Microsoft has announced the pre-release of Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) version 2.6.1, which includes several important updates aimed at improving functionality and security. Key changes in this release include fixes for invalid UTF-8 handling in JSON files, modifications to the `wslinfo` tool to reduce reliance on the VM ID environment variable, and a resolution for the security vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-53788.
The following enhancements were made:
- The installation process will not attempt to install distributions if a reboot is necessary.
- The `wslsettings` tool has been updated to correctly set heading levels for the `PageHeaderTextBlockStyle`.
- VM IDs have been made available within user distributions.
- Warnings will no longer be displayed for binfmt processes that do not have a controlling terminal.
- A compilation error (C1010070) in `wslsettings` has been resolved.
- User session checks will now correctly look up `systemctl` from the system's `$PATH`.
- The Microsoft Remote Desktop Client has been updated to version 1.2.6353.
Additionally, several new contributors have joined the WSL development community, marking their first contributions in this release.
Moreover, the inclusion of new contributors points to a growing community around WSL, encouraging collaboration and diverse input into the development process. As WSL continues to evolve, users can expect further enhancements that will expand its capabilities and integration within Windows, making it an even more powerful tool for developers working across different operating systems. Future updates may focus on performance improvements, more seamless integration with Windows features, and expanded support for additional Linux distributions
The following enhancements were made:
- The installation process will not attempt to install distributions if a reboot is necessary.
- The `wslsettings` tool has been updated to correctly set heading levels for the `PageHeaderTextBlockStyle`.
- VM IDs have been made available within user distributions.
- Warnings will no longer be displayed for binfmt processes that do not have a controlling terminal.
- A compilation error (C1010070) in `wslsettings` has been resolved.
- User session checks will now correctly look up `systemctl` from the system's `$PATH`.
- The Microsoft Remote Desktop Client has been updated to version 1.2.6353.
Additionally, several new contributors have joined the WSL development community, marking their first contributions in this release.
Extended Summary
The release of WSL 2.6.1 is a significant step forward in enhancing the user experience for developers utilizing Linux environments on Windows. By addressing critical issues like UTF-8 encoding errors and security vulnerabilities, Microsoft demonstrates its commitment to providing a stable and secure platform for developers. The update not only fixes existing bugs but also improves usability by streamlining processes and reducing unnecessary errors or warnings.Moreover, the inclusion of new contributors points to a growing community around WSL, encouraging collaboration and diverse input into the development process. As WSL continues to evolve, users can expect further enhancements that will expand its capabilities and integration within Windows, making it an even more powerful tool for developers working across different operating systems. Future updates may focus on performance improvements, more seamless integration with Windows features, and expanded support for additional Linux distributions
Windows Subsystem for Linux 2.6.1 Pre-Release released
Microsoft has announced the pre-release of Windows Subsystem for Linux 2.6.1, which includes updates such as resolving issues with invalid UTF-8 in JSON, modifying wslinfo to eliminate dependence on the VM ID environment variable, and addressing CVE-2025-53788. The update encompasses the configuration of heading levels for PageHeaderTextBlockStyle, the exposure of VM IDs, the prevention of warnings when binfmt processes lack a controlling terminal, and the enhancement of Microsoft.Remote Desktop Client MSRDC Session Host.
Windows Subsystem for Linux 2.6.1 Pre-Release released @ NT Compatible
