Windows Subsystem for Linux 3 gives developers a compelling reason to stick with Microsoft – here’s why


Microsoft Surface Laptop Keyboard

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ZDNET’s key takeaways

  • WSL 3 makes Linux on Windows more powerful.
  • Linux gets more direct access to GPUs and NPUs.
  • A pure Linux desktop is still best for AI devs. 

Microsoft takes one more step towards a Linux desktop with the beta release of the open-source Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) 3.

At Microsoft Build 2026 in San Francisco, Microsoft introduced WSL 3 as the next stage in its Linux-on-Windows story. The company presented the system as a preview feature that will roll out to the broader Windows 11 base over time. Like previous versions, you get the system as a free component that can be updated independently of Windows through the existing WSL distribution channels, rather than as a separate product SKU.

Also: Microsoft continues its big Linux push at Build 2026

WSL 3 is not a clean break from its predecessors so much as an architectural pivot. WSL 1 relied on syscall translation to run Linux binaries, while WSL 2 switched to a lightweight managed virtual machine (VM) that runs a real Linux kernel. WSL 3 retains the familiar wsl shell experience. Additionally, you’ll be able to run Linux containers under WSL 3.

The important change in WSL 3 is how Linux processes communicate with the underlying hardware, with an emphasis on minimizing the layers between the Linux user space and Windows devices.

Performance boosts

Microsoft promised that WSL 3 will bring you “GPU and NPU without the performance tax.” Under WSL 2, Microsoft added GPU support and improved graphics integration, but those features still operated through the VM. The resulting context-switching and translation overhead meant you had to deal with slowdowns when you needed GPUs and NPUs. That approach was OK for many developer workflows, but it seriously limited your performance when working with AI workloads, even if your PC came with dedicated NPUs.

WSL 3 improves performance by implementing a new paravirtualized VM approach. Paravirtualization provides both a VM and access to the native hardware. According to Microsoft, “This means Linux containers will now run directly on Windows, with no additional configuration required.” This approach sounds good to me.

Also: Microsoft surprises with its first server Linux distribution: Azure Linux 4.0

WSL 3’s redesigned execution path reduces overhead by introducing accelerators more directly into the Linux environment. This way, AI frameworks like PyTorch or TensorFlow running inside WSL will see something much closer to the performance profile they would get on a native Linux host. Microsoft described this strategy as making WSL 3 the fastest way to run Linux-based AI workloads on a Windows PC, short of running Linux bare metal.

Specifically, you’ll see a performance boost on Copilot+ PCs and on computers with the following architectures: Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite, Intel Meteor Lake, and Lunar Lake. AMD chip support won’t be available at first.

The new design still looks like “just WSL” from the user’s perspective. The system is invoked by using wsl commands and integrated into Windows, but under the hood, the new design changes how devices and accelerators are presented to Linux.

This approach fits neatly into Microsoft’s broader AI PC narrative. Windows hardware configured around GPUs and NPUs will now be able to run AI workloads locally at speed. Microsoft wants WSL 3 to be the bridge that lets Linux-first AI stacks leverage hardware without forcing developers to leave Windows.

Also: My top 5 Linux desktops of 2026 (so far) – and I’ve tried them all

Mind you, if you really want the best AI developer experience, you really should be running a Linux distro without Windows. However, if you’re stuck with Windows, and many programmers are, thanks to out-of-date technology policies, WSL 3 will be a good alternative. 

With WSL 3, just as with WSL 2, you’ll get your choice of Linux VM distros. Currently, the options include Ubuntu, Debian, OpenSUSE, Kali, Alpine, and others. WSL itself went open source in mid-2025, although some kernel-mode and filesystem components remain proprietary.

Getting involved

Microsoft is expected to fold WSL 3 more fully into the standard WSL distribution. Then your default “wsl” experience on new Windows machines will be WSL 3. I expect this shift to arrive in Windows 11 26H2 this fall. 

