So you’re excited to use your favourite Linux distro on Windows – for development, a fun experiment or a mini-project. You go to the Microsoft Store, find your distro and click on install. Once the installation is complete, you launch it from the Start Menu and BOOM – WslRegisterDistribution failed with error: 0x800701bc.
The error indicates that the Linux distribution you’re trying to use cannot be registered properly and that an update for the kernel of the WSL 2 (Windows Subsystem for Linux) is required.
Table of Contents
How to fix WslRegisterDistribution failed with error: 0x800701bc
1. Update Windows to Version 1903 or later
WSL 2 is only available in Windows 11 or Windows 10, Version 1903, Build 18362 or later.
Start by making sure that your system is running Windows 10/11 version 1903 or later. You can check this by typing winver in the start menu.
This will return your Windows version and build number. If you’re running an earlier version of Windows, make sure to install the latest Windows Feature Update.
2. Enable Virtualization in BIOS
WSL 2 requires virtualization to be enabled on your computer. To check if virtualization is enabled, open up the Task Manager in Windows, navigate to Performance and look for the Virtualization attribute. This needs to be set to Enabled.
If Virtualization is not enabled, you need to enable it in BIOS by following these steps:
- Restart Your Computer:
- Save any open files and restart your computer.
- Enter BIOS Setup:
- As your computer is starting up, press the key that opens the BIOS setup utility. This key is usually displayed during the startup process and could be one of the following: F2, F10, Del, Esc, or another key specific to your computer’s manufacturer. You might need to press it repeatedly to enter the BIOS.
- Find the Virtualization Setting:
- Once in the BIOS, look for the virtualization settings. The location and name of this setting can vary, but it is often found in the following sections:
- Advanced
- Advanced BIOS Features
- Advanced CPU Configuration
- System Configuration
- The setting might be named:
- Intel Virtualization Technology
- VT-x
- AMD-V
- SVM Mode
- Once in the BIOS, look for the virtualization settings. The location and name of this setting can vary, but it is often found in the following sections:
- Enable Virtualization:
- Change the virtualization setting to Enabled. Use the arrow keys to navigate, and the Enter key to select options.
- Save and Exit:
- Save your changes and exit the BIOS. This option is often found in the Exit menu or by pressing a key such as F10. Confirm that you want to save the changes if prompted.
- Reboot Your Computer:
- Your computer will restart with virtualization enabled.
3. Enable the Windows Virtual Machine Platform feature
WSL 2 requires the Windows Virtual Machine Platform feature to be enabled.
Follow these steps to enable the Virtual Machine Platform feature in Windows 10 and 11.
- Search for and open up the Control Panel in the start menu.
- Click on Programs.
- Select Turn Windows features on or off. You need administrator privileges on the system.
- Scroll down to the Windows Virtual Machine Platform feature and tick it to enable it.
- Click on OK and reboot your computer for changes to take effect.
4. Set WSL 2 as default
WSL 2 supports a full Linux kernel. Set it to default to make sure you’re not using WSL 1.
Open up CMD and type the following command.
wsl --set-default-version 2
5. Update WSL 2 to the latest version
Make sure you have the latest updates of WSL installed on your system by entering this command in CMD.
wsl --update
6. Run your Linux Distribution
After following the above steps, you should be able to successfully run your Linux distribution. If you already installed it, launch it from the start menu.
If not, you can install a Linux distro by searching for it in the Microsoft store or directly from the CMD.
wsl --install --distribution ubuntu
