Microsoft Integrates Linux’s Sudo Command into Windows 11, Enhancing Developer Experience
Microsoft is set to further bridge the gap between Windows and Linux by incorporating the Linux sudo command into Windows 11, signaling its ongoing commitment to making Windows a more versatile platform for developers. The sudo command, an abbreviation for “superuser do,” is a staple in Unix-based systems like Linux and macOS, allowing users to execute commands with elevated privileges or as different users. This feature is particularly beneficial for developers who need to test scripts or run programs that require higher security permissions.
Jordi Adoumie, a product manager at Microsoft, outlined that the implementation of sudo in Windows aims to streamline the process for developers, enabling them to execute elevated tools from a standard console session without the need to switch to an elevated one. “It is an ergonomic and familiar solution for users who want to elevate a command without having to first open a new elevated console,” Adoumie elaborated.
Currently, in the testing phase within the latest Canary build of Windows 11, the sudo command is expected to be rolled out to the broader Windows 11 user base later in the year. Microsoft is planning to offer the sudo feature with three configuration modes: opening in a new window, with input disabled, and inline, with the inline mode mirroring the traditional Linux sudo experience. The company is focused on refining the documentation for Sudo for Windows in the upcoming months and will provide further details regarding the security aspects of utilizing sudo, particularly in the ‘Inline’ configuration.
In a move towards transparency and community collaboration, Microsoft has announced its intention to open-source the sudo project on GitHub, inviting feedback and contributions from developers and enthusiasts. This step is part of a series of initiatives by Microsoft to embrace Linux within the Windows ecosystem. Previous efforts have included integrating a full Linux kernel in Windows 10, adding the Bash shell, native OpenSSH support in Windows 10, and facilitating the availability of popular Linux distributions such as Ubuntu, SUSE Linux, and Fedora through the Windows Store.
The introduction of the sudo command to Windows 11 is yet another milestone in Microsoft’s journey to accommodate the needs of developers and to foster a more open, flexible development environment across operating systems.