Navigating WSL Upgrades in New Windows Environments

There are several potential reasons why Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) stopped working after your PC was upgraded to Windows 11. Thankfully, the breakdown is unlikely to be terminal, although you might have to try a few different fixes to get it working once again.

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Here are several ways to get the Windows Subsystem for Linux working again after upgrading to Windows 11.

1. Check That WSL Is Enabled

It isn’t unusual that upgrading to a newer version of the OS will break some apps and features. So although it might sound obvious, checking WSL hasn’t simply been disabled during the upgrade process should be your first step. Here’s how to check:

1. In Windows Search, typeTurn Windows features on or off and click the search result that should appear at the top.
2. In the Windows System dialog, scroll down until you seeWindows Subsystem for Linux .
3. If the checkbox for the feature is not selected, do so now. Then clickOk .
4. You might also need to restart your computer before checking to see if that fixed the problem.

Hopefully, WSL is now working, and you can begin using the tool. If not, read on for some other possible solutions.

Learn more about thethings you can do with WSL and Linux on your Windows computer.

2. Enable Hyper-V and Virtual Machine Platform

If you want to use a subsystem such as WSL in Windows, you’ll also need to enable the virtualization tools. These include Hyper-V and the Virtual Machine Platform.

If a command line interface opens, telling you a required feature is not installed, when you try to run your Linux distribution, this is likely what it refers to.

1. Search forTurn Windows features on or off and click the search result.
2. In Windows Features, scroll down to findVirtual Machine Platform andWindows Hypervisor Platform .
3. Check the boxes next to each of these features and then clickOk .
4. You will need to restart your computer to complete the installation of these tools.

3. Repair the Linux Distribution App

Your Linux distribution app, such as Ubuntu, Kali, or Debian, could be corrupted or require updating. This can cause WSL to appear to be broken. Repairing Windows apps is very easy.

1. OpenSettings > Apps > App & Features .
2. Scroll down to the list of your apps to find your Linux distro app.
3. Click thethree dots to the right of the app name, and selectAdvanced options .
4. Click theRepair button and follow the on-screen instructions if repairs are necessary.
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Check if WSL is working. If not, try uninstalling and reinstalling the Linux distribution app.

4. Force WSL to Open Using the Microsoft Store

If WSL is enabled but still refuses to open, you can try forcing launch through the Microsoft Store app. This can sometimes fix temporary glitches when opening WSL directly doesn’t work.

1. Open the Microsoft Store app and search forWSL .
2. On the store page for WSL, you should see anOpen button. If the button saysUpdate , click it to update the app.
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3. Click theOpen button, and the default Linux distro app should launch.
4. If a command line interface window opens instead, it will probably tell you a required feature is missing. SeeEnable Hyper-V and Virtual Machine Platform above.

If forcing WSL to open doesn’t work, try the same with the Linux distro app you are using. Open the Store, search for your distro, and click theOpen button.

5. Uninstall Recent Updates to Fix WSL

If WSL stopped working after installing an update, the update could be the cause. You can uninstall the most recent update to see if that fixes the problem.

Uninstalling Windows updates isn’t a complicated process, even if you have never done it before.

If, after uninstalling the update, WSL still does not work, it is a good idea to reinstall it. Updates can often include security and performance tweaks, so it is generally recommended to keep Windows updated.

6. Check That Malware Isn’t Blocking WSL

The final thing to try to get WSL working is scanning for malware. The potential for malware to prevent Windows Subsystem for Linux from working is low but not unheard of.

Run afull scan in Microsoft Defender or whichever third-party antivirus software you use. Quarantine or remove any malware your antivirus scan finds. Then restart your computer and try using WSL to see if that was the issue.

Fixing WSL After Upgrading to Windows 11

Upgrading to Windows 11 usually goes smoothly, but apps and features can occasionally break. If you find that WSL is no longer working after upgrading to the newest Windows OS, don’t worry, there is usually an easy fix. You might only need to re-enable the feature in the Windows system settings, but if not, running through the other fixes here will usually solve the problem.