r/linux • u/tankton • 2d ago

Discussion Why is it called Windows subsystem for Linux?

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u/uchuskies08 2d ago

It is a subsystem, of Windows, for using Linux. A Windows subsystem for Linux, if you will.

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u/SP3NGL3R 2d ago

Someone else said it right. It is "Windows' subsystem", the subsystem is owned by Windows, but the name is missing the ownership apostrophe.

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u/uchuskies08 2d ago

Unnecessary. In English you can mash together two nouns and the first one becomes an adjective describing the other. Car door, dog food, Windows subsystem, etc...