Linux-Based Windows Edition for Developers (Not WSL)

[sans-script]

I’d like to suggest creating an official Linux-based operating system that keeps the Windows look & feel. I'm talking about a full operation system.

Many developers love the Windows interface and ecosystem, but often face problems that take hours to solve — issues that on Linux would either be trivial or wouldn’t happen at all!

WSL is a good step forward, but it’s not enough. Sometimes we have to rely on complicated workarounds, which breaks productivity.

Why this could be interesting:

• Better security and performance from the Linux kernel.
• Easier compatibility with development tools (Docker, Kubernetes, etc.).
• Fewer system-level issues, improving developer productivity.
• Possibility to run Windows applications through a compatibility layer (similar to Proton/Wine).

Thank you for considering!

[tigran-sargsyan-w]

Love the idea — a “Windows look, Linux kernel” dev edition would scratch a real itch. Realistically though, the WSL team can’t spin up a new OS or replace NT; that’s far outside this repo’s scope. If you want this on Microsoft’s radar, the best path is to file it in Windows Feedback Hub (Suggestion → Developer Platform) so it reaches the orgs that own OS-level decisions.

In the meantime, here’s how to get ~90% of what you’re asking for today, with a Windows UI and a real Linux userspace.

1) Use WSL2 as your primary dev environment

• Enable systemd in your distro so services and Docker behave like native Linux. Create or edit /etc/wsl.conf:

[boot]
systemd=true

Then in PowerShell:

wsl --shutdown
wsl -l -v
wsl --set-default <YourDistroName>

• Use VS Code “Remote — WSL” and keep repos under /home/... for best performance.
• Make your WSL distro the default profile in Windows Terminal.

2) Containers that feel native

• Install Docker Desktop (or Rancher Desktop) with the WSL backend. The engine runs inside WSL2, so docker/kubectl work like on Linux.

3) Linux GUI apps on Windows

• On Windows 11, WSLg runs Linux GUI apps alongside Windows apps with shared clipboard and audio. No extra setup beyond WSL2 + a supported distro.

4) If you really want “Linux-first with a Windows vibe”

• Install a desktop Linux (e.g., KDE Plasma or Zorin OS for a familiar layout) and add Bottles/Proton/Wine for the few Windows apps you still need.

Why Microsoft likely won’t ship a Linux-based “Windows”

Rebasing Windows on Linux would break deep compatibility layers (Win32/NT internals, drivers, management tooling). WSL exists to give developers Linux where it matters without upending that ecosystem.

If this helps, consider marking the answer as accepted so others can find it quickly.