Microsoft Releases WSL 2.0.0 Preview with autoMemoryReclaim, Sparse VHD, and Enhanced Networking

On September 19, Microsoft released the latest preview update (version 2.0.0) of the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL), bringing several improvements, including experimental features such as autoMemoryReclaim and Sparse VHD, which will help with cache and disk space management.

Microsoft stated: "We reclaim a fixed portion of the virtual machine's memory; if the VM fills the cache memory, it will be released to zero cache after 30 minutes (for example: if 3000 MB of memory is allocated, once filled it will reclaim 100 MB per minute)."

Additionally, the WSL 2.0.0 preview enhances network‑related capabilities; the image mode now supports IPv6. Beyond image mode, DNS tunneling improvements and firewall support have also been added.

Release notes are as follows:

autoMemoryReclaim – reclaims cached memory, allowing the WSL VM to release memory while in use.

Sparse VHD – automatically reclaims the WSL virtual hard disk (VHD) when not in use.

Image mode networking – a new network mode for WSL that adds new features and improves network compatibility:

IPv6 support

Use of localhost address 127.0.0.1

Connect from Linux to Windows server

Direct LAN connection to WSL

Multicast support

dnsTunneling – changes how WSL resolves DNS requests to improve network compatibility.

firewall – applies Windows firewall rules to WSL and allows advanced firewall control over the WSL VM.

This version also fixes several important bugs:

GH 9231 Store WSL cannot access WSL from Session 0

GUI applications can now adjust Windows window layout with the keyboard (WIN + arrow keys snap to side)