project's development.

Winsage

April 23, 2026

Get Linux on your ancient 486 Windows 95 desktop using WSL9x — very old Windows PCs can cooperatively run very modern Linux kernels

A computer enthusiast has developed a tool called WSL9x, which allows users to run contemporary Linux kernels on early versions of Windows (from Windows 95 onward) and on machines with 486 CPUs. WSL9x enables the simultaneous operation of Windows and Linux applications without relying on hardware virtualization. The architecture includes a client program, wsl.com, which manages a DOS window for the console driver. Meanwhile, the Linux community is phasing out support for the Intel 486 CPU, with developers removing related support options in the Linux kernel, marking the end of support for this processor.

Winsage

April 22, 2026

You can now run WSL on Windows 95, in case you’re crazy, too

Hailey has developed the Windows 9x Subsystem for Linux (WSL9x), which allows the 6.19 Linux kernel to run on Windows 9x systems without a graphical user interface, relying instead on a terminal experience. WSL9x consists of three main components: a modified Linux kernel that interacts with Windows 9x APIs, a virtual device (VxD) driver that initializes WSL9x and manages userspace events, and a simple 16-bit DOS client for passing commands to the Linux kernel. The system handles syscalls through a general protection fault handler due to limitations in the Win9x architecture. However, this setup poses security risks as both the Linux kernel and Windows kernel operate with the same CPU privileges, meaning instability could occur if either crashes. Comprehensive instructions for installation are available on Hailey's Codeberg page.

Winsage

March 31, 2026

The March Windows 11 Insider Update adds 9 fresh features and improvements worth knowing

- Microsoft has introduced several enhancements for Windows 11 through its Windows Insider Program, including previews for versions 25H2, 26H1, 26H2, and anticipated version 27H2. - The Pointer Indicator feature, starting with build 26300.8085, helps users with low vision locate the mouse pointer by overlaying a crosshair effect and offers customizable color options. - A redesigned Feedback Hub app aligns with Windows 11 aesthetics and improves user experience for feedback submission, including Bluetooth LE Audio device connections and main volume controls in Quick Settings. - The File Explorer context menu now displays application icons alongside the "Open" option for certain file types, available in the Canary Channel with build 28020.1743. - The Administrator Protection feature, introduced in builds 26300.8142 and 26220.8138, prompts an authorization dialog for unsigned or untrusted applications seeking privilege elevation, enhancing security. - Windows 11 now allows customization of the right-click zone size on touchpads, available under Settings > Bluetooth & Devices > Touchpad, for touchpads with a pressable surface. - Task Manager updates include new columns for "NPU" and "NPU Engine" on various pages, as well as columns for "NPU Dedicated Memory" and "NPU Shared Memory" on the Details page. - A new icon in printer settings indicates which printers support Windows Protected Print mode, enhancing printing security. - The Windows Console is undergoing significant changes, merging improvements from Windows Terminal, including an optional Direct3D rendering path and enhanced Find dialog functionality.

Winsage

March 31, 2026

Fastfetch 2.61 System Information Tool Drops Windows 7 and 8 Support

Fastfetch version 2.61 has been released, discontinuing support for Windows 7 and 8, with Windows 8.1 as the oldest supported version. The GPU module on Windows now uses DXCore for improved detection accuracy, available only on Windows 10 and later. In the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL), the GPU module has been optimized for speed but may have reduced accuracy due to the removal of directx-headers. On Linux, Fastfetch has transitioned to a pure C implementation, enhancing performance and simplifying the build process. New features include a brightness option for color display, detection of Bluetooth keyboards on Linux, display of empty memory slots, support for GlazeWM detection, identification of marketing product names on Asahi Linux, and recognition of M5-based Mac models on macOS. Improvements in hardware detection and system reporting have been made across all platforms, with enhanced SMBIOS data handling and reliability for Intel-based Macs. Stability improvements for terminating child processes on Windows have also been implemented. Critical fixes address missing memory device reporting, CPU cache deduplication issues, accurate window manager version reporting for niri, SSID decoding problems, and a Windows-specific issue affecting the command prompt code page.

Winsage

March 31, 2026

Microsoft to upgrade Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) with faster file access, better networking and easier setup

Microsoft plans to enhance the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) in 2026, focusing on several key improvements for developers. These enhancements include: - Faster file performance between Linux and Windows to address current latency issues. - Improved network compatibility and throughput for better communication between environments. - A streamlined setup and onboarding experience to simplify installation for newcomers. - Enhanced enterprise management and security features to improve control and safety in corporate settings.

Winsage

March 24, 2026

Microsoft quietly announced upcoming WSL upgrades, including a “more streamlined first-time setup and onboarding”

Microsoft has introduced several updates for Windows 11, including a simplified installation process for the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL), allowing users to install it with a single command or via the Microsoft Store. Additionally, there are enhancements in interoperability between Windows and Linux file systems, as well as improvements in networking capabilities. WSL provides a genuine Linux kernel and supports GUI applications, facilitating seamless communication with the Windows environment.

Winsage

March 24, 2026

Microsoft Announces WSL Upgrades for Windows 11

Microsoft has announced enhancements for the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) to improve the experience for developers using Linux tools on Windows. Key areas of focus include: - Faster file performance between Linux and Windows - Improved network compatibility and throughput - A more streamlined first-time setup and onboarding experience - Enhanced enterprise management with stronger policy control, security, and governance Networking improvements are particularly significant, addressing past issues with mirrored networking that caused “No route to host” errors. Additionally, a new dxgkrnl driver patch has been submitted to improve GPU support for WSL2, introducing compute-only GPU capabilities and support for multiple virtual GPUs. Pavan Davuluri, Microsoft VP for Windows and Devices, emphasized ongoing quality improvements for Windows 11, including reducing Copilot integration in built-in applications, enhancing Bluetooth and USB reliability, and improving search functionality and responsiveness. Despite these commitments, concerns remain, such as the mandatory Microsoft Account sign-in requirement.