Although the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) version 2 was originally introduced with version 2004, Microsoft has now decided to backport it to Windows 10 version 1909 and 1903.
WSL 2 is the new version of the platform that allows to run Linux distros on top of Windows 10, which now includes file system performance enhancements, improved System Call Support for all Linux apps, such as Docker, FUSE, rsync, etc.
The new version also introduces a full Linux kernel built into the Windows Subsystem for Linux, and Docker Desktop has been added to use WSL 2 as its engine. This allows faster startup speeds and improved resource usage.
Windows Subsystem for Linux 2 is available now for the 64-bit version of Windows 10 version 1909 and 1903. If you have a device using ARM64, you’ll still need to upgrade to version 2004 to use it.
If you want to get it, you only need to check for updates in the Windows Update settings page and making sure the build 18362.1049 or build 18363.1049 or higher build is installed on your computer.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows expert and the Editor-in-Chief who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He is also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 12 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows, software, and related technologies, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me.