As of today, Microsoft has officially rolled out Linux container support to its Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL), taking a significant step towards making it easier for developers to work seamlessly across different operating systems. This major upgrade allows users to run and deploy Linux containers directly on their Windows machines, opening up new possibilities for development, testing, and deployment.
The feature, dubbed WSL Containers, is now available for general use after months of preview testing. To get started, users need only run a simple command in the terminal: `wsl –update`. Once installed, they’ll have access to a new command-line tool called `wslc.exe`, which includes an alias called `container.exe` that allows developers to use familiar container commands. This streamlined process makes it easier for Windows users to work with Linux containers without needing to switch between operating systems.
One of the key benefits of WSL Containers is its integration with Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, a security solution designed to monitor and manage threats across an organization’s network. Now, security teams can see detailed information about container activity, including processes, files, and network connections, and correlate it with Windows host activity. This means that businesses can better protect themselves against potential attacks by monitoring containerized applications in real-time.
For organizations, WSL Containers also offers a range of management features through Microsoft Intune. Administrators can restrict access to specific container images or registries, ensuring that only approved containers are used within their organization. This helps ensure compliance with security and regulatory requirements while also providing developers with the freedom to work on a wide variety of projects.
Microsoft is committed to supporting WSL Containers beyond its current features. The company has already started working on Docker Compose-style support, which will allow users to manage containerized applications using familiar commands. Additionally, Microsoft is collaborating with other developer tools and platforms, such as VS Code Dev Containers and Aspire, to ensure seamless integration.
While this upgrade represents a significant step forward for WSL, it’s not the only area where Microsoft is focusing its efforts. The company is also working on improving WSL’s underlying networking and file performance, which should result in faster access to Windows files from Linux environments.
For developers who plan to use WSL Containers, there are several practical takeaways. First, familiarize yourself with the new `wslc.exe` command-line tool and its alias `container.exe`. Next, explore Microsoft Defender for Endpoint’s integration with WSL Containers to understand how your organization can better protect itself against containerized threats. Finally, stay tuned for future updates from Microsoft on Docker Compose-style support and other features that will continue to enhance the WSL experience.
Source: Bleeping Computer — 2026-09-30