WSL2 Latest kernel releases

In this repository you will find already compiled images of the kernel as well as its tagged source code.

The original repository is a constant testing and mixing between the official repositories of:

• https://www.kernel.org/
• https://github.com/microsoft/WSL2-Linux-Kernel

Since Microsoft does not update kernels "to the latest version" for obvious testing and optimization reasons, even images from kernel.org will not work directly on WSL2 without adaptation.

PRECOMPILED KERNELS READY FOR WSL2: https://github.com/peseoane/linux-wsl2/releases

In principle, only the most relevant images from the channels are kept up to date (as far as I can):

• mainline
• stable
• longterm

EOL images are not supported and should not be used in a production environment.

Instalation (NEW WAY)

Create in your C:\Users\YOURUSER\.wsl a dotfile with the name .wslconfig and the following text:

[wsl2]
kernel=C:\\WSL\\Kernel\\stable-5.12.10

Just put the full path to your compiled image or download.

The name is totally indiferent, if you download one of my releases bzImage will work with that name.

Now restart your wsl in Powershell or cmd with:

wsl --shutdown

Instalation (OLD WAY)

To update the kernel, from PowerShell you must invoke the following command:

wsl --shutdown

Once you have done this, open the folder: C:\Windows\System32\Tools

Where you must rename the kernel file to kernel.old or whatever you want, and the bzimage file to kernel.

Custom compilation

As always, you need the dev-kit, in Ubuntu or Debian just do:

sudo apt-get install build-essential libncurses-dev bison flex libssl-dev libelf-dev

And just clone, choose one branch and you're ready to go with your changes.

¿Will work on my system?

The distributed versions are optimised for modern processors, with the following parameters and specially tuned for Intel, but works also in AMD, i suggest you to recompile with your native system:

export KCFLAGS="-O2 -mtune=native -pipe" KCPPFLAGS="-O2 -mtune=native -pipe"
make all

NOTE: this dosen't work anymore on Intel 11th gen, JUST DON'T DO THAT beacuase needs gcc-10 and g++-10 and the linker isn't supporter yet, default optimization is for Intel Core Duo / Xeon an 02 flag.

¿Where can i copy my bzimage?

Just open \\wsl$ in file explorer, go to linux/arch/x86/boot and copy the bzimage, later copy on C:\Windows\System32\Tools and repeat the steps described at the start of the readme.