For years, Arch Linux enthusiasts have relied on unofficial methods to integrate their preferred distribution into the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL). However, the landscape has shifted with the recent announcement from Robin Candau, an Arch Linux developer based in Normandy. Arch Linux now boasts an official WSL image, marking a significant milestone for users who prefer this versatile operating system.
Candau has been diligently working on the WSL 2 image, and his efforts have culminated in its inclusion on the list of available distributions for WSL 2. This development follows a swift response from Microsoft, which began back in February with the initial request for official support.
Seamless Installation Experience
Gone are the days of wrestling with custom containers or images. With the new official support, installing Arch Linux on WSL is as simple as executing a single command. WSL 2 has long allowed users to install custom distributions, and while projects like ArchWSL have filled the gap, the official listing now provides a streamlined experience. After testing it on Windows 11, we found that within approximately half an hour of updates and just a couple of reboots, Arch Linux appeared on our list of available distributions:
PS C:Userslprov> wsl -l -o
The following is a list of valid distributions that can be installed.
Install using 'wsl.exe --install '.
NAME FRIENDLY NAME
AlmaLinux-8 AlmaLinux OS 8
AlmaLinux-9 AlmaLinux OS 9
AlmaLinux-Kitten-10 AlmaLinux OS Kitten 10
Debian Debian GNU/Linux
FedoraLinux-42 Fedora Linux 42
SUSE-Linux-Enterprise-15-SP5 SUSE Linux Enterprise 15 SP5
SUSE-Linux-Enterprise-15-SP6 SUSE Linux Enterprise 15 SP6
Ubuntu Ubuntu
Ubuntu-24.04 Ubuntu 24.04 LTS
archlinux Arch Linux
kali-linux Kali Linux Rolling
openSUSE-Tumbleweed openSUSE Tumbleweed
openSUSE-Leap-15.6 openSUSE Leap 15.6
Ubuntu-18.04 Ubuntu 18.04 LTS
Ubuntu-20.04 Ubuntu 20.04 LTS
Ubuntu-22.04 Ubuntu 22.04 LTS
OracleLinux79 Oracle Linux 7.9
OracleLinux87 Oracle Linux 8.7
OracleLinux91 Oracle Linux 9.1
While mainstream Linux distributions often capture the spotlight, Arch Linux holds a unique position in the ecosystem. It serves as the foundation for several downstream distributions, including Valve’s SteamOS for the Steam Deck and popular variants like EndeavourOS and Manjaro. Notably, Arch’s presence in the gaming community is underscored by its impressive usage statistics on Steam, where it has been reported to have a user base nearly double that of Ubuntu.
According to the latest Steam survey, Arch Linux commands a market share of 9.68%, with Linux Mint trailing at 5.31%. When considering its downstream distributions, Arch’s combined share rises to 14.74%, closely competing with Ubuntu derivatives at 16.09%. Such figures highlight Arch’s significant role in the Linux landscape.
Despite its reputation for attracting both admiration and playful criticism, Arch Linux is a favored choice for those who have outgrown entry-level distributions. It offers a customizable experience for users who possess the knowledge and desire to build their own operating system installations. However, many professionals, including Candau himself, find themselves constrained by workplace policies that mandate the use of Windows, limiting their ability to utilize Linux on their workstations.
As the community of reluctant Windows users grows, the introduction of Arch Linux on WSL presents a refreshing alternative to the more commonly used distributions like Ubuntu, Debian, and openSUSE.
Bootnote
In an interesting twist, it’s worth noting that even notable figures such as Felix Kjellberg, better known as “PewDiePie,” have embraced Arch Linux, further elevating its profile in the tech community.
