Microsoft makes WSL containers available in public preview. Developers can now build and manage Linux containers directly on Windows via WSL.
The ability to run Linux containers on Windows was announced during Build in the spring, and Microsoft is now launching the feature in public preview. Containers have since become a fundamental part of modern software development, from cloud-native applications to AI workloads and test environments. With WSL containers, Microsoft aims to simplify that workflow without organizations needing external tools.
Linux containers in Windows
At the core of the update is wslc.exe, a new command-line tool that becomes automatically available after updating to the latest WSL version. This allows developers to execute full Linux container workflows, including running, testing, and debugging containers. The syntax follows existing conventions from the container world, allowing developers to reuse most of their existing commands. An alias is also provided via container.exe, which essentially calls wslc.exe.
Additionally, Microsoft is releasing an API that allows Windows applications to interact with containers directly as part of their own application logic. The API supports C, C++, and C#, and integrates with MSBuild and CMake. Container builds can automatically become part of an application’s existing build process without manual steps.
Management and security for organizations
Microsoft is also providing extensions for companies already using WSL. The existing Microsoft Defender for Endpoint plugin is being expanded to recognize events within containers, in addition to the existing monitoring of WSL distributions. This feature is currently in private preview.
Furthermore, management for WSL containers is coming via Intune. Organizations will soon be able to determine whether employees can use WSL distributions or containers, and which container registries are permitted. This increases control over which Linux images circulate within an organization. The functionality is already available, with official support in Intune following in a few weeks. VS Code Dev Containers is also gaining support for wslc, currently in pre-release.
Faster file access and better network compatibility
Under the hood, Microsoft is also implementing structural improvements. A new default file system is expected to make file access from Windows twice as fast, while a new networking mode resolves compatibility issues that can arise from various combinations of VPNs, proxies, and corporate networks. It routes Linux network traffic through Windows, giving Linux applications the same security rules and integrations as Windows applications.
Additionally, Microsoft is improving memory management so that the Linux virtual machine returns memory to Windows more consistently when not in use. Because these adjustments affect critical components such as file access and networking, they are currently only active within WSL containers. Microsoft is confident that third-party tools built on WSL will also benefit from these improvements.
Microsoft is aiming for general availability in the fall of 2026.