Microsoft has officially launched Arch Linux on the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL), allowing users to run a virtual instance of this popular Linux distribution. This development was previously hinted at in February by It’s Foss News, and now it’s become a reality.
Until now, WSL only supported Linux distributions like Ubuntu, Debian, and Kali Linux. The addition of Arch Linux, known for its rolling release model, offers a fresh option for developers and users craving an Arch experience without leaving the Windows environment.
The Arch Linux WSL image is maintained by contributors, including Robin Candau, and aims to provide a complete Arch experience on WSL, including support for systemd. As per the official details, the Arch images will be built and released monthly, encouraging users to update their system immediately after installation.
To start using the Arch Linux WSL image, you need to have WSL 2 installed. Here’s a quick setup guide:
Open PowerShell and install WSL with the command:
wsl --installOnce WSL 2 is installed, add Arch Linux by running:
wsl --install archlinuxAfter installation, boot into Arch Linux using:
wsl -d archlinuxFinally, be sure to update the system with:
pacman -SyuRemember, while WSL allows for command-line usage of Linux, if you want to run a graphical environment, you will need to set up a desktop environment manually and access it through Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP).
This new development broadens the horizons for Windows users who want to explore the Arch ecosystem without leaving their typical operating environment.
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