Microsoft Integrates Major Linux Distributions into Windows Store
Key Takeaways
- Ubuntu, Fedora, and SUSE now available via Windows Store
- Installation as simple as adding an app, with full command-line utilities
- Virtualized environment lets all three distros run together with Windows
Microsoft continues to push boundaries in software development and cross-platform compatibility. Building on last year’s integration of Bash Shell into Windows 10, the company announced at the Microsoft Build Conference that major Linux distributions will soon be accessible through the Windows Store. Developers can now install Ubuntu, Fedora, and SUSE directly, each arriving as a packaged shell complete with all necessary dependencies.
These Linux flavors will operate in a virtualized environment alongside Windows, providing the same command-line tools and functionality as a full Linux installation. Users can run multiple distributions simultaneously without conflicts. Ubuntu is already live in the store, but accessing it requires enabling Developer Mode and turning on Linux support within Windows settings.
The initiative reflects Microsoft’s commitment to supporting open-source communities and reducing friction for developers working across platforms. In related news, iTunes will also join the Windows Store in the near future.
