Windows and Linux are getting closer, as proof that the struggle between the two worlds and philosophies belongs more and more to the past. After integrating a full Linux kernel into Windows 10, Redmond's house is preparing for another step: the ability to access Linux files from File Explorer.
In technical jargon, we talk about integrating File Explorer into the Windows 10 Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL). What does it consist of? Based on the images spread, the left navigation pane of File Explorer will gain a new Linux icon, which can provide access to the file system of any distribution installed on Windows 10.
Click to enlarge
The icon could only be the iconic mascot Tux, the penguin that identifies the Linux kernel. Microsoft has started experimenting with integration into build 19603 distributed to Fast Ring testers in the past few hours, in view of an implementation in the stable version of the operating system within the year. Once the build is downloaded and WSL enabled, the Tux icon will appear in File Explorer.
Click to enlarge
"We had added the ability to access your Linux files since Windows 1903, but now you can easily consult them from the navigation panel on the left of File Explorer. Selecting the Linux icon will give you a view of all your distros, and selecting them will bring you to that distro's Linux file system root"explained Brandon LeBlanc, Senior Program Manager of the Windows Insider program.
Over time, Microsoft has made Windows 10 a more user-friendly system for developers, by welcoming the Ubuntu, SUSE and Fedora distributions in the Store, natively integrating OpenSSH into Windows 10, the Bash shell in WSL and introducing Windows Terminal, a line tool of advanced command.
Build 19603 offers other interesting new features. Storage settings gain advice for cleaning up your storage drive from unused files and apps. "Windows cannot predict whether you want to delete personal files, uninstall apps or remove local copies of files synchronized with the cloud. With this tool, all content is collected on one page and is removable in a few clicks." There are four sections: temporary files, large or unused files, files synchronized with the cloud, unused applications.
The build also introduces one bar dedicated to Microsoft News – the news app – which can be positioned sideways or as a strip at the top. The bar shows news from over 4500 sites, supports multi-monitor, dark and light themes of Windows 10 and according to the company it is "highly configurable". Also integrated into the Canon CR3 RAW format support through an update of Raw Image Extension, downloadable from the Windows Store.
