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
-
Framework Laptop 13 Pro Competes with the Best
Framework has released what might be considered the MacBook of Linux devices.
-
The Latest CachyOS Features Supercharged Kernel
The latest release of CachyOS brings with it an enhanced version of the latest Linux kernel.
-
Kernel 7.0 Is a Bit More Rusty
Linux kernel 7.0 has been released for general availability, with Rust finally getting its due.
-
France Says "Au Revoir" to Microsoft
In a move that should surprise no one, France announced plans to reduce its reliance on US technology, and Microsoft Windows is the first to get the boot.
-
CIQ Releases Compatibility Catalog for Rocky Linux
The company behind Rocky Linux is making an open catalog available to developers, hobbyists, and other contributors, so they can verify and publish compatibility with the CIQ lineup.
-
KDE Gets Some Resuscitation
KDE is bringing back two themes that vanished a few years ago, putting a bit more air under its wings.
-
Ubuntu 26.04 Beta Arrives with Some Surprises
Ubuntu 26.04 is almost here, but the beta version has been released, and it might surprise some people.
-
Ubuntu MATE Dev Leaving After 12 years
Martin Wimpress, the maintainer of Ubuntu MATE, is now searching for his successor. Are you the next in line?
-
Kali Linux Waxes Nostalgic with BackTrack Mode
For those who've used Kali Linux since its inception, the changes with the new release are sure to put a smile on your face.
-
Gnome 50 Smooths Out NVIDIA GPU Issues
Gamers rejoice, your favorite pastime just got better with Gnome 50 and NVIDIA GPUs.