How to Fix WSLRegisterDistribution Failed with Error 0x800701bc

by

Have you ever tried to install or run WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux) and been greeted with the error WSLRegisterDistribution failed with error 0x800701bc? Annoying, right? Don’t worry! This guide will help you fix it in no time.

What Causes This Error?

The error 0x800701bc usually means that your system doesn’t support WSL 2, or your Windows version is outdated. It can also happen if some required components are missing.

How to Fix It

Follow these simple steps to get WSL working again.

1. Check Your Windows Version

WSL 2 requires Windows 10 version 1903 or later, with build 18362 or higher.

  • Press Win + R to open the Run dialog.
  • Type winver and press Enter.
  • In the window that appears, check your Windows version and build.

If your version is too old, update Windows before trying again.

2. Enable Required Windows Features

Make sure WSL and Virtual Machine Platform are enabled.

  1. Open PowerShell as Administrator.
  2. Run the following commands, one by one:
  
dism.exe /online /enable-feature /featurename:Microsoft-Windows-Subsystem-Linux /all /norestart  
dism.exe /online /enable-feature /featurename:VirtualMachinePlatform /all /norestart

Restart your computer after running these commands.

3. Install the WSL 2 Kernel Update

WSL 2 needs an updated kernel. If you haven’t installed it yet, follow these steps:

  1. Go to the official Microsoft download page.
  2. Download the WSL 2 Linux Kernel update.
  3. Run the installer and follow the instructions.

4. Set WSL 2 as the Default Version

After installing the update, set WSL 2 as the default.

  
wsl --set-default-version 2

If you get an error saying that WSL 2 is not supported, double-check your Windows build.

5. Install a Linux Distribution

Once everything is set up, install your preferred Linux distribution from the Microsoft Store.

  • Open the Microsoft Store.
  • Search for your preferred Linux distro (e.g., Ubuntu, Debian, Kali).
  • Click on Install.

After installation, open it and wait for the setup to complete.

6. Restart Your Computer

Sometimes, a simple restart can help apply all changes properly. Give it a try!

Alternative Fix: Use wsl –update

If the above steps don’t work, try updating WSL directly.

  
wsl --update

Wait for it to finish, restart your PC, and then launch WSL again.

Prevent Future Issues

To avoid similar problems in the future:

  • Keep Windows updated.
  • Ensure WSL and the kernel update are installed.
  • Check official WSL documentation for changes.
Image not found in postmeta

Final Thoughts

Fixing the WSLRegisterDistribution failed with error 0x800701bc issue is easier than it looks. Just follow these steps in order. In most cases, updating Windows, enabling WSL, and installing the kernel update will solve the problem.

Now go ahead, start WSL, and enjoy the power of Linux on Windows!