Windows might not be the top choice for everyone, but many developers find themselves using it due to job requirements. Fortunately, the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) offers a way to access Ubuntu and the broader Linux landscape right on Windows.
Recognizing the need for enterprise-grade security and support, Canonical has announced the availability of Ubuntu Pro for WSL. This offering provides comprehensive security maintenance and compliance resources tailored for desktops, servers, and IoT devices. As stated by Canonical, "Ubuntu Pro delivers enterprise-grade security maintenance and support." It does this by functioning as a standalone application that integrates with an existing Ubuntu WSL setup. After configuring it with an Ubuntu One account, users can easily enroll both new and current Ubuntu WSL instances.
For businesses, the Pro tokens can be centrally managed via registry keys, simplifying deployment.
WSL itself is a remarkable technology. It allows Windows users to enjoy a native Linux experience without the performance degradation that often comes with virtual machines or dual-boot setups. Notably, users can now run both command-line and GUI Linux applications seamlessly on their Windows desktops, providing an almost surreal experience. Furthermore, WSL now supports near-native graphics performance on NVIDIA GPUs, optimizing workloads that operate under Ubuntu on Windows hosts.
While some Linux users view WSL skeptically, believing it’s a way for Microsoft to discourage Linux adoption, many developers leverage WSL to dip their toes in the Linux waters. There’s significant participation in open-source projects among those who work within this environment.
For individuals, Ubuntu Pro for WSL is available for free personal use through the Microsoft Store, although businesses will need to pay for access. Users running Ubuntu 24.04 LTS can benefit from enabling this feature, especially given that security updates for LTS versions can extend up to an impressive 15 years. With such long-term support, it’s possible that Ubuntu Pro for WSL will outlast official security updates for Windows 11 itself.