Arch Linux Available for Windows Subsystem for Linux
If you've ever wanted to use a rolling release distribution with WSL, now's your chance.
Robin Candau recently announced that Arch Linux is now available to use within Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL).
Until recently, the only distributions available to WSL included Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora Remix, openSUSE, Kali Linux, and Pengwin, so Arch Linux will be a welcome addition to many who've been hoping to either try the rolling release distro or develop for it.
Candau, the official maintainer of the Arch WSL image, is building and releasing new versions monthly via GitLab CI/CD. The goal is to provide a complete system that offers the usual Arch Linux experience.
For those who are looking to run a full-blown desktop environment with Arch Linux, you'll need WSL 2 installed (as the original WSL doesn't support GUI apps). Candau also warns that as soon as Arch Linux is booted into WLS, it's important to upgrade with the pacman -Syu command to ensure you have the most recent build and packages.
You can find more information on the official GitLab page for the Arch Linux WSL image (as well as the code). There, you'll see the necessary command for installing Arch via the automated process (wsl --install archlinux will do just fine) and even instructions on how to install the image manually.
This project started back in Februrary 2025 and is only now enjoying its first official release.
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
Arch Linux Available for Windows Subsystem for Linux
If you've ever wanted to use a rolling release distribution with WSL, now's your chance.
-
System76 Releases COSMIC Alpha 7
With scores of bug fixes and a really cool workspaces feature, COSMIC is looking to soon migrate from alpha to beta.
-
OpenMandriva Lx 6.0 Available for Installation
The latest release of OpenMandriva has arrived with a new kernel, an updated Plasma desktop, and a server edition.
-
TrueNAS 25.04 Arrives with Thousands of Changes
One of the most popular Linux-based NAS solutions has rolled out the latest edition, based on Ubuntu 25.04.
-
Fedora 42 Available with Two New Spins
The latest release from the Fedora Project includes the usual updates, a new kernel, an official KDE Plasma spin, and a new System76 spin.
-
So Long, ArcoLinux
The ArcoLinux distribution is the latest Linux distribution to shut down.
-
What Open Source Pros Look for in a Job Role
Learn what professionals in technical and non-technical roles say is most important when seeking a new position.
-
Asahi Linux Runs into Issues with M4 Support
Due to Apple Silicon changes, the Asahi Linux project is at odds with adding support for the M4 chips.
-
Plasma 6.3.4 Now Available
Although not a major release, Plasma 6.3.4 does fix some bugs and offer a subtle change for the Plasma sidebar.
-
Linux Kernel 6.15 First Release Candidate Now Available
Linux Torvalds has announced that the release candidate for the final release of the Linux 6.15 series is now available.