Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) permits you to run Linux distros within the Windows operating system. WSL is offered in numerous variations: WSL 1 (older but still supported) and WSL 2 (more recent with continual growth support).
Just recently, on May 19, 2025, Microsoft carried out a 2025 Construct Meeting where they announced the open-source nature of WSL for Windows, which is massive news for Linux customers and the open-source area.
In today’s overview, I will certainly specify on the current development in the WSL project, the open-source nature of the WSL, how fully grown its open-source nature is, and Microsoft’s trip towards open-source. So, let’s get started:
Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) is now Open up Source
Yes, you heard that right, Microsoft has actually just recently proclaimed WSL as an open-source component of Windows. Microsoft has formally launched the source code of WSL on May 19, 2025, at the Microsoft Build 2025 Seminar.
According to the news of Microsoft, the WSL is entirely open-sourced with the exception of the following 3 parts:
- Lxcore.sys : Kernel-side chauffeur that powers WSL 1, i.e., part that equates Linux commands for Windows in WSL 1
- P 9 rdr.sys and” p 9 n 9 dll : These 9 P method components describe the filesystem redirection from Windows to Linux.
The above three parts are snugly integrated with Windows core procedures. For example, the” Lxcore.sys has to engage with the Windows bit. Likewise, the 9 P procedure components take care of Windows documents and directories. These deep integrations of WSL’s parts with Windows might be the factors behind keeping them closed-source.
This was about Microsoft’s recent statement. Currently, let me take you via Microsoft’s path towards open-source WSL.
Road to Open Up Source WSL
In 2019, Microsoft began preserving its own Linux Bit specifically for WSL, and it was proclaimed an open-source part.
Since then, the WSL area has begun growing and adding to the WSL task. In the future, the WSLg part came to be open source, which provides the visual applications sustain for the Linux applications in the WSL.
Microsoft gradually moved WSL to an open-source project. In 2021, Microsoft divided the Windows code base from the WSL code base. The recently released WSL was then available on the Microsoft Store for Windows 11 users. However, in 2022, it was provided for Windows 10 individuals also.
Aside from that, the advancement and upgradation of WSL maintain going, i.e., the most recent offered WSL is” 2 5 7.0
Exactly how can I Contribute to Open-Source WSL?
Microsoft has actually offered the resource code Git Repo of WSL, where you can contribute to reporting the bugs/issues or establishing the source code from square one. A Linux enthusiast might enjoy to check into the source code and contribute according to their passion.
If you are dealing with any kind of technological issues relevant to WSL, you can request for support on WSL’s Git repo. Likewise, if you are a regular individual, you should go on going to the WSL repo and contribute to any kind of various other concerns of the users in the comments.
Standard Recognizing of the WSL Architecture
Because two different operating systems are collaborating, the element performances would differ in both environments. Allow’s have a bird’s eye view of the WSL style:
Windows Host: The parts held on the Windows side are the access points to connect with the WSL.
- wsl.exe : Command line energy to launch or take care of the WSL.
- wslconfig.exe : This mainly comes from WSL 1 and is used to set up WSL 1
- wslg.exe : Launch and manage the GUI apps from Windows.
- wslservice.exe : This is the background process, i.e., introduce the VM, start/stop the distros affixed, mount the filesystem, and so on.
WSL VM Solution: These elements work inside the WSL VM and are triggered when the customer performs Windows elements.
- init : The initial process that starts in the Linux environment. It initializes the essential processes and takes care of the circulation at the WSL end.
- gns (Networking) : Manages DNS and network integration with Windows.
- localhost (port forwarding) : The localhost running inside the Linux VM is the port forwarding.
- Strategy 9 Server : The web server is accountable for file sharing from Windows to Linux.
Incentive: Keep Your WSL Updated
When you install WSL from the command line, it may fetch and mount a little bit reduced version. Or perhaps if it is up to date according to your setup, you need to look for updates and get the latest offered version:
Before upgrading:
Upgrading WSL:
Both the Linux Bit and WSL versions are upgraded:
That’s all from this article.
Conclusion
On May 19, 2025, Microsoft announced the WSL as an open-source project. Not 100 % open-source, yet a major innovation in the open-source world. Microsoft has long been working with this. Microsoft has held three elements closed-source as a result of their deep combination with the Windows core procedures.
In today’s message, I have spoken about the open-source nature of WSL and Microsoft’s course to open-source WSL advancement.
FAQs:
Q 1: Is WSL totally open resource currently?
Yes, with the exception of only three components, which are “Lxcore.sys”, “P 9 rdr.sys”, and “p 9 n 9 dll”.
Q 2: Just how can I add to WSL?
Microsoft has given the source code Git Repo of WSL, where you can add to reporting the bugs/issues or developing the resource code from the ground up.
Q 3: Is WSL a replacement for Linux?
WSL can not be described as a full replacement for Linux. WSL is simply a subsystem within Windows.
Q 4: Can WSL open a GUI?
Yes, WSL can open a Linux GUI application with the assistance of WSLg, i.e., presented in 2021 for Windows 11 and in 2022 for Windows 10