WSL containers is now generally available: WSL 3.0, the [latest version of Windows Subsystem for Linux](https://winaero.com/microsoft-has-released-wsl-3-0-with-linux-containers-on-windows/), brings a major upgrade for Windows users who work with Linux tools. The new release runs on Linux kernel 6.18 and adds support for Linux containers directly on Windows, which makes cross platform development more practical for both developers and everyday users.

The update also focuses on speed and convenience. Microsoft says WSL 3.0 improves startup time, uses less memory, and makes access to Windows files faster through virtiofs. It also introduces better network compatibility through the _consomme_ mode, which helps Linux apps work more smoothly with VPNs, proxies, and corporate systems.

Keep in mind that Microsoft has [open sourced](https://github.com/microsoft/WSL/releases/) much of the WSL code (MIT). That includes the command line tools, background services, and graphics stack.