What is a difference between WSL and WSL2?

Experience Level: Junior
Tags: WSL

Answer

The primary difference and reasons for updating the Windows Subsystem for Linux from WSL 1 to WSL 2 are to:

  • increase file system performance,
  • support full system call compatibility.

WSL 2 uses the latest and greatest in virtualization technology to run a Linux kernel inside of a lightweight utility virtual machine (VM). However, WSL 2 is not a traditional VM experience.

WSL 2 is a major overhaul of the underlying architecture and uses virtualization technology and a Linux kernel to enable new features.

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Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL)
Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL)

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