patch wsl compatibility
Change wsl check to something more universal and consistent

- [x] closes #38527
- [ ] tests added / passed
- [x] passes `black pandas`
- [x] passes `git diff upstream/master -u -- "*.py" | flake8 --diff`
- [ ] whatsnew entry

> Thanks. I am not sure this can reliably be tested, but confirmed this works on your end?

I see, and yes, it's working for me. > > Thanks. I am not sure this can reliably be tested, but confirmed this works on your end?
> 
> I see, and yes, it's working for me.

works for me too.
 @jreback I've rebased the original commit and added a line in whatsnew. Let me know if you need anything else from my end. thanks @mbkupfer 