Swan.my.id - Jakarta, Microsoft’s WSL 3.0 release for Windows 11 includes more than the general availability of WSL Containers. The update also introduces changes to the Linux kernel, file access, networking, and container management.
Microsoft says the new version moves to Linux kernel 6.18. It also uses virtiofs by default to improve Linux access to Windows files, alongside a new network mode intended to improve compatibility with VPNs, proxies, and corporate environments.
These changes add to WSL Containers’ expanded capabilities and its integration with development tools such as VS Code dev containers. For active WSL users, Microsoft’s update brings several changes to consider, rather than a single headline feature.
WSL 3.0 adopts Linux kernel 6.18
The move to Linux kernel 6.18 is one of the main changes in WSL 3.0. Microsoft says the new kernel improves startup time and memory usage. It also removes drivers and subsystems that are not needed.
WSL runs with a virtual disk image using the ext4 file system and a virtual network adapter. These details describe the environment used by the updated subsystem, while Microsoft’s stated improvements focus on startup, memory, and removing unnecessary components.
The kernel change therefore forms part of a broader update to how WSL operates. However, the announcement does not provide specific performance figures for startup time or memory use, so users should not interpret the improvements as a guaranteed numerical gain.
Virtiofs and a new network mode
WSL 3.0 uses virtiofs by default for access to Windows files from Linux. Microsoft claims this can make file access up to twice as fast as before. The figure is a Microsoft claim; the announcement does not provide further test details.
The release also introduces a network mode called consomme. Microsoft designed it to improve compatibility with VPNs, proxies, and corporate network environments. In this mode, Linux traffic passes through Windows.
As a result, Linux applications can follow network policies and configurations applied on the Windows host. This may be relevant for users whose development work depends on those host settings, although the announcement does not list specific networks or applications tested with the mode.
More options for managing WSL Containers
Microsoft has made WSL Containers generally available and added more management operations. Users can restart containers, copy files, view system information, manage network connections, and run health checks. They can also choose where container storage resides.
Together, these operations cover several routine container tasks within WSL. The release also integrates with development tools, including VS Code dev containers. Microsoft presents that integration as a way to make WSL a better fit for everyday development workflows.
The update’s changes span the kernel, file access, networking, and containers. Users who actively rely on WSL may want to move to version 3.0 to access the new capabilities. The provided update instruction is to open Terminal and type wsl –update.
Overall, WSL 3.0 brings several distinct improvements, from Microsoft’s claimed faster Windows file access to additional container controls. The announcement does not include benchmark figures for every change, but it outlines a broader set of updates for people using Linux tools and containers on Windows 11.
