Microsoft makes Linux developers feel more at home in Windows with Coreutils release
Microsoft unveiled Coreutils, a Windows 11 feature allowing developers to run 75 Linux command-line utilities natively via a single Rust-based executable at Build 2026 in Seattle. The tool aims to reduce platform-switching friction but excludes commands like *chmod* or *dir* due to compatibility conflicts with Windows CMD or PowerShell.
Microsoft introduced Coreutils at this week’s Build 2026 conference in Seattle, enabling Windows 11 users to execute 75 Linux command-line utilities directly from CMD, PowerShell, or Windows Terminal. The feature eliminates the need for workarounds like WSL or Git Bash by integrating a Rust rewrite of GNU’s uutils/coreutils project into a single executable. Users install it via WinGet with *WinGet: install Microsoft.Coreutils*, and commands run through NTFS hardlinks for efficiency. The tool supports essential Linux commands such as *ls*, *cp*, *grep*, and *rm*, but omits 11 conflicting or incompatible commands like *dir* and *chmod*. Microsoft’s compatibility table clarifies exclusions, noting some commands function only in CMD or not at all due to Windows’ lack of POSIX support. The company also announced WSL containers CLI and API improvements, reinforcing Windows’ role as a cross-platform development hub. Coreutils reduces ‘cognitive load’ for developers switching between Linux, macOS, or cloud environments by ensuring familiar workflows persist on Windows. Microsoft’s announcement highlights the shift toward seamless interoperability, though users must navigate shell-specific precedence rules for consistent execution. The feature aligns with broader efforts to unify developer tools across platforms while maintaining Windows-native compatibility.
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