Microsoft has released WSL containers in general availability, enabling developers to build, run, and deploy Linux containers directly on Windows. This feature includes a CLI and API for managing containers, enhancing workflows and observability.
Key facts
| Fact | Detail | The source says |
|---|---|---|
| CLI | wslc.exe | “wslc.exe to directly build, run and deploy Linux containers on Windows, or use its built-in alias container.exe to run the same familiar…” |
| API | WSL containers API | “Access functions to run Linux containers programmatically in your native Windows apps – unlocking scenarios like running local AI…” |
| New Commands | wslc container restart, wslc container cp, wslc system info | “wslc container restart — restart a running container wslc container cp — copy files in and out via tar archive wslc system info — see the…” |
What happened
Microsoft has announced the general availability of WSL containers, a feature that allows developers to build, run, and deploy Linux containers directly on Windows. The WSL containers feature includes a command-line interface (CLI) and an API for managing containers programmatically. Developers can use the wslc.exe command to manage containers, or the container.exe alias for familiar container commands. The GA release introduces several new commands and capabilities, such as wslc container restart, wslc container cp, and wslc system info, enhancing container lifecycle management, networking, and observability. Additionally, WSL containers support enterprise features like registry allow lists and Intune dashboard settings for controlling access and ensuring security compliance.
What to weigh
- WSL containers require an update to the latest WSL version.
- WSL containers support enterprise features like registry allow lists and Intune dashboard settings.
Source: blogs.windows.com