Ubuntu’s Growth Through Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL)

Canonical's Vice President of Engineering, Jon Seager, has revealed that Ubuntu's user base within the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) is growing significantly faster than its native desktop user base. In a discussion with Gergely Orosz of The Pragmatic Engineer on April 28, 2026, Seager shared his belief that WSL installations could soon surpass native Ubuntu installations.

Interestingly, MS originally developed WSL to enable developers to use Linux tools without leaving Windows. However, this has led to a growing trend of developers transforming Windows PCs into fully functional Linux development environments, with Windows acting as little more than a launcher for Linux.

Ubuntu’s Rapid Growth on Windows 11 via WSL

Jon Seager, Canonical’s VP of Engineering, noted a surprising shift in the developer landscape during his conversation with Orosz. He stated:

“In a year, the growth in our WSL numbers is significantly higher than the growth in Desktop usage numbers.”

Seager also made this bold prediction:

“I expect to see more Ubuntu WSL users than ‘native’ Ubuntu users over the coming months.”

It’s important to clarify that this does not mean Windows now has more Linux users than Linux itself. Rather, Seager was comparing the number of Ubuntu users running the operating system via WSL to those running it natively on Linux PCs. The WSL user base is rapidly catching up.

Seager explained that many developers receive Windows machines from their employers but often find that their work in artificial intelligence (AI) or machine learning (ML) requires a Linux environment. WSL has become a convenient solution for these developers, as it eliminates the need to request a separate Linux machine or battle corporate hardware policies.

Why Developers Are Embracing WSL

WSL allows developers to run a Linux distribution, such as Ubuntu, directly inside Windows. It provides a Linux kernel, native Linux binaries, and Bash support without the need for dual-boot setups or virtual machines.

• Developers can use Linux tools while retaining access to Windows desktop applications and enterprise management tools.
• Containers run as intended, and AI/ML tooling works seamlessly in the Linux environment.
• Windows effectively becomes the host OS, while Linux serves as the development environment.

This hybrid setup has made it easier for developers to work within corporate device policies while accessing the Linux tools their projects demand. In practice, many Windows machines are being transformed into Linux workstations through WSL.

MS’s Commitment to Improving WSL

In 2026, MS continued to enhance WSL as a core feature for developers using Windows 11. Key improvements included:

• Faster file transfers between Linux and Windows.
• Enhanced networking capabilities.
• A more streamlined setup process.

These updates addressed common pain points that previously drove developers to alternatives like macOS. One notable addition was WSL Containers, introduced at Build 2026. This feature allows developers to build and run Linux containers on Windows 11 without relying on Docker Desktop. Early tests showed that WSL Containers provided GPU passthrough functionality, enabling tasks like running CUDA-based PyTorch models directly within a Linux container.

Ubuntu’s Focus on AI and Hardware Optimization

Canonical is also preparing for the future of AI-driven development. Seager mentioned several advancements:

• Improved support for GPU, NPU, and DPU workloads through partnerships with NVIDIA, AMD, and Intel.
• Optimizations for newer CPU architectures, ensuring faster performance without dropping support for legacy hardware.
• “Inference snaps” that automatically select the optimal AI model and quantization settings.

Ubuntu 26.04 LTS now ships with native support for NVIDIA CUDA and AMD ROCm, further solidifying its position as a top choice for AI and ML developers.

Windows as a Developer Platform for Linux

Historically, Windows attracted developers with its application ecosystem, enterprise compatibility, and hardware support. Meanwhile, Linux became the go-to platform for those requiring Linux tooling. WSL has blurred this divide by offering the best of both worlds.

Our tests of WSL Containers demonstrated MS’s commitment to treating Linux workloads as a first-class citizen within Windows. The integration between the two operating systems has reached a point where developers no longer need to choose between them. Windows PCs can now serve as hybrid machines, running Windows for desktop applications and Ubuntu via WSL for development tasks.

Challenges and Limitations of WSL

Despite its many advantages, WSL is not a perfect solution. Key limitations include:

• WSL cannot fully replace a native Linux desktop for users needing complete hardware control.
• Corporate IT policies and compliance requirements can restrict WSL’s adoption in some organizations.
• Some developers still encounter networking issues or licensing challenges, particularly when using WSL as an alternative to Docker Desktop.

Collaboration Between Windows and Linux

The age-old rivalry between Windows and Linux is becoming less relevant. Today, a single PC can run Windows 11 as the primary OS, Ubuntu as the Linux environment, and containers through WSL. This setup enables developers to leverage the strengths of both operating systems while meeting the demands of modern development workflows.

Canonical benefits from this arrangement by reaching developers who might not otherwise install Ubuntu natively, while MS retains its user base by integrating Linux capabilities directly into Windows. Both ecosystems gain, and developers receive the flexibility they need to focus on their work.

If you’re a developer, what platform do you prefer? Windows, Linux, or WSL? Share your thoughts in the comments below.