You Can Now Install Ubuntu On WSL Using The New Tar-Based Format
OSTechNix, Thursday, February 6th, 2025
Ubuntu is now available in Microsoft's new WSL distribution format.
The way we use Ubuntu on Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) is changing, and it's getting much simpler. Microsoft has introduced a new way to package and install WSL distributions using tar files, and Ubuntu is one of the first to take advantage of this. Starting from WSL version 2.4.8, it is possible to install Ubuntu on WSL from a tar file, without using the Microsoft Store.
Microsoft's new tar-based distribution architecture allows for direct installation from a tar file, which eliminates the need for Windows-specific packaging or the Microsoft Store. This means it's becoming easier to use, customise and manage Ubuntu on Windows.