WSL2 Archives

Winsage

May 20, 2025

Microsoft open sources Windows Subsystem for Linux

Microsoft has announced the open-sourcing of the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL), which has evolved since its introduction in 2016. WSL was initially designed to enable Windows to run ELF executables natively through a compatibility layer. Compatibility challenges led to the development of WSL2, introduced to testers in 2019. By 2021, Microsoft decided to remove WSL code from the Windows ecosystem to align with the rapid updates of the Linux community. As of 2024, Microsoft has transitioned to a new WSL package, moving away from the original WSL component bundled with Windows. Nearly all previously closed code for WSL is now available on GitHub at Microsoft/WSL, allowing developers to contribute to its evolution. However, the kernel-side driver lxcore.sys and other related components remain part of Windows and are not open-sourced. Microsoft has acknowledged the community's role in shaping WSL but has not clarified the project's future management or the establishment of a steering committee.

Winsage

May 14, 2025

WSL is the best feature added to Windows in the last decade

Microsoft introduced the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) in the Windows 10 Anniversary Update in August 2016, initially as a tool for developers. WSL debuted as a beta version with a native-kernel translation layer, allowing Windows to run unmodified Linux ELF binaries. Its early performance was limited, leading users to prefer Linux virtual machines for full compatibility. The launch of WSL2 in May 2020 replaced the translation layer with a lightweight, real Linux kernel running in a Hyper-V utility VM, providing near-native performance and comprehensive syscall coverage. WSL2 has since seen continuous improvements, including GPU-compute and CUDA support in 2021, full GUI support for X11 and Wayland applications in 2022, and systemd support in September 2022. WSL2 approaches the performance of bare-metal Linux while integrating seamlessly with Windows, allowing users to launch a Linux shell easily. It enables developers to access the C drive and interact between Windows and Linux environments without dual-booting. WSL2 enhances productivity for data science workflows, allowing the use of tools like PyTorch with CUDA. It also offers features for non-developers, such as creating aliases for launching Windows applications and running Linux GUI applications. WSL's integration into Windows represents a significant shift, providing opportunities for users across various domains to explore Linux functionalities.

Winsage

May 5, 2025

Microsoft silently fixes Start menu bug affecting Windows 10 PCs

Microsoft has resolved a problem that disrupted the functionality of Start Menu jump lists on Windows 10, version 22H2. The issue originated from a Controlled Feature Rollout (CFR) initiated in March 2025, which aimed to enhance account control but led to complications. Microsoft paused the rollout in late April 2025 after receiving user feedback about the inability to view jump lists for apps. The problematic rollout was halted on April 25, 2025, preventing new devices from encountering the glitch. The issue mainly affected users of Windows 10 Home and Pro editions. Affected users are advised to ensure their devices are connected to the internet and to restart their systems to apply the fix.

Winsage

April 22, 2025

Windows 10 KB5055612 preview update fixes a GPU bug in WSL2

Microsoft has released the optional KB5055612 preview cumulative update for Windows 10 22H2, which addresses a GPU paravirtualization issue in the Windows Subsystem for Linux 2 (WSL2). This update is part of Microsoft's initiative for optional non-security preview updates, typically available at the end of each month, allowing administrators to test upcoming fixes and features. The update does not include security updates and can be installed manually through Windows Update or downloaded from the Microsoft Update Catalog. The key changes in the KB5055612 update include security improvements to internal Windows OS functionality, a fix for the case-sensitive GPU paravirtualization check in WSL2, and updates to the Windows Kernel Vulnerable Driver Blocklist to include drivers with known vulnerabilities exploited in BYOVD attacks. Microsoft has noted two known issues: one related to the Citrix Session Recording Agent (SRA) version 2411 causing update failures, with a suggested workaround, and another involving an Event 7023 error in Windows EventViewer regarding SgrmBroker.exe, which is currently non-functional and can be ignored. A fix for this bug is expected in future updates.

Winsage

April 22, 2025

These 7 WSL programs changed how I use Windows

Windows users previously faced challenges using Linux tools via virtual machines until the introduction of the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL), which was further improved with WSL2. WSL2 integrates a lightweight virtual machine into Windows, allowing users to run Linux applications seamlessly. Runtipi and CasaOS can be easily set up on WSL2 to host self-service applications without complex configurations. Visual Studio Code (VS Code) offers a WSL extension that enables code execution directly in Linux distributions from Windows, enhancing the coding experience. Gigolo is a frontend for managing network shares, which can also be integrated into Windows 11 through WSL2. Ansible can automate the provisioning of virtual machines and containers on WSL2, making it easier for users engaged in DIY projects. Rsync can be installed via WSL2 for efficient file synchronization and backups on Windows. Podman Desktop allows Windows users to explore container runtimes using WSL2, providing a GUI for managing containers. Lastly, WSL2 enables users to access the Linux terminal and run various Linux distributions directly within Windows 11.