Also: After 30 years with Linux, I gave Windows 11 a chance – and found 9 clear problems

While you can download WSL 2 from GitHub today, WSL 3 isn’t available there yet. Instead, to try the latest WSL features, you must join the Windows Insider Program and use a preview channel. Fortunately, the Insider program is a lot easier to work with than it used to be. Once you’re on a channel carrying the WSL 3 preview, which is not available as of June 13, 2026, the WSL updates arrive with the OS build and the WSL Store/MSI package:

Here’s how to get involved:

  1. Join the Windows Insider Program and choose a Dev/Beta channel on a Windows 11 machine.
  2. Make sure you’re on a recent Insider build that postdates the Build 2026 announcements (the ones reported to include WSL 3).
  3. Install WSL (if you don’t have it already). Then open an elevated PowerShell and run wsl –install and reboot when prompted.
  4. Let Windows pull down the latest WSL package and kernel; on Insider builds, this will include the WSL 3 preview once it’s available.

From there, the shell commands wsl –version and wsl –list –verbose will show you the WSL version and distro state. The new architecture is wired under the same Linux Bash shell.

Also: How to try out over 85 Linux distros, no installation required – with DistroSea

If you don’t want to move your whole operating system into a preview channel (and who could blame you?), Microsoft also documents a path to get the latest WSL pre-release via the standalone package and pre-release flag:

  1. Install WSL, if needed, with elevated PowerShell: wsl –install and reboot.
  2. Update WSL to the latest pre-release build by running, as Administrator: wsl –update –pre-release.
  3. Optionally, pull the latest WSL Microsoft Software Installer (MSI) directly from the Microsoft/WSL GitHub Releases page and install it to ensure you’re on the newest package.

So, if you want to be an AI programmer and your business refuses to let you run a native Linux desktop, or you’re just a die-hard Windows user, I’d give WSL 3 a try. Another option is dual-booting Windows and Linux

The key takeaway is Microsoft is doubling down on WSL as a core part of Windows’ developer story, not just a niche tool. WSL 3’s performance focus and tighter integration with accelerators signal that if you’re building or running Linux-based AI, container, or dev workloads, Microsoft wants you to be able to do that comfortably on Windows, which is exactly the audience WSL 3 is meant to capture.





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2026 has shaped up to be a big year for Milwaukee, and the company shows no signs of slowing down as it expands its product line. For example, it has announced that some solid new Milwaukee hand tools and organizers will be arriving throughout the summer, but that’s not all. At the end of the day, you need somewhere to put all of this stuff, and while the Milwaukee Packout storage system is deep and varied as is, the company will expand the line in the summer months.

More methods for organizing your tools are on the way, too, with the Milwaukee Packout line set to introduce some new entries this summer. They vary in size, purpose, and price point, but they’re all compatible with the wider Packout line. That means they can connect to each other, making transportation easier. In some cases, they’ll be able to help keep tools and other items secure and organized while on the move. Additionally, all of these new Packout products are covered by Milwaukee’s Limited Lifetime Warranty.

So, what new products does Milwaukee have to offer from its Packout line this summer? Here are the drops you can look forward to throughout June and July 2026.

Milwaukee compact crate

Sometimes, a massive Packout crate isn’t a necessity, which is why the line has its share of smaller options. Yet another will be coming to the Milwaukee catalog in the form of the Milwaukee Packout compact crate, which is set for a June 2026 release and will cost $39.97. It has a 30-pound weight capacity, comes in at 8.75 inches tall, 9.5 inches wide, 15.5 inches long, and 3.75 pounds, and includes two removable dividers to create up to three sections within the crate. The dividers can also be customized by cutting them to size along the pre-made score lines.

