Microsoft has released a new preview build of Windows 10 to members of the Insiders program, and among other changes are some big updates to the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL).
That’s the name for the feature that allows users to open a Bash terminal to run some Ubuntu Linux software and commands from within Windows.
Windows 10 Insider Preview Build 14951 is the first version to include Ubuntu 16.04 (instead of the 2-year-old Ubuntu 14.04), and users can now launch Windows apps from a Linux terminal.
If you’re already using Windows Subsystem for Linux, you won’t be upgraded to Ubuntu 16.04 automatically, but you can use the “do-release-upgrade” command to update the software. Anyone setting up WSL for the first time will now get Ubuntu 16.04 LTS by default.
Other changes in Windows 10 Build 14951 include:
- The ability to capture key combinations (like Win + F) and assign them to touchpad gestures
- Support for virtual stencils when using Windows Ink for pen input
- Updated Camera app (for PC and mobile) with settings shortcut in the camera UI, higher-contrast buttons that are easier to see, a new zoom slider, and more
There are also a bunch of bug fixes, as well as a few new bugs (like an issue that may leave you unable to sign into some Windows apps including Groove, MSN News, or the Feedback Hub… so proceed with caution).
