Microsoft previously revealed its plans to ship a full Linux kernel in Windows 10, and now the company is planning to fully integrate Linux file access into the built-in File Explorer. A new Linux icon will be available in the left-hand navigation pane in File Explorer, providing access to the root file system for any distros that are installed in Windows 10.
Windows 10 is getting Linux files integration in File Explorer
You’ll be able to access your Linux files directly in File Explorer soon
You’ll be able to access your Linux files directly in File Explorer soon
is a senior correspondent and author of Notepad, who has been covering all things Microsoft, PC, and tech for over 20 years.
The icon that will appear in File Explorer is the famous Tux, the penguin mascot for the Linux kernel. Microsoft is testing the Linux File Explorer integration in a new build of Windows 10 that’s available for testers today. Previously, Windows 10 users would have to manually navigate to a UNC path to get access to Linux files from the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL).
Microsoft’s Windows Subsystem for Linux is a system that the company has been gradually improving, with promises of a full Linux kernel for Windows 10. Microsoft has also added Bash shell integration, native OpenSSH in Windows 10, and even Ubuntu, SUSE Linux, and Fedora in the Windows Store. Microsoft also launched a new Windows Terminal command line tool last year.
If you have WSL enabled, then the Tux will appear in File Explorer, and Microsoft is now seeking feedback on the integration before it’s finalized as part of a future Windows 10 update. The software maker will ship this update to all Windows 10 users later this year.
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