This compact crate features a wide front opening for easy access to its contents while on the job, as well as a metal top handle to carry it around on its own. Should you want to add it to your current Packout stack, you can use the connection points at the top and bottom of the crate. Speaking of durability, Milwaukee notes that it has an impact-resistant body along with weep holes to prevent water collection. At the same time, there is some nuance regarding the waterproof nature of Milwaukee Packout products, so keep that in mind before letting this crate get soaked.

Milwaukee Packout low-profile crate

A shorter but equally mighty Milwaukee Packout container is also on its way to customers this summer. The Milwaukee Packout low-profile crate is the shortest of the new releases at just 6.625 inches tall, though it makes up for what it lacks in height with a 15-inch length and an 18.625-inch width. Even though it’s slightly heavier than the compact crate at 4.85 pounds, it wins out in weight capacity with a 50-pound limit. It will be released in June 2026 and will cost $44.97.

For added modularity, the low-profile crate includes three different divider types: eight short, two long, and one for the middle of the container. When combined, they form up to 12 individual sections for tool and accessory organization. In terms of connecting to other Packout containers, it can do so from the top and bottom. Alternatively, built-in side handles are integrated into the design to make it easier to carry the crate on its own. The crate has weep holes for water drainage and an impact-resistant body.

Milwaukee Packout XL crate

Moving on to one of the larger upcoming Milwaukee Packout releases — even if it ultimately lands somewhere in the middle of the smallest and largest Packout containers for sale — there’s the aptly-named Milwaukee Packout XL crate. This release will hit shelves in June 2026 and comes with a $69.97 price tag. The 8.03-pound crate can take on some serious tools with its 75-pound weight capacity. It measures 15 inches tall, 15.75 inches long, and 18.625 inches wide. Despite its size, it can be hung up on a wall like most other Packout containers.

While some may hang this crate in their workshop, many will use it as part of their mobile Packout stack. You can connect it to your existing setup via the top and bottom connection points. It can also be used with Milwaukee toolbox attachments to hold smaller tools and batteries with connection points on the sides. Alternatively, you can move the crate around using its built-in side handles. It’s advertised as having an impact-resistant body along with anti-water collection weep holes. Suffice to say, there’s more to this seemingly simple crate than initially meets the eye.

Milwaukee Packout Wire Pulling XL Crate

For the most part, the Milwaukee Packout line is so popular because of its versatility. While most entries can be used for just about anything, there are those that come with a specialized function. Case in point, the forthcoming Milwaukee Packout Wire Pulling XL crate, which is designed for dispensing wire. This involves inserting and locking in spools of the user’s needed material, threading the wire through the wire retention slots, and using the fold-down panel to keep the end of the wire from rolling back into the box.

Overall, this crate has the same dimensions and weight capacity as the previously covered Packout XL crate, though it is the heavier of the two at 9.85 pounds. It can accommodate up to six spools, can be stacked onto other Packout containers or hung up, and has an impact-resistant body. This is the most expensive of the new Packout releases at a hefty $119.97, and it’s set to release during July 2026. Alongside the best Milwaukee power tools for electrical work, this crate seems like a vital piece for any Milwaukee-enthusiast electrician’s kit.

New Milwaukee Packout inserts are coming, too

That’s it for the new Milwaukee Packout containers set to debut this summer, but there are more new releases yet to cover. To pair with some of these containers and improve their levels of organization and function, come two new insert sets. First is the divider for the Milwaukee Packout XL crate, which splits the container into two sections. It simply slides down the middle of the crate and fits snugly into place, while retaining its ability to connect with smaller Packout attachments. It will be released in July 2026 for $29.97.

Alongside the Packout XL crate divider is the set of Packout wire pulling inserts for the XL crate. You’ll need these if you end up buying an XL crate and later want to use it as a wire-pulling crate. These inserts allow you to convert it instead of having to buy a new designated wire pulling crate. They attach to two of the inner sides of the crate via T-25 screws and include wire puller guards as well. The Milwaukee product listing says these inserts are meant for 1/2-inch EMT conduit. This insert set also comes out in July and will cost $49.97. 





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