Published: May 26, 2022
Microsoft has announced the release of Windows Server 2022 build 20348.740. Earlier this week, Microsoft’s Program Manager Craig Loew confirmed on GitHub that the latest update now allows users to run Linux distributions based on WSL 2 in Windows Server 2022.
“Hi folks, we’ve added support for WSL 2 distros on Windows Server 2022! This is available right now by installing KB5014021. Currently this update is only available for seekers, and next month it will be pushed by default. Going forwards, WSL will be supported both on Windows server and Windows desktop SKUs,” said Craig Loewen on GitHub.
The Windows Subsystem for Linux 2 (WSL 2) made its debut on Windows 10 with the May 2020 Update. Meanwhile, WSL 2 support was also available for users getting Semi-Annual Channel (SAC) updates of Windows Server.
With the release of Windows Server 2022, Microsoft dropped support for its Semi-Annual Channel (SAC) updates and switched to a new model with Windows Server LTSC releases. The new version included several new features such as security improvements, DNS-over-HTTPS support, new Azure capabilities, and more. However, it lacked support for Windows Subsystem for Linux 2.
The latest Windows Server 2022 update (build 20348.740) brings significant performance improvements with version 2 of WSL. In addition to this, WSL 2 comes with a full Linux kernel that enables full system call compatibility as well as the ability to run a Linux kernel within a lightweight virtual machine.
If you want to run WSL 2 Linux distributions on Windows Server 2022, you can install the latest cumulative update by heading to Settings >> Windows Update and clicking the Check for updates button.
Meanwhile, the new Windows Server build is also available to download on the Microsoft Update Catalog. As usual, those of you who prefer to skip this optional update will receive these improvements with next month’s Patch Tuesday update.