Windows Subsystem for Linux gets a new icon and updated Linux kernel in its latest update

Windows Subsystem for Linux gets a new icon and updated Linux kernel in its latest update

The Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) compatibility layer needs no introduction when it comes to running Linux apps under Windows as natively as possible. Although Microsoft still ships WSL as an optional feature for Windows 10 and Windows 11, the company has gradually started decoupling it from the core OS. The first step towards the modular design was to wrap the whole Linux Subsystem as an app and distribute it through the Microsoft Store. To cement it further, Microsoft is now rolling out a new pre-release build of Windows Subsystem for Linux that brings a brand new icon, an updated Linux kernel, and a bunch of improvements.

Windows Subsystem for Linux gets a new icon and updated Linux kernel in its latest update

The new release bumps the version number of the Windows Subsystem for Linux app to 0.50.2. The first thing you notice after the update is the new penguin logo, which replaces the generic app stub icon. Under the hood, you can find version 5.10.74.3 of the Linux kernel with a plethora of fixes related to the DirectX graphics kernel subsystem. Last but not least, if you search “Windows Subsystem for Linux” in your start menu and click on that, it will now start you in your Linux home directory instead of of the System32 folder of the Windows instance.

The full changelog of this release can be found below:

Windows Subsystem for Linux 0.50.2 Changelog

  • Enable the Buffer Sharing and Sync File Frameworks (CONFIG_DMA_SHARED_BUFFER, CONFIG_SYNC_FILE) for Dxgkrnl usage
  • Since this is a pre-release build, the update is rolling out in a staged fashion, which means it might take a few days for your device to receive it. If you don't want to wait, you can manually check for update by clicking on the Microsoft Store link below, or grab the MSIXBUNDLE corresponding to the new build from the Windows Subsystem for Linux GitHub repo's release section and install it on your own.Download QR-CodeWindows Subsystem for Linux Preview Developer:‪Microsoft Corp.‬ Price:Free