How to Install Arch Linux in Windows Subsystem for Linux
1 min read
Summary
A Windows subsystem called WSL 2 has been created to run Linux distributions natively on Windows 10 and 11 without the need for dual-boot or virtual machine setups.
-Arch Linux, a well-known Linux distribution, has recently been made available through WSL 2, enabling users to benefit from a customised, cutting-edge Linux experience alongside their Windows environment.
-WSL 2 uses a real Linux kernel and Hyper-V-based lightweight virtual machine for improved file system performance and compatibility with Linux applications and tools.
This makes using Arch Linux, which often relies on newer kernel features and expects standard Linux behaviour for the latest development workflows and tools, easier.
This approach has some restrictions, including the lack of direct hardware access, limited kernel module support, and difficulties with systemd integration, which cannot replace a standalone Arch Linux install.
This should be noted by users who want to utilise Arch Linux in WSL 2.
