Microsoft’s WSL 2 looks like it could be getting even stronger with official support from Fedora

What you need to know

  • WSL 2 on Windows 11 already has significant support from Linux distro makers such as Ubuntu, but another big name looks to be throwing their hat in the ring.
  • Fedora, the consumer version of Linux sponsored by IBM’s Red Hat, is exploring having an official release for WSL.
  • Currently you can use Fedora through unofficial channels, but official support would be another feather in the cap.

As someone who has been tinkering with Linux systems for years now, and particularly fond of Fedora, the prospect of an official release of this distro for Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) is nothing short of exhilarating!


On Windows 11, the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) has become one of my go-to tools, even though I’m not a software developer by trade. Instead, I’m a tech enthusiast with a soft spot for Linux. My preferred distribution is Fedora, and hearing rumors of an official release for WSL has me absolutely thrilled!

According to OSTechnix, Fedora could soon produce official releases for WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux) starting with version 42. However, this isn’t a done deal yet, as it requires approval from the Fedora Engineering Steering Committee first. Since we’re currently on Fedora 41, if the plan gets approved, we might not have to wait too long.

Should it get approval, the process for generating the images will commence, potentially leading to a swift rollout of the official Fedora distribution within WSL.

At present, you can utilize Fedora via WSL 2, but not directly through official sources. A highly recommended method is to opt for the Fedora Remix distribution developed by Whitewater Foundry. However, regular users might find themselves without any formal support beyond the collective expertise of the community. An officially released Fedora edition would greatly advantage from having the team responsible for creating the distro at its disposal.

If you prefer, you can create custom Fedora-based images. However, remember that these self-made images won’t receive any official support. Since there isn’t any formal documentation for this process, you’ll have to navigate it on your own. Additionally, some non-essential tools might not be included in the image.

Per the proposed changes, an official release of Fedora for WSL would aim to create the following.

  • Add a WSL variant to the Fedora repository
  • Provide a WSL configuration file and out-of-the-box experience script
  • Create a Kiwi definition to produce a WSL root filesystem tarball.
  • Write documentation on how to use the tarball with WSL.
  • Add our images to the WSL distribution list, so users can install it with the “wsl –install Fedora” command.

In simpler terms, Fedora, just like Ubuntu, Debian, Kali, and Oracle, will offer official versions compatible with Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) through the Microsoft Store. This move broadens the range of options within the WSL ecosystem.

As someone who’s partial to Fedora, I must say I’m overjoyed to witness this idea gaining traction. Fingers and toes crossed, hoping it gets the green light!

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2024-12-05 15:39