Windows 10 to get a custom-built Linux kernel later this year

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Published onMay 7, 2019

published onMay 7, 2019

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Microsoft is bringing the full Linux kernel to the Windows 10 operating system, which will replace the emulation architecture that was a part of the initial release of the Windows Subsystem for Linux, or WSL for short. Taking advantage of the full kernel,WSL2will bring “up to 20x faster” performance for Linux apps, and full system call compatibility to allow many apps that were previously incompatible to run without issues.

Microsoft is initially starting out with version 4.19 of the Linux kernel, which is the most recent long-term release of the system. The company is also promising to keep the kernel updated to the latest long-term release so that any developer “always has the latest Linux goodness,”according toMicrosoft’s program manager Jack Hammons.

Of course, while the full kernel is available, none of the userspace binaries are included by default. Instead, a user must select one through the installation of theirpreferred Linux distroon the Microsoft Store, or by creating their own custom package. In addition, thanks to its open source nature, developers will also be able to create their own WSL kernels, with instructions being made available soon on GitHub.

The company hasn’t verified when full kernel will be readily available in Windows 10, but we could see it as soon as the next major release of the opening system codenamed 19H2, which is due for later this year. To make the overall experience even smoother, Microsoft is alsointroducing a new tab-based Windows Terminalthat will allow developers to access Windows Subsystem for Linux, PowerShell, and Cmd from a single command line interface.

Radu Tyrsina

Radu Tyrsina has been a Windows fan ever since he got his first PC, a Pentium III (a monster at that time).

For most of the kids of his age, the Internet was an amazing way to play and communicate with others, but he was deeply impressed by the flow of information and how easily you can find anything on the web.

Prior to founding Windows Report, this particular curiosity about digital content enabled him to grow a number of sites that helped hundreds of millions reach faster the answer they’re looking for.

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Radu Tyrsina

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Windows 10 to get a custom-built Linux kernel later this year