It became known that Microsoft has begun testing the function of launching Linux applications with a graphical interface (GUI) in Windows 10. This opportunity has become available to participants in the Microsoft insider program using Windows 10 build number 21364.
The introduction of support for Linux GUI applications is a significant enhancement to the capabilities of the Windows Subsystem for Linux. Thanks to it, users can now run directly in Windows GUI editors, tools and applications designed to create and test Linux applications. While users have previously been able to run Linux applications on Windows using third-party X servers, official support from Microsoft means hardware graphics acceleration will enable applications to run smoothly. Support for microphone and audio output is also present so that Linux developers can launch and test video players and communication applications without any problems.
Users no longer need to use third-party software to interact with Linux applications on Windows 10. When a Linux GUI application is launched, the operating system automatically launches a companion system distribution containing Wayland, an X server, and all other components necessary to ensure smooth and stable work inside Windows. As soon as the user exits the application and the WSL subsystem, the system distribution is also unloaded. These components are combined to make it as easy as possible to run Linux GUI applications in parallel with standard Windows software.