Microsoft brings WSL 2 to old Windows 10

Aug 21, 2020 12:30 GMT  ·  By

One of the biggest changes in Windows 10 version 2004, or May 2020 Update, is the addition of the second-generation Windows Subsystem for Linux, also known as WSL 2.

Needless to say, WSL 2 comes with massive improvements, and one of the most notable is a full Linux kernel. Furthermore, this new release also supports managed VMs and allows for full system call compatibility, something that wasn’t available on the first Windows Subsystem for Linux release.

At the same time, WSL 2 also offers faster performance, and while Microsoft recommends everyone to switch to this new release, the company explains that some might have to stick with the original Windows Subsystem for Linux if the project files must be stored in the Windows file system.

However, the full Linux kernel that is available in WSL 2 is what makes most people upgrade. Microsoft itself ships new updates for the kernel via Windows Update, so the whole experience is substantially improved for those on Windows 10 version 2004.

“The Linux kernel in WSL 2 is built by Microsoft from the latest stable branch, based on the source available at kernel.org. This kernel has been specially tuned for WSL 2, optimizing for size and performance to provide an amazing Linux experience on Windows. The kernel will be serviced by Windows updates, which means you will get the latest security fixes and kernel improvements without needing to manage it yourself,” Microsoft says.

But the good news is that WSL 2 won’t remain a Windows 10 version 2004 exclusive, as Microsoft has recently announced support for the second-generation release on Windows 10 version 1903 and 1909 as well. In other words, Windows Subsystem for Linux 2 will be available on three different Windows 10 versions, namely 1903, 1909, 2004.

The backport of WSL 2 to Windows 10 version 1903 and 1909 will be available via Windows Update, so users just need to manually check for updates. Only x64 devices will be able to get it right now, and Microsoft says that those running ARM64 need to upgrade to Windows 10 version 2004 to use WSL 2.

Needless to say, you need a fully up-to-date Windows installation to be able to run WSL 2 on version 1903 and 1909. Microsoft provides additional instructions in this regard:

“You can check if you have this backport by verifying the minor build number of your Windows build. To do this, right click on the start menu, click ‘Run’ and then type in ‘winver’ and hit enter. The first number before the . is your major build number, so for version 1903 this will read 18362. The number after the . is your minor build number, and this will let you know whether you have the backport on your machine. This backport has the minor build number: 1049. To summarize, if your minor build number is 1049 or higher on Windows builds 18362 or 18363, then you have the backport and the ability to run WSL 2 distros,” the company says.

It goes without saying that this new announcement can only be good news for both Microsoft and Windows 10 users. With version 2004 still being rolled out in stages, some of those on version 1903 and 1909 want to try WSL 2 without waiting for the update to become available for their devices. Not to mention that in some cases, upgrading to the most recent Windows 10 version isn’t always possible so fast, so bringing the new Windows Subsystem for Linux 2 to older Windows 10 releases is without a doubt a good Microsoft decision.