Ubuntu Pro for WSL brings 15 years of updates and enterprise support

Canonical has released Ubuntu Pro for the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL). The enterprise version of the Linux distribution can now be installed via the Microsoft Store and is primarily aimed at companies that want to manage and secure WSL instances centrally. Beta versions and source code are also available on GitHub.

Ubuntu Pro extends the standard Ubuntu distribution with additional security features and professional support. For WSL, this primarily means extended maintenance cycles: Canonical promises up to 15 years of CVE security patches for packages from the Ubuntu repositories. According to the manufacturer, this makes WSL a fully supported, enterprise-ready software that should meet the security and compliance requirements of many companies.

The Windows Subsystem for Linux allows developers and administrators to use Linux tools natively on Windows without having to set up virtual machines or dual-boot configurations. In conjunction with Nvidia, WSL 2 offers near-native GPU performance, allowing applications to access the Windows host's GPU drivers directly. However, until now – as Canonical stated in the announcement – the lack of enterprise support has been a barrier for many IT departments to enterprise use.

With Ubuntu Pro for WSL, system administrators now gain access to Expanded Security Maintenance (ESM), which continuously provides CVE patches for security vulnerabilities. Updates can be controlled according to administrative policies. In addition to the operating system itself, Ubuntu Pro also covers popular developer toolchains such as Python, Go, and Rust.

Central management via Landscape

A central feature for enterprise customers is the integration with Landscape, Canonical's system management tool for Ubuntu. The WSL management function is currently still in the beta phase. Administrators can use it to monitor all WSL instances deployed after configuring Ubuntu Pro for WSL. Landscape identifies which Windows hosts comply with the company's policies for WSL deployment and configuration, and which do not.

Integration into the Microsoft infrastructure is done via the MSIX package format, which seamlessly integrates into existing enterprise workflows. Ubuntu Pro for WSL can be installed and configured with cloud-based tools such as Microsoft Intune or via group policies in Active Directory. For companies with strict firewall rules, Canonical also offers the option to host Ubuntu images internally and manage them centrally.

Support models and availability

In addition to security features, Canonical is also introducing a new support model with Ubuntu Pro for WSL. The "Ubuntu Pro + Support" variant includes phone and ticket support. Ubuntu Pro is available free of charge for private users, while commercial subscriptions can be purchased directly from Canonical by companies.

(fo)