How to Directly Browse WSL Files in Windows Explorer – New Feature Explained

Microsoft, aiming to provide the best Linux experience on Windows, has introduced a new feature in Windows 10 build 19603 that allows users to access the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) file system directly through File Explorer, showing the root directory.

In the Explorer's left navigation pane, a Linux penguin icon appears; clicking it reveals folders for each installed distribution such as Ubuntu, openSUSE, and Fedora, which can be installed from the Microsoft Store.

Since Windows 1903, users could access Linux files, but this is the first time the navigation pane offers direct shortcuts.

Microsoft has long supported WSL, yet file inter‑operation was previously cumbersome. One method to reach the files is via the command line using the UNC path \\wsl$, for example: cd \wsl$\Ubuntu Another method is to locate the WSL files in the user's AppData folder, though Microsoft advises against modifying or adding files there because Windows file metadata differs from Linux, and careless changes could corrupt the subsystem.

Microsoft plans to embed a full Linux kernel into Windows 10, having already added Bash command support, native SSH, and a new Terminal that integrates PowerShell, SSH, and WSL, earning praise from developers.

With the new direct‑access feature, users are excited, and Microsoft is gathering developer feedback before rolling the update out to all Windows 10 users later this year.

Your next Linux distribution might very well be WSL.