WSLg is short for Windows Subsystem for Linux GUI and the purpose of the project is to enable support for running Linux GUI applications (X11 and Wayland) on Windows in a fully integrated desktop experience. WSLg provides an integrated experience for developers, scientists or enthusiasts that prefer or need to run Windows on their PC but also need the ability to run tools or applications which works best, or exclusively, in a Linux environment. While users can accomplish this today using a multiple system setup, with individual PC dedicated to Windows and Linux, virtual machine hosting either Windows or Linux, or an XServer running on Windows and projected into WSL, WSLg provides a more integrated, user friendly and productive alternative. WSLg strives to make Linux GUI applications feel native and natural to use on Windows. From integration into the Start Menu for launch to appearing in the task bar, alt-tab experience to enabling cut/paste across Windows and Linux applications.
Features
- WSLg is supported on both Windows 11 and Windows 10
- WSLg is available both as part of the Windows 11 WSL inbox support as well as through the Windows Subsystem for Linux from the Microsoft Store
- It is highly recommended to use the Microsoft Store version of WSL, which supports both Windows 10 and Windows 11, and contains the most up to date version of WSL and WSLg
- WSLg provides an integrated experience for developers, scientists or enthusiasts that prefer or need to run Windows on their PC
- WSLg strives to make Linux GUI applications feel native and natural to use on Windows
- From integration into the Start Menu for launch to appearing in the task bar