Today marks a significant milestone: WSL UI v0.14.0 is officially available on the Microsoft Store. What started as a side project to scratch my own itch has become a real, certified Windows application.

The Journey to the Store

Getting an app into the Microsoft Store isn't just about uploading a package and clicking submit. There's a certification process, and for a tool that interacts with WSL—a system-level feature—I wasn't sure what to expect.

The process went something like this:

Package preparation: Converting from a standalone installer to an MSIX package
Store listing: Screenshots, descriptions, privacy policy, age ratings
Certification submission: The nerve-wracking part—waiting for Microsoft's review
Approval: That satisfying green checkmark—and Microsoft signs the package

The whole process took about a week from initial submission to approval. Microsoft's certification team was thorough but fair, and WSL UI passed on the first attempt.

Why the Microsoft Store?

You might wonder why bother with the Store when direct downloads work fine. A few reasons:

Automatic updates: No more manually checking for new versions. The Store handles updates seamlessly, and users get new features without lifting a finger.

Trust and visibility: Being on the Microsoft Store means the app is signed by Microsoft themselves—not a self-signed certificate or third-party CA. Users can trust the package hasn't been tampered with. It also makes WSL UI discoverable to users who might never have found it otherwise.

Simplified installation: One click to install, one click to uninstall. No installer wizards, no UAC prompts for every update.

What's in v0.14.0?

This release focused on polish and Store readiness, but there are some user-facing improvements too:

Improved startup performance: Faster initial load when launching the app
Better error handling: Clearer messages when WSL isn't configured correctly
UI refinements: Small visual tweaks throughout the interface
Store integration: Proper update notifications through the Windows Store

Getting WSL UI

You can now install WSL UI in two ways:

Microsoft Store (Recommended): Search for "WSL UI" in the Microsoft Store, or visit the store listing directly.

Direct download: Still available from the downloads page for users who prefer standalone installers.

Both options receive the same updates, though Store users will get them automatically.

Thank You

To everyone who has tried WSL UI, reported bugs, or suggested features—thank you. Seeing the app grow from a personal tool to something worthy of the Microsoft Store has been incredibly rewarding.

This is just the beginning. There's plenty more planned for WSL UI, and being on the Store makes it easier than ever to get updates into users' hands.

If you haven't tried WSL UI yet, now's a great time to give it a go. And if you're already using it, I'd love to hear what you think—good or bad.

Here's to many more releases.