Initially, only Windows 10 2004 got access to WSL2. Due to the slower-than-planned rollout of the new spring update, Microsoft is also bringing WSL2 to Windows 10 1909 and 1903.
To date, anyone who wanted to work with Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) version two had to upgrade to the Windows 10 May 2020 Update (Windows 10 2004). A striking choice, bearing in mind the spring updates the least interesting for business users.
The fall updates get a different update rhythm, making them easier to use in professional environments. A spring update only gets 18 months of support, regardless of which Windows 10 version you are running. The fall update is supported for 30 months under Windows 10 Enterprise and Windows 10 Education.
Logical move
With that knowledge in mind, it is a logical move for Microsoft to bring WSL2 to Windows 10 1909 and 1903 as well. The 1909 version with 30 months of support is especially interesting for developers who want to work in a stable Windows environment.
The backport of WSL2 only supports x64 systems under Windows 10 1903 and 1909. Those who want to get started with ARM64, must still update to Windows 10 2004 according to ZDNet.
Both compatible
Any Linux distribution running on Windows 10 is both WSL1 and WSL2 compatible. You can switch between the two at any time. WSL2 is a deep improvement with a full Linux kernel and improved system call support for all Linux apps such as Docker, FUSE and rsync. Furthermore, WSL2 includes better performance around the file system according to Microsoft.
To receive WSL2 for Windows 10 1903 or 1909, you just need to click on Windows 10 Update Looking for updates. The backport has version number 1049. Those with a number higher than 1049 on Windows builds 18362 or 18363 have the option to run WSL2 distributions.
Tip: Windows 10 1909 now available: more service pack than upgrade
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