Microsoft is doubling down on its support for Linux by announcing that three of the most popular Linux distros are coming to the Windows Store. This means that Ubuntu, Fedora, and OpenSUSE will all soon be available on Windows 10. Which will make most developers very happy bunnies.

At Build 2016, to the surprise of almost everyone, Microsoft announced that it was adding support for the Bash shell to Windows 10. That support duly arrived with the launch of the Windows 10 Anniversary Update. And now, at Build 2017, Microsoft has gone one (or two) better.

Linux Distros in the Windows Store

Microsoft is now bringing Fedora and OpenSUSE to the Windows Store alongside Ubuntu. Developers will need to turn on "Developer mode" in Windows 10, and then turn on support for Linux. They can then head for the Windows Store to install any one, or all three, of the supported Linux distros. This saves having to sideload a virtual machine and run Linux on top of that.

Microsoft's Terry Myerson explained on the Windows Blog, "We’ve simplified the install of Ubuntu by bringing it to the Windows Store. We also announced we are working with SUSE Linux and Fedora Linux running on the Windows Subsystem for Linux— to bring them to the Windows Store. Now, Windows is the only platform that can run both Windows apps and Linux apps side-by-side."

Bringing Linux distros to the Windows Store means they'll also work with the new Windows 10 S. Which is a simpler, streamlined version of Windows 10 aimed at students. And who generally appreciates open-source software more than most people? Why, students, of course.

Microsoft Finally Does Something Right

Is it just me or is it almost impossible to hate Microsoft these days? There was a time, not so long ago, when Microsoft was the big bad. And now? Well, the company's still not perfect, but it's doing a lot more things right than it once was. Including embracing open-source software.

What do you think of Microsoft's increasing support for Linux? Are you likely to take advantage of Microsoft making Ubuntu, Fedora, and OpenSUSE available on Windows 10? Of the three Linux distros, which do you prefer? Please let us know in the comments below!

Image Credit: Pascal Volk via Flickr