14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft took everyone by surprise today when it announced at the Build developer conference that Apple is bringing iTunes in the Windows Store, but it now appears that the company has more unexpected news to share.
Ubuntu is also launching in the Windows Store, while both Fedora and Suse are coming to the Windows Subsystem for Linux.
Basically, the debut of the new Linux distros in the Windows Store make it possible for users to install them as apps on their Windows 10 devices, which means they will be able to run Windows and Linux applications side by side without having to create a dual-boot configuration.
“Windows 10 is the first system that allows you to do that,” Microsoft said today at the build developer conference.
Ubuntu in the Windows Store
This functionality will become available with the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update in September, but Ubuntu is already available in the Windows Store, while Suse and Fedora will be released at a later date. The WSL update will also go live at a later time.
Microsoft has once again reiterated that it loves Linux, leaving behind all the criticism that even its leaders threw at the open-source world. Steve Ballmer, the former Microsoft CEO, once called Linux a cancer, but with today’s announcement, it becomes more than obvious that the Redmond-based software giant is now all-in on Linux and open source.
“Windows 10 will be the most productive working environment ever,” Microsoft said at the show.
As you can see in the screenshot below, the Ubuntu Windows Store listing looks similar to any other app that is available in the Store, and everyone will be available to download and install it free of charge.
Since the new Linux distros are published in the Windows Store, it means they will also run on Windows 10 S, Microsoft’s Windows 10 version limited to Store apps and specifically aimed at the education sector.
