Lifecycle guide for Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) from Microsoft

All releases, patches, maintenance and support periods at a glance

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📅 Last update on 2026-01-20

What is Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL)?

Automate product release and end-of-life management

Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) is a compatibility layer built into Windows that allows developers to run a GNU/Linux environment, including most command-line tools and applications, directly on a Windows machine. It eliminates the need for a traditional virtual machine or dual-boot setup, providing seamless integration between Windows and Linux operating systems. WSL supports multiple Linux distributions like Ubuntu or Debian, making it an efficient tool for web developers and those working with Linux-first frameworks.

The entire lifecycle of Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL)

The following figure shows you the visualised product life cycle of Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL). You can see all releases with the latest patch version, the long-term support characteristics (orange flag in the green circle, the periods for version provision, maintenance and support.

Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) (Microsoft) release, version and end-of-life information

Figure: Release, patch and end-of-life cycle of product Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) (Microsoft)

Facts and figures about Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL)

Product

Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL)

Vendor

Microsoft

Latest version

2.7.0

Number of releases

Number of versions

100

Number of unstable versions

Number of versions affected by CVE

Licence

Commercial

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