Security News > 2022 > May > Microsoft adds support for WSL2 distros on Windows Server 2022

Microsoft has announced that Windows Subsystem for Linux distros are now supported on Windows Server 2022 after installing this week's cumulative update previews.
To install the Windows Server 2022 KB5014021 update, you must go to Settings > Windows Update and manually 'Check for updates.
The announcement was made by Windows Developer Platform Program Manager Craig Loewen, on GitHub, in reply to a WSL issue from December 2020 about WSL 2 being broken on Windows Server Preview.
"Hi folks, we've added support for WSL 2 distros on Windows Server 2022! This is available right now by installing KB5014021," Loewen said.
"Currently this update is only available for seekers, and next month it will be pushed by default. Going forwards, WSL will be supported both on Windows server and Windows desktop SKUs.".
Microsoft released WSL in 2018 as a compatibility layer that makes it possible for Windows 10 users to run Linux binaries in ELF format natively on their computers, using a PowerShell or Windows 10 command prompt.
News URL
Related news
- Microsoft fixes auth issues on Windows Server, Windows 11 24H2 (source)
- Microsoft: Windows Server 2025 restarts break connectivity on some DCs (source)
- Microsoft fixes Windows Server 2025 blue screen, install issues (source)
- Microsoft pitches pay-to-patch reboot reduction subscription for Windows Server 2025 (source)
- Microsoft: Windows Server hotpatching to require subscription (source)
- Microsoft: April updates cause Windows Server auth issues (source)
- Microsoft's killing script used to avoid Microsoft Account in Windows 11 (source)
- Microsoft tests new Windows 11 tool to remotely fix boot crashes (source)
- New Windows 11 trick lets you bypass Microsoft Account requirement (source)
- Microsoft adds hotpatching support to Windows 11 Enterprise (source)