Windows is the most popular desktop operating system, but that doesn't mean it can do everything. For example, if you want to run JetBrains Projector server, you'll need a Unix -based system, like Linux. Microsoft has already introduced the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL), which brought support for running Linux apps directly from your Windows installation.
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But WSL has had some limitations until now. Version 1 didn't even use a full Linux kernel, so many applications didn't work. Version 2, on the other hand, brought many improvements, but GUI application support was still missing.
WSLg: Run Linux GUI apps on Windows 10
WSLg (Windows Subsystem for Linux GUI) is Microsoft's answer to the above issue. The project's goal is to support running Linux GUI apps (X11 and Wayland) on Windows, in a fully integrated desktop experience. Here's a diagram of how it works:
The basic idea is similar to the old manual method of setting up your own X server. But the X server runs in a parallel WSL instance that is not visible to the user.
Microsoft also says that applications should be able to take advantage of your GPU, with OpenGL passthrough. Currently, this behavior requires a special driver from AMD, Intel, or NVIDIA.
Craig Loewen, the Program Manager for the Windows Developer Platform, confirmed on Twitter that GUI support for Linux applications will be available to all users in the next major version of Windows.
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Features
Currently, WSLg seems to be quite complete. You can get full video and audio support for Linux GUI apps, along with 3D acceleration. Also, when a new GUI app is installed on a WSL instance, it is added to the start menu so you can use it directly. The apps should appear under a folder that has the same name as the WSL instance.
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Bugs
Of course, there are some bugs, which the development team is trying to resolve.
You can see the full list of issues in the WSLg GitHub repository.
But how does one take advantage of WSLg? For now, the easiest way is to get the latest Windows 10 Insider (build 21364 or later). If you already have WSL installed, all you need to do is run wsl –update and you’ll be ready to use GUI applications. If you don’t have WSL enabled, running wsl –install will automatically install WSLg as part of the initial WSL installation. More information on installation can be found here.
Then, open a WSL instance and run a Linux application with a GUI. If all goes well, you will see that the application appears almost like a genuine Windows application.
Resources
For more information, see the following:
Alternatively, you can watch Craig Loewen's video, which provides a detailed presentation:
Source: XDA-Developers Android Forums
