Resolve the WslRegisterDistribution Failed Error with 0x80070032 Code

If you’re facing the “WslRegisterDistribution failed error” in Windows 10 with the 0x80070032 code while upgrading from one version of WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux) to the next, you’re not alone.

This error is commonly reported by users, especially developers, working with WSL. Many developers rely on the Windows Subsystem for Linux for their development work, but at times, WSL can cause issues on Windows 10. One of the most frequent errors is the “WslRegisterDistribution Failed with Error: 0x80370114”.

In this post, you’ll discover how to fix the 0x80070032 error in Windows 10 and resolve the issue efficiently. The fixes outlined here are simple, direct, and easy to follow.

Let’s dive in!

What is the WslRegisterDistribution Failed With Error: 0x80070032?

The WslRegisterDistribution Failed Error with 0x80070032 code occurs when attempting to use Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) on Windows 10. WSL allows developers to run a Linux environment directly on Windows devices, making it a crucial tool for many developers. But sometimes, this error can interfere with the process, especially when upgrading WSL or launching Linux distributions.

WSL is widely used by developers to select their favorite Linux distributions from the Microsoft Store. It also enables them to run various command-line tools and commands, including grep, sed, and awk. In addition, developers use WSL to run Linux applications on Windows 10 and execute Bash shell scripts in command-line programs.

However, occasionally, the WslRegisterDistribution command line fails, resulting in the 0x80070032 error code. This indicates that WSL was unable to launch. The full error message may appear as follows:

Installing, this may take a few minutes…
WslRegisterDistribution failed with error: 0x80070032
Error: 0x80070032 The request is not supported.
Press any key to continue…

While this error might initially seem like an issue with Windows installing WSL, it can sometimes be a false positive. Some users may have already installed WSL, yet still encounter this issue.

What Causes Error 0x80070032 in Windows 10?

The WslRegisterDistribution failed with error: 0x80370114 typically occurs when the Hyper-V service is blocked during the installation of a Linux distribution using WSL. This error often comes with the following message:

“Error: 0x80370114 The operation could not be started because a required feature is not installed.”

On the other hand, the WslRegisterDistribution failed error with code 0x80070032 primarily occurs when the Virtual Machine Platform is disabled. For instance, it can arise if the Linux subsystem is not enabled. Additionally, this issue can also be triggered by malware residing on your PC, affecting the system’s functionality.

Another common reason for this error is the absence of an essential Windows 10 feature required to support WSL.

In most cases, you’ll encounter this error when upgrading to or reinstalling the latest version of WSL. Since the error prevents you from using the WSL-based command line, it’s important to address and resolve the issue promptly.

How to Fix WslRegisterDistribution Failed with Error 0x80070032

If you encounter the WslRegisterDistribution failed with error: 0x800701bc, it indicates a Kernel issue, which can usually be fixed quickly. Ensure that you are using an admin account with sufficient privileges to update the Linux Kernel.

To fix the WslRegisterDistribution failed error with code 0x80070032 in Windows 10, try the following solutions:

1] Scan Your PC for Malware

If you’re dealing with the WslRegisterDistribution error code 0x80070032, the first step is to scan your computer for malware. Malware can interfere with the proper functioning of your PC, causing issues with WSL.

Start by running a malware scan using the built-in Windows Defender with these steps:

Press Win key + I to open Settings.
Click on the “Update and Security” tile.
In the left pane, select “Windows Security”.
Now, click “Virus and Threat Protection” from the list of options.
Locate and click the “Scan” options link.
Select “Full Scan” and then click “Scan Now”.
Allow the scan to complete. Be patient, as this process may take some time.

If Windows Defender doesn’t resolve the issue, consider using a reputable third-party antivirus service of your choice to further scan your system for malware.

2] Enable WSL

You can enable the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) using two methods:

Enable WSL via the Turn Windows Features on or off
Enable WSL via Windows PowerShell

Enable WSL Using Turn Windows Features on or off

Follow these steps to enable WSL using the Turn Windows Features on or off method:

Press the Windows Key.
Type “Turn Windows Features on or off”.
Click the application to open it.
In the “Windows Features” window, locate “Windows Subsystem for Linux” and check the box next to it to enable it.

Click Ok.
Windows will automatically search and install the required system files and prompt you to reboot your PC.
Restart your computer and check if your Linux distro is now working without any issues.

Enable WSL Using Windows PowerShell

Alternatively, you can enable WSL using Windows PowerShell:

Press Win key + X to open the Windows Quick Menu.
In the list, click “PowerShell (Admin)”.
If prompted with “User Account Control” (UAC), click “Yes”.
Copy and paste the following command into the PowerShell window and press Enter: Enable-WindowsOptionalFeature -Online -FeatureName Microsoft-Windows-Subsystem-Linux
PowerShell will search for and install the necessary Windows Subsystem for Linux files to enable the feature.
If prompted, type “Y” to reboot your PC.
Once your PC reboots, the required system files will be installed, and your Linux distro should now work without issues.

3] Install Virtual Machine

Since the Virtual Machine Platform is a necessary component for the latest version of WSL, it’s important to install it if your computer supports it. Here’s how you can enable the Virtual Machine Platform using Windows Features:

Press the Windows Start button.
Type “Turn Windows Features”.
Click on the “Turn Windows Features on or off” application to open it.
Locate “Virtual Machine Platform” and check the box next to it to enable it.
Click Ok.
Once this feature is installed, try to upgrade or reinstall WSL, and it should now work without any issues.

4] Fix File Permission Issues

Sometimes, the WslRegisterDistribution error with code 0x80070032 can be resolved by taking ownership of the Distro folder, deleting it, and reinstalling it. Although this solution is rare, it has worked for some users. Follow these steps to resolve the file permission issue:

Press Win key + R to open the Run dialog box.
Type “%localappdata%\Packages\” and press Enter.
Locate the Distro folder in the list of folders.
Right-click on the Distro folder and select Properties.
Switch to the “Security Tab”.
Click on the “Advanced” button.
Check to ensure that your account is listed among the accounts with permission.
Once completed, delete the folder and reinstall the Distro.
Check if the installation process now proceeds without any issues.

5] Restart the LxssManager Service

The LxssManager service, also known as the Linux instance lifecycle service, operates in the background to manage WSL distro operations. If this service fails to start or is stuck, you might encounter the 0x80070032 error. Restarting the service can resolve this issue. Here’s how to restart it:

Press Win key + R to open the Run command box.
Type “Services.msc” and press Enter.
In the list of services, locate “LxssManager”.
Right-click on it and select Stop.
Wait for a moment (about two minutes), then right-click on it again and select Start.
Relaunch WSL and check if the 0x80070032 error is resolved.

6] Launch WSL from Microsoft Store

Sometimes, the Linux distribution you installed might have a bug, which could cause an error when trying to launch the WSL tool. A simple solution is to relaunch the WSL app directly from the Microsoft Store interface. Here’s how to do it:

Go to the Taskbar and click on the Windows Search.
Type Microsoft Store and press Enter.
Click on the Microsoft Store app to open it.
In the upper-right corner of the window, click on the three-dotted menu.
Select My Library.
In the left pane of the window, click Installed.
In the right pane, find your Linux Distribution app.
Click the Launch button and check if the problem is resolved.

Final Word

That’s it! We hope these methods have helped you resolve the WslRegisterDistribution failed error 0x80070032 in Windows 10. If the issue persists, it may require further investigation or a fresh installation of WSL.

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