Winsage

April 15, 2025

Releasing Windows 10 Build 19045.5794 to the Release Preview Channel

Windows 10 22H2 Build 19045.5794 (KB5055612) is now available in the Release Preview Channel for Insiders. Key features include a fix for the GPU paravirtualization check in Windows Subsystem for Linux 2 (WSL2), which was previously case-sensitive, and updates to the Windows Kernel Vulnerable Driver Blocklist to include drivers with security vulnerabilities exploited in Bring Your Own Vulnerable Driver (BYOVD) attacks.

Winsage

March 13, 2025

Microsoft Patches a Whopping Seven Zero-Days in March

Microsoft's March Patch Tuesday revealed over 50 new vulnerabilities, including seven zero-day vulnerabilities, six of which are currently being exploited. Key vulnerabilities include: - CVE-2025-26633: Security feature bypass in Microsoft Management Console, CVSS score 7.0. - CVE-2025-24993: Remote code execution (RCE) vulnerability in Windows NTFS, CVSS score 7.8. - CVE-2025-24991: Information disclosure vulnerability in Windows NTFS, CVSS score 5.5. - CVE-2025-24985: RCE vulnerability in Windows Fast FAT File System Driver, CVSS score 7.8. - CVE-2025-24984: Information disclosure vulnerability in Windows NTFS, CVSS score 4.6. - CVE-2025-24983: Elevation of privilege (EoP) vulnerability in Windows Win32 Kernel Subsystem, CVSS score 7.0. - CVE-2025-26630: RCE vulnerability in Microsoft Access, CVSS score 7.8. This month's patch list includes 23 EoP and 23 RCE vulnerabilities, with all six critical vulnerabilities being RCEs. Notably, CVE-2025-24084 affects the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL2) kernel, and CVE-2025-26645 impacts the remote desktop client (RDP), allowing attackers to achieve remote code execution on vulnerable clients.

Winsage

March 11, 2025

Microsoft March 2025 Patch Tuesday fixes 7 zero-days, 57 flaws

Microsoft released security updates on March 2025 Patch Tuesday, addressing 57 vulnerabilities, including six classified as critical related to remote code execution. The vulnerabilities are categorized as follows: 23 Elevation of Privilege, 3 Security Feature Bypass, 23 Remote Code Execution, 4 Information Disclosure, 1 Denial of Service, and 3 Spoofing. The updates specifically address six actively exploited zero-day vulnerabilities and one publicly disclosed zero-day vulnerability. The zero-day vulnerabilities include: 1. CVE-2025-24983 - Elevation of Privilege in Windows Win32 Kernel Subsystem. 2. CVE-2025-24984 - Information Disclosure in Windows NTFS. 3. CVE-2025-24985 - Remote Code Execution in Windows Fast FAT File System Driver. 4. CVE-2025-24991 - Information Disclosure in Windows NTFS. 5. CVE-2025-24993 - Remote Code Execution in Windows NTFS. 6. CVE-2025-26633 - Security Feature Bypass in Microsoft Management Console. The publicly disclosed zero-day is: - CVE-2025-26630 - Remote Code Execution in Microsoft Access. A comprehensive list of resolved vulnerabilities includes various CVE IDs and their respective titles and severities, with several vulnerabilities affecting Microsoft Office products, Windows components, and Azure services.

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

December 17, 2024

5 Docker containers you should be using on your Windows 11 PC

Linux distributions are effective for self-hosting and containerization, allowing users to run containers on Windows 11 after setting up WSL2 and Docker Desktop. Notable self-hosted services include: - Penpot: A free, SVG-based design tool that offers vector image editing and prototyping capabilities, supporting SVG, CSS, and HTML. - Nextcloud: A self-hosted cloud storage solution that ensures data privacy and offers features like file synchronization, mobile apps, and collaboration tools. - Joplin: A note-taking application with markdown support and tagging, allowing users to self-host their own server for syncing notes without privacy concerns. - LibreOffice: A free alternative to Microsoft Office that supports various file formats and can be containerized for optimal performance. - Linux Distros: Users can run full Linux operating systems in lightweight containers, with popular options including Ubuntu and Alpine Linux, and even macOS in Docker containers. Additional Docker images for enhancing home networks and workflows include WireGuard, NetAlertX, Pi-Hole, Immich, Calibre-web, Jellyfin, Gitea, Code Server, and Nginx.