Windows 10 is testing WSL Linux integration in File Explorer
Windows 10 is getting improved integration between the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) and File Explorer that allows you to directly access the folders of installed Linux distributions.
Currently, if you want to access your WSL files in File Explorer you have to start the Linux distribution, change to the folder you want to access, and then type explorer.exe . command.
This would then open the folder in a special network share as shown below.
While not a big deal, it is not as convenient as simply opening File Explorer to access your files as you would normally do.
The good news is in the latest Windows 10 Insider build 19603, Microsoft has added improved integration that allows you to access the folders of your installed Linux distributions directly from File Explorer without the distribution even running.
This is done through the new Linux location in the File Explorer that when clicked on will display a list of all installed WSL Linux distributions.
If you double-click on one of the available Linux distros, you will be shown its file system even if it is not currently running.
You can then copy files directly from your Windows 10 folders into your Linux home folder or other folders you have permissions.
It should be noted that you will have the permissions of the default user you configured when the WSL distribution was installed.
This means that you will not be able to write to any folder, but rather only to folders that the default user has access to.
Gloss