Bash is a Unix Shell and a form of a command language that was first introduced in 1989. It has been widely distributed as the default Login shell for Linux and MacOS. Although it is mostly seen in Linux and Marcos, there is a version that can be installed on Windows 10. However, a lot of complaints have been coming in of users who are unable to use Bash on Windows 10 and a “Windows Subsystem For Linux has No Installed Distributions” error is seen while trying to do so.
What Causes the “Windows Subsystem For Linux has no Installed