Allow Installation of WSL2 using web-download instead of Microsoft Store

[BhattTanmay]

Feature request description

Currently, the Podman installer for Windows relies on the Microsoft Store to deploy the WSL2 kernel and utilities. This approach presents challenges in enterprise environments where direct installation from the Store is restricted or disabled.

This issue proposes adding an optional flag or configuration option to the Podman installer to allow users to choose to install the WSL2 components using the wsl --install --web-download method instead of the default Store-based installation.

Use Cases

• Enterprise Environments: Organizations with restricted or disabled Microsoft Store access can still install Podman and utilize WSL2.

Suggest potential solution

The following can be done:

1. Add a command-line flag or configuration option:
   • Example: --wsl-install-method=web-download or a similar option.
2. Modify the installer logic:
   • If the specified flag is present, the installer should use the wsl --install --web-download command to install WSL2.
   • If the flag is not present, the installer should continue with the default Store-based installation.
3. Provide clear documentation:
   • Update the Podman installation documentation to explain the new option and its usage.

Have you considered any alternatives?

User takes care of WSL installation and kernel update

Additional context

NA

[madhub]

+1