WSL 2 continues to grow in popularity, and Arch Linux is the latest addition to its lineup. The phrase “I use Arch, BTW” is a well-known meme within the Linux community, often used by those familiar with the distribution. Soon, this phrase may also resonate with Windows 11 users, particularly those utilizing WSL 2.
According to a report by It’s Foss, Arch Linux has announced that, following discussions with Microsoft, an official distribution image will be made available for WSL 2 in the near future. Microsoft has expressed interest in including an official Arch Linux WSL image in its distribution catalog and has agreed to a monthly update schedule to keep the image current. This aligns with Arch Linux’s ISO release frequency. The Arch Linux team has indicated that they are technically prepared to move forward, though they are allowing some additional time for final reviews and validations of the specifications.
Arch Linux isn’t the only major distribution joining WSL. Fedora has also confirmed plans to release official WSL images, with the target being its next major version, Fedora 42.
While this confirmation marks the first step, the real work begins now, as both parties appear to be in agreement. Arch Linux for WSL will have its own dedicated GitLab repository to distinguish it from the main releases, and a new image will be generated monthly. Notably, Arch Linux will exclusively support WSL 2, with no intentions to back the older and less capable WSL 1.
Personally, I haven’t used Arch Linux extensively, though I have experience with Arch-based systems like SteamOS on the Steam Deck and a brief stint with Manjaro. Arch Linux boasts a highly dedicated user base, and those who also use Windows 11 will likely welcome this development.
This news adds to the growing list of major Linux distributions available on WSL. Arch Linux will join the ranks of Ubuntu, Debian, Kali, and soon Fedora, as well as others like Oracle. WSL has been around for some time, but it’s encouraging to see that its evolution shows no signs of slowing down.
Ayush Kumar Jaiswal is a writer and contributor for MakingIndiaAIFirst.com, a platform dedicated to covering the latest developments, trends, and innovations in artificial intelligence (AI) with a specific focus on India’s role in the global AI landscape. His work primarily revolves around delivering insightful and up-to-date news, analysis, and commentary on AI advancements, policies, and their implications for India’s technological future.
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