WSLg Multiwindow Support: A Simple Request
Hey there! Let's talk about something that's been on my mind (and probably yours too) regarding WSLg: multiwindow support. I've been a bit of a disappointed customer when it comes to WSLg, mainly because of one missing feature that I think many of us are craving. I want to dive into this topic without getting sidetracked, because this has been a topic that has often veered off course in the past. My aim is to make things crystal clear, so we can finally get the discussion we need.
The Core of the Issue: Plain Windows for X11 Apps
What I'm really after is a straightforward feature: the ability to run X11 applications within plain Windows windows. Think of it as what other Windows X servers offer as "multiwindow" support. It’s a simple concept, really. You launch an X11 program, and instead of it opening in some separate, isolated environment, it pops up in a regular, everyday Windows window. No fancy interfaces, no dual GUIs, just a seamless integration into your existing workflow. From what I have seen, it is clear that many people also want that, but the conversations often drift toward irrelevant points about full screens or specific applications. I want to keep this focused. This is not about full-screen modes, or tweaking complex desktop environments. It's about a consistent experience. This approach provides a consistent user experience. This might be a missing piece for many.
Now, I understand that the WSLg project seems to be focusing on supporting Wayland and other technologies to provide a more "authentic Linux experience." That's a noble goal, no doubt, but it seems to be missing a significant usability aspect. The current direction of WSLg, even if fully operational, might not fulfill my primary need for a consistent user experience. I want a setup where my Windows environment and my WSL environment operate as a cohesive unit. This is because it makes things feel more natural and less like I'm juggling two completely separate systems. If I were to go down the path of getting two GUIs to cooperate, it would mean a lot of work configuring one side to look and behave like the other. It would essentially be faking something that should be built-in. This is important to me because I want all my windows to behave in a consistent way.
Why the Current Direction Isn't Ideal
There are a few key reasons why the current direction, while potentially useful for some, falls short of my needs. First, if I were to go the route of fully embracing the WSLg's direction, I would need to install a lot of GUI components on WSL to get everything working. This goes against my sense of good software design, as it feels like running Windows-equivalent software inside Windows. This seems redundant. Second, I currently rely on other X server implementations like VcXsrv, Xming, or X410, which work reasonably well, but they can be a bit glitchy from time to time. If WSLg adopted this multiwindow approach, I'm confident that the resulting solution would be more stable and easier to use. Finally, I know that there is an audience that wants a Linux-only GUI. For this, I know where to find a proper VM / dual boot / etc. to get that setup done better.
I want to clarify that my request isn't about the Linux side of things; it's about how the X11 apps appear and interact on my Windows desktop. I hope that the answer here is very clear, and highlights this feature as something that I'm sure many people would be happy to have, and one that I think would be easier to achieve.
A Clear and Concise Solution
The solution I'm proposing is simple: a mode to "run X apps inside plain windows." The "plain" windows should be the standard Windows windows that Windows users are familiar with. The focus here is on seamless integration, a natural extension of the Windows environment, not on replicating a Linux desktop experience within Windows. The goal is to provide a consistent experience, aligning with the way all other apps work on Windows.
I'm not looking for anything overly complex. The core of my request is the straightforward ability to have X11 applications running in the same type of windows that I use every day on my Windows machine. No need for Wayland, Weston, KDE, Gnome, or any other Linux-specific technologies to be involved. My main concern is to keep the discussion on track.
Alternatives Considered
I've already explored several alternatives to achieve the desired result of multiwindow support. I've used VcXsrv, Xming, X410, and MobaXterm. These X server options work to varying degrees, but they are not perfect. Each of these solutions has its own quirks and limitations that make them less than ideal for everyday use.
Avoiding the Pitfalls: Keeping the Discussion Focused
I want to avoid the common pitfalls that often derail these discussions. I'm not interested in full-screen windows, or discussions about Wayland, Gnome, or KDE. Additionally, I'm not here to talk about modern editors and browsers that can sometimes create their own custom title bars and menus. Lastly, I'm not asking for screenshots. These would not be particularly helpful, as the desired outcome is already common with other X servers. The end goal is to see a regular Windows window, just with X11 stuff inside. I want to keep this simple and focused on the core request: multiwindow support.
In Conclusion: A Plea for Seamless Integration
I hope this clarifies my request and the benefits of multiwindow support within WSLg. It's about consistency, usability, and making X11 applications feel like native Windows applications. I believe this feature would significantly improve the user experience for many.
For more details, please visit the Microsoft WSL documentation: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wsl/
