Must-Know Bits 👇 — Won't be made available on the Microsoft Store. — Based on Docker/container images of Arch Linux. — New images will be built monthly, following current practices.
Saying “I use Arch, btw” has become an iconic part of the Linux community over the years. Whenever a person installs Arch Linux, they automatically get the right to say those words anywhere they please, on online forums, sure, in a random encounter with a stranger, why not?
In a surprising yet interesting turn of events, an Arch Linux image for WSL, aka Windows Subsystem for Linux, might soon become a reality. For those unfamiliar, WSL is a feature on recent Windows versions that allows users to run a Linux environment directly inside their Windows system without having to run a virtual machine separately.
Let's get into it, shall we? 😃
Arch Linux On WSL: What To Expect?
The message which confirmed that an official Arch Linux WSL image was coming.
Being spearheaded by Arch Linux package maintainer, Robin Candau, the initial idea for an Arch Linux WSL image was floated a few days ago for taking in feedback from other Arch Linux developers.
Since that, a lot of back and forth has happened, and a major milestone achieved after Microsoft confirmed their interest in offering such an image with a one pull request per month arrangement to keep it updated.
This is something that was inspired by what Fedora 42 is set to do, and to provide a straightforward way for Windows users to give Arch Linux a try without having to commit to a standard installation. Plus, it makes the distribution more discoverable and accessible.
Work on this new Arch Linux image is already underway, with Robin already laying out some important points related to this initiative. Firstly, there will be a dedicated repository for Arch Linux WSL on Arch Linux's GitLab instance for easy project management.
Then, a dedicated image for Arch Linux WSL will be automatically built and published every month (following what Arch Linux already does). It will be based on the Docker/container image of Arch Linux, with systemd support baked in.
For installation, it won't be made available via the Microsoft Store due to complications with its policy and Terms of Service agreements. Instead, it will be provided as tarballs for easy installation on Windows systems.
Technical support for the Arch Linux WSL image will be provided on best effort/low-priority basis only for WSL2, as WSL1 is not supported. Moreover, Arch Linux staff are not expected to provide support if they can't or don't want to.
Closing Thoughts
There were already a few projects that allow using Arch with WSL. It will be good to see it from official sources.
Provided there are no strong objections, Robin is ready to start setting things up by coordinating with the Arch Linux DevOps team. However, if concerns are raised, the new image may be delayed or reconsidered.
If you are interested in learning more, then you can refer to the original thread on the Arch Linux mailing lists and the experimental repository on GitLab for an early look at Arch Linux WSL.
💬 Are you excited to see Arch Linux being offered for WSL? Couldn't be bothered? Share your thoughts below!
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