If you’re using Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL), you may encounter the error wslregisterdistribution failed with error: 0x80370102. This error can be frustrating and may prevent you from setting up or running a Linux distribution on your Windows system. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the possible causes of this issue and how to resolve it efficiently.
What is the “wslregisterdistribution failed with error: 0x80370102”?
Before diving into the fixes, it’s important to understand what the error actually means. This error occurs when you’re trying to install or set up a Linux distribution on Windows Subsystem for Linux, and something goes wrong during the registration process.
The error code wslregisterdistribution failed with error: 0x80370102 specifically points to a problem with starting the WSL 2 virtual machine or the associated virtual hard disk (VHD). It can also be caused by incorrect system settings, missing dependencies, or conflicts with other programs.
Common Symptoms of wslregisterdistribution failed with error: 0x80370102
- The installation of a Linux distribution fails, even if you’ve successfully downloaded it from the Microsoft Store.
- When trying to launch a Linux distribution, you may see a “registration” error message.
- You may experience performance issues or system freezes if the error is unresolved.
Now that we have an understanding of the error, let’s explore the steps you can take to resolve it.
Why Does wslregisterdistribution failed with error: 0x80370102?
There are several reasons why you might encounter the wslregisterdistribution failed with error: 0x80370102 error. Here are the most common causes:
- WSL 2 Not Installed or Misconfigured
If you haven’t installed WSL 2 or configured it properly, you’ll encounter this error. WSL 2 is necessary for running most modern Linux distributions on Windows. - Corrupt or Missing System Files
Corrupted system files or missing dependencies related to WSL might be causing the issue. - Hyper-V Virtualization Issues
Hyper-V and Virtual Machine Platform are both essential for WSL 2. If either of these services is disabled or misconfigured, it can result in this error. - Windows Version Incompatibility
WSL 2 requires Windows 10 Version 1903 or higher with Build 18362 or higher. Older versions of Windows may not support the full capabilities of WSL 2. - Conflicting Software
Anti-virus software, VPNs, or other security software may interfere with WSL and cause issues during the installation process. - Incorrect Virtualization Settings
Virtualization might not be enabled in the BIOS or UEFI settings, which is crucial for running WSL 2.
Now that we’ve covered the possible causes, let’s explore solutions to fix the wslregisterdistribution failed with error: 0x80370102.
How to Fix WSLRegisterDistribution Failed with Error: 0x80370102
1. Ensure WSL 2 is Installed and Set as Default
First, check whether WSL 2 is properly installed on your system. To do this, follow these steps:
Step 1: Open PowerShell as Administrator
- Press Win + X and select Windows PowerShell (Admin).
Step 2: Install WSL 2
If WSL is not installed, run the following command to install it:
This command will install WSL 2 along with the default Linux distribution.
Step 3: Set WSL 2 as the Default Version
If WSL 2 is already installed but not set as the default, use this command to set it as the default version:
2. Enable Required Virtualization Features
Since WSL 2 relies on virtualization, you need to make sure that Hyper-V and Virtual Machine Platform are enabled. Here’s how to enable these features:
Step 1: Enable Windows Subsystem for Linux and Virtual Machine Platform
Run the following command in PowerShell (Admin):
Step 2: Enable Hyper-V
Next, enable Hyper-V by running this command:
Step 3: Restart Your Computer
After enabling these features, restart your computer to apply the changes.
3. Check Virtualization Settings in BIOS/UEFI
If WSL 2 continues to throw errors, the issue could be that virtualization is not enabled in your system’s BIOS/UEFI settings. Follow these steps to enable virtualization:
Step 1: Restart Your Computer
During startup, press the key to enter the BIOS/UEFI menu (usually F2, DEL, or ESC).
Step 2: Locate the Virtualization Settings
In the BIOS/UEFI menu, look for options related to Intel VT-x or AMD-V, depending on your CPU. These settings are typically found under the Advanced or CPU Configuration tab.
Step 3: Enable Virtualization
Enable the Intel VT-x or AMD-V option and save the changes.
Step 4: Restart Your System
Exit the BIOS/UEFI settings and reboot your computer.
4. Ensure Windows is Up to Date
Running an outdated version of Windows could be the root cause of WSL errors. Make sure your Windows installation is up to date.
Step 1: Check for Updates
Open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update, and click Check for Updates.
Step 2: Install Any Pending Updates
Install all available updates, and restart your system if necessary.
5. Reinstall the Linux Distribution
If WSL is still not functioning correctly after performing the above steps, the Linux distribution may have been installed incorrectly or corrupted. To fix this:
Step 1: Uninstall the Existing Distribution
Open Settings > Apps > Apps & features. Find the Linux distribution (e.g., Ubuntu) in the list, select it, and click Uninstall.
Step 2: Reinstall the Distribution
Go to the Microsoft Store, search for the Linux distribution you want to install (such as Ubuntu, Debian, or Kali Linux), and click Install.
6. Check for Conflicting Software
Certain security software, firewalls, or even virtual machine software can conflict with WSL. Try disabling or uninstalling these programs temporarily to see if it resolves the error.
- Disable any active firewall or anti-virus software.
- Uninstall or disable any virtual machine applications like VMware or VirtualBox.
7. Run the WSL Command to Register the Distribution
If the issue persists, manually attempt to register the distribution by using the wsl command. Open PowerShell as Administrator and run:
This will show all the distributions installed. If your distribution is listed, try unregistering and reinstalling it:
Then reinstall the distribution from the Microsoft Store.
Additional Troubleshooting Steps
If none of the above steps worked, consider the following additional actions:
- Check for Disk Space: Ensure your system has enough disk space for WSL 2 and the Linux distribution.
- Reset WSL: You can reset WSL entirely by running the following command:
Afterward, reinstall the distribution.
- Review Event Logs: Check the Windows Event Viewer for more detailed error messages related to WSL. This may give you additional insights into the issue.
Conclusion
The wslregisterdistribution failed with error: 0x80370102 can be a challenging error, but with the steps outlined above, you should be able to fix it. The most common causes involve missing virtualization settings, outdated Windows versions, or misconfigured WSL 2 settings. By following this guide, you can resolve the issue and get back to enjoying the benefits of running a Linux environment on Windows.
If you continue to face issues, consider reaching out to Microsoft’s support community or checking the official documentation for more in-depth troubleshooting.
