The Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) is now available for download as a major version in the Microsoft Store. Otherwise, version 1.0.0 changes little about the popular tool.
The Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) has been released as version 1.0.0. Previously, only a preview of 0.70.8 was available in the Microsoft Store. In addition to the now official jump to the main version, the update brings two bug fixes for the boot process. For Windows 11 and 10 users, WSL can now be downloaded from the Microsoft Store as final version 1.0.0.
Confusing terminology
WSL enables Linux applications, utilities, and bash command-line tools to run directly on Windows without the overhead of virtual machines or a dual-boot setup. It is primarily aimed at developers and comes in two variants: WSL 1 and WSL 2, which differ mainly in the depth of integration of the Linux components into the Windows system. Microsoft provides a precise comparison of the two versions on its own blog page.
Basically, these two forms of WSL have nothing to do with the jump to 1.0.0: it applies to the software package that is available in the Microsoft Store. This contains both variants, WSL 1 and 2, and leaves the choice. However, WSL 2 is preset by default – Microsoft itself no longer makes the distinction in official communication and only speaks of WSL.
Microsoft offers help with the installation in an online manual. WSL is also on Github. Microsoft announced availability in its own App Store a good year ago but has only made a preview version available to date.
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