Developers and tech enthusiasts alike like using the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL), which enables users to run Linux commands and programs directly on a Windows operating system. However, some customers claim that when attempting to register a new distribution in the WSL, they receive an error message. This unpleasant error notice, “wslregisterdistribution failed with error: 0x800701bc,” may make it more difficult for you to utilize the WSL. The probable reasons of this problem will be discussed in this post, along with a number of possible fixes, to enable you to continue using the WSL on your Windows PC.
Causes of the error
- System file corruption: If the system files on the machine are damaged, the WSL cannot be registered, which may result in a problem. This may occur for a number of reasons, including a malware infection, an erroneous computer shutdown, or problems with program installation or updating.
- Lack of administrative rights: The user might not be able to register the WSL if they do not have administrative rights on the computer.
- Interference from antivirus software: Occasionally, antivirus software can obstruct the setup or use of the WSL, resulting in the error. WSL files may be inadvertently flagged by antivirus software as security threats, preventing their installation or execution.
- Installation files that are incomplete or corrupt: If the WSL installation files are incomplete or corrupt, the installation procedure may fail and produce an error. This may occur as a result of problems with the files’ download or transmission, as well as if the files have been altered or tampered with.
- Insufficient disc space: If the computer’s hard drive is too small, installing WSL might fail and produce the error.
- Drivers on the computer that are out of current or incompatible with the programme might prevent the WSL from registering. This may result in problems with file system access and hardware connectivity, which would result in the error.
- The WSL relies on a number of registry keys to operate properly; if any of these keys are damaged or missing, the problem may manifest. This can occur when there are problems with the installation or updating of the programme, or if the registry is manually changed or destroyed.
- System file corruption is not the only issue that might prevent WSL registration; missing or corrupted system files are another. This may occur for a number of reasons, including malware infestation, hardware malfunction, or unintentional deletion.
- Corrupted user profiles: If the user profile on the machine is corrupted or destroyed, the WSL could not function properly. This can result in problems with file access and permissions and the error.
- Problems with the Windows Subsystem for Linux feature: If there are problems with the WSL feature itself, such as conflicts with other programmes or operating system compatibility problems, the error may appear. This could occur as a result of defects or mistakes in the software code, or if the functionality is not installed or set correctly.
How to fix this error
Check the system files:
Windows comes with a utility called a system file check that searches for and fixes faulty system files. The WSL may not be registered due to corrupted system files, which would result in the error notice. Follow these procedures to do a system file check:
- Choose “Command Prompt (Admin)” or “Windows PowerShell (Admin)” by pressing the Windows key + X.
- Type “sfc /scannow” into the command prompt and hit Enter.
- Wait for the programme to detect and fix any damaged system files.
- Your computer should be restarted to see if the issue has been fixed.
Perform a DISM check:
Deployment Image Servicing and Management is referred to as DISM. It is a command-line utility that may restore the integrity of damaged system files and Windows deployment image files. Follow these procedures to conduct a DISM check:
- Choose “Command Prompt (Admin)” or “Windows PowerShell (Admin)” by pressing the Windows key + X.
- Enter “DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth” at the command prompt.
- Allow the utility to scan and fix any damaged system files and picture files before continuing.
- Your computer should be restarted to see if the issue has been fixed.
Activate the WSL troubleshooter:
A built-in Windows programme called the WSL troubleshooter may identify and resolve problems with the WSL functionality. Follow these steps to launch the WSL troubleshooter:
- To launch Settings, press the Windows key plus I.
- Go to “Update & Security” and click.
- In the left sidebar, choose “Troubleshoot”.
- “Additional troubleshooters” should be selected.
- Click “Windows Subsystem for Linux” after scrolling down.
- “Run the troubleshooter” should be clicked.
- For assistance in identifying and resolving any WSL feature-related difficulties, refer to the on-screen instructions.
- Your computer should be restarted to see if the issue has been fixed.
Verify your administrative rights:
Making changes to the system files and settings essential for the installation and use of the WSL requires administrative access. Follow these procedures to see if you have administrative rights:
- Select “Settings” by pressing the Windows key plus X.
- Select “Accounts”
- In the left column, select “Your info”.
- Verify that “Administrator” is listed as the “Account type”
- Ask the administrator to give you administrative rights if you aren’t already one.
- Your computer should be restarted to see if the issue has been fixed.
Redownload and install WSL once more:
You might need to re-download and re-install the WSL files if they have gotten damaged or are missing. Follow these steps to accomplish this:
- Launch PowerShell in administrative mode.
- Enter “dism.exe /online /enable-feature /featurename:Microsoft-Windows-Subsystem-Linux /all /norestart” into the command line.
- Run “dism.exe /online /enable-feature /featurename:VirtualMachinePlatform /all /norestart” to enable the feature.
- Switch off your computer.
- Search for the Linux distribution you wish to use in the Microsoft Store.
- Launch the distribution after installing it.
- Verify that the mistake has been fixed.
Releasing disc space:
The WSL is one of several Windows technologies that might experience difficulties due to disc space issues. Observe these measures to free up disc space:
- Activate File Explorer.
- Select the disc drive you wish to make space on using the right click.
- Then select “Properties.”
- Then choose “Disc Cleanup.”
- The files you want to remove are marked with checkmarks.
- The “Clean up system files” button may be used to delete unnecessary system files.
- You should restart your computer to see whether the error has been fixed.
Reinstalling or updating drivers:
Drivers that are damaged or out-of-date might prevent the WSL from registering. Follow these procedures to update or reinstall drivers:
- Select “Device Manager” by pressing the Windows key plus X.
- Locate the driver that you wish to install again or update.
- Click on the driver with the right mouse button and choose “Update driver” or “Uninstall device.”
- If you choose “Update driver,” update the driver according to the on-screen directions.
- If you choose “Uninstall device,” Windows will automatically reinstall the driver once you restart your computer.
- Verify that the mistake has been fixed.
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Missing system files are restored:
The WSL may not register if certain system files are missing. Take the following actions to restore any missing system files:
- As an administrator, launch Command Prompt.
- Press Enter after entering “sfc /scannow”.
- Wait for the utility to check for missing system files and fix them.
- You should restart your computer to see whether the error has been fixed.
Conclusion
When you depend on the WSL for your job or projects, seeing the error notice “wslregisterdistribution failed with error: 0x800701bc” might be upsetting. Although there are other potential reasons and fixes for this error, by taking the actions listed above, you should be able to fix the problem and resume using the WSL. It’s crucial to keep in mind that these methods might not work for everyone, and in certain situations, you might need to look for more assistance online or from technical support. You may still use the robust capabilities of the WSL on your Windows PC despite this problem if you are patient and persistent.
FAQs
Yes, occasionally third-party software such as firewalls or antivirus programmes can prevent the WSL from operating properly. It is advised to momentarily turn off these applications and run the WSL once again to determine whether the error message still appears.
Yes, using an old version of Windows can prevent the WSL from successfully registering. To guarantee that you have access to all the newest features and security fixes, it is advised that you upgrade your Windows operating system to the most recent version.
Yes, faults in many Windows features, including the WSL, can be caused by a damaged or failing hard disc. It is advised to do a disc check, fix any faults, and, if required, replace the hard drive.
Yes, running many WSL instances simultaneously might result in conflicts and mistakes. It is advised to terminate any WSL processes and retry running the programme to verify whether the error message has been fixed.