WSL Containers hit public preview: Run Linux ...

Microsoft has officially launched WSL Containers in public preview. This update allows developers to run Linux containers natively on Windows without relying on Docker Desktop.

Native container support arrives

The new feature integrates directly into the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) environment. Previously, running Linux containers on Windows often required installing and maintaining Docker Desktop or similar third-party tools. With this public preview, Microsoft is bridging that gap by offering a built-in solution.

Developers can now leverage the native capabilities of WSL to manage and run containers. This streamlines the development workflow by reducing dependency on external software for containerization tasks.

What this means for you

If you are a Windows developer working with Linux-based applications, this update simplifies your setup. You no longer need to install Docker Desktop just to run containers. This can lead to a lighter system footprint and fewer compatibility issues between tools.

For everyday users who do not develop software, this change has little direct impact. However, it signals Microsoft’s continued effort to make Windows a more robust platform for professional development tasks alongside macOS and Linux.

Getting started

To try out WSL Containers, ensure you have the latest version of WSL installed on your Windows machine. You can update WSL via the Microsoft Store or by running the update command in PowerShell. Once updated, check for available container features within your WSL distribution settings.

As this is a public preview, some features may still be evolving. Feedback from developers will help shape the final release of this functionality.

Source: Neowin

Over to you: Will you switch to WSL Containers for your development workflow, or stick with Docker Desktop?