The new GUI app support in WSL, sometimes referred to as WSLg, also lets developers test cross-platform GUI apps. WSL now lets developers run those apps without setting up a Linux VM. There are other applications too that only run in Linux. While many developers use Visual Studio Code on Windows to connect to their Linux instances in WSL, some developers prefer to use Linux tools like gedit, JetBrains, and gvim. The primary use case for Linux GUI app support is to run IDEs that are only supported on Linux. If you don’t know, WSL 2 is a feature in Windows 10 that lets developers add a Linux kernel to Windows and then load terminal support for several Linux distributions, including Ubuntu and SUSE.įor more information on Microsoft’s announcement, check out Microsoft Brings Linux GUI Apps to Windows 10 on Petri.

But Microsoft recently came good on a promise it made last year to bring GUI app support to the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL). Until recently, WSL only officially supported Linux terminal applications. Windows 10 21H2 isn’t coming until the second half of 2021 but Microsoft is busy releasing previews to Insiders.

Start your Linux GUI app from the Windows Start menuįor more detailed instructions, keep on reading! Installing Linux GUI apps supported in Windows 10 21H2 and Windows 11.

Install your Linux GUI app in Ubuntu or other supported Linux distribution.

Install WSL or update an existing WSL installation.

Here are the steps you need to follow to install a Linux GUI app in Windows 10 or Windows 11: How to install a Linux GUI app in Windows 10 and Windows 11 In this article, I’ll show you how to update WSL to support GUI apps, how to install a GUI app in Ubuntu, and finally look at how GUI Linux apps are integrated with the Windows user interface. So, using build 21364 and higher, developers can run their preferred GUI editors and tools for testing and building Linux apps without having to jump through hoops like installing an X Server.

Microsoft announced on April 21 st that WSL in Windows 10 Insider Preview Build 21364 now supports Linux GUI apps.

Linux GUI apps in Windows 10 and Windows 11.

Starting Linux GUI apps and integration with the Windows UI.

Install WSL for the first time with GUI app support.

What can I do with WSL GUI app support?.

Installing Linux GUI apps supported in Windows 10 21H2 and Windows 11.

How to install a Linux GUI app in Windows 10 and Windows 11.

Install linux terminal on windows 10