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WSLg

Runs Linux GUI apps on Windows through WSL, with Start menu, taskbar, and copy/paste integration.

GitHub Download v1.0.66
Stars
12k
Forks
433
Licence
MIT
Language
C++
Last update
4 months ago
Type
Other

What it is

WSLg is a feature of the Windows Subsystem for Linux that lets Linux graphical programs run on Windows as if they were native Windows apps. It supports both X11 and Wayland applications, and it adds Start menu launching, taskbar presence, Alt-Tab, and cut/paste between Windows and Linux apps. People use it when a tool they need only works well on Linux but they want to stay on Windows.

  • Install and launch GIMP, VLC, or gedit from an Ubuntu WSL distro and open them from the Windows Start menu
  • Run X11 test programs such as xclock or xeyes to confirm GUI support works
  • Copy and paste text between a Linux app and a Windows app
  • Run several WSL distros side by side, each with its own GUI apps

Great for

  • Developers who need a Linux-only GUI tool while working on Windows
  • Students running Linux desktop software for coursework on a Windows PC
  • Scientists or enthusiasts who want Linux apps without dual-booting
  • Users already set up with WSL 2 who want graphical apps

Not ideal for

  • People who need Windows 10 without applying all Windows Update patches, since the README requires a fully updated system
  • Users with distros still set to WSL 1, because the README says WSLg only works with WSL 2
  • Anyone wanting a full Linux desktop environment, since WSLg runs individual apps rather than a complete desktop session
Step-by-step guide: how to use WSLgInstall, first run, examples, tips and FAQs

How to get it

  1. 1

    See the README

    You'll need: Windows 10 (fully updated) or Windows 11 · WSL 2 · Current GPU driver from your GPU manufacturer (recommended)

    Install WSL with Ubuntu (run from an administrator command prompt)

    wsl --install -d Ubuntu

    Update an existing WSL install to include WSLg (elevated command prompt)

    wsl --update

    Update Linux package list inside Ubuntu

    sudo apt update

    Install a sample GUI app inside Ubuntu

    sudo apt install x11-apps -y
  2. 2

    Run it

    • Run the wsl --install -d Ubuntu command from an administrator command prompt and reboot if asked.
    • Enter a Linux username and password when prompted after reboot.
    • Install a test app such as x11-apps with sudo apt install x11-apps -y.
    • Run xclock from the Ubuntu terminal and confirm a window opens on Windows.
  3. 3

    Get the most out of it

    • Use wsl --list -v to confirm each distro runs in WSL 2 mode before expecting GUI apps to work
    • Run multiple distros side by side; the README says GUI apps in different distros can still exchange cut/paste
    • Change the DISPLAY, WAYLAND_DISPLAY, or PULSE_SERVER variables if you prefer another X or Wayland server
    • Keep the GPU driver current to benefit from GPU acceleration, as the README recommends

Downloads

Source code (.zip)main branch · straight from GitHubRelease v1.0.661 files incl. Microsoft.WSLg.1.0.66.zip

Strengths

  • Linux GUI apps appear with Windows-style integration such as Start menu entries and taskbar windows
  • Microsoft-maintained and included in WSL, with installation covered by a few commands
  • Can be turned off with a single guiApplications=false setting in .wslconfig

Trade-offs

  • Requires WSL 2 and a current graphics driver, and the README recommends the Microsoft Store version of WSL for the latest updates
  • The README describes it as preview-oriented in places, so behavior may change between releases
  • Some app installs in the README use manual downloads and version-specific URLs that can go stale

Stats synced from GitHub. The assessment above was drafted with AI from the project's README on 2026-10-29 and may miss recent changes — check the README before relying on a command. MIT licence: free to use, modify and distribute, including commercially, as long as you keep the copyright notice.