The Windows Subsystem for Linux, or WSL, is moving to the Microsoft Store, which will make it easier for users to not only install it but also get more updates.
With the Microsoft Store update model, WSL will be able to receive enhancements separately from operating system updates without relying on Windows Update.
Previously, WSL could be installed as a Windows feature directly from the operating system, and its maintenance required exclusive Windows updates.
“WSL is now available in the Microsoft Store. It's the same WSL you know and love, but it just comes with a different disposition mechanism. Installing WSL from the Store will make it easier to get the latest WSL updates in the future,” Microsoft announced when it unveiled a new version previewof Windows 11.
At the same time, the company facilitates the installation of WSL by changing the result of the command wsl.exe -install. From today, this command will lead to the WSL version of the Microsoft Store.
“Starting with this preview release, we've made it easier for new users to get started with WSL from the Microsoft Store by changing the “wsl.exe –install” command to install WSL from the Microsoft Store by defaultchoice", he says Microsoft.
In addition, we have added some additional commands to "wsl.exe -install" to facilitate your installation settings, such as "wsl -install -no-launch" which will install a new WSL distribution without starting it immediately. To see a complete list of available commands, run the "wsl –help" command.
You can already download WSL from the Microsoft Store, although it may take a few more hours for the listing to appear for everyone.