Windows 10 can now run Linux GUI apps using Windows Subsystem for Linux

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by Pradeep Viswav 

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Linux GUI apps on Windows

Microsoft today announced that Linux GUI apps can now run on Windows 10 using Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL). Using this feature, you can run any GUI application that might only exist in Linux, or to run your own applications or testing in a Linux environment. This feature is mainly focused on developers who want to test their cross-platform app on Windows 10 machines.

Linux GUI applications on WSL include out of the box audio and microphone support. Microsoft has also enabled support for GPU accelerated 3D graphics.

Here’s how you can use this feature:

  • To get started using Linux GUI app support, you’ll need to make sure you’re on Windows 10 Insiders preview build 21364 or higher.
  • If you already have WSL installed, all you need to do is run wsl --update and you’ll be set to use GUI apps.
  • If you don’t have WSL enabled, running wsl --install will install WSLg automatically as part of the initial WSL setup.

Source: Microsoft

More about the topics: linux, microsoft, windows, Windows Subsystem for Linux

Pradeep Viswav

Pradeep Viswav Shield

Software and Services Expert

Pradeep is a Computer Science and Engineering Graduate. He was also a Microsoft Student Partner. He is currently working in a leading IT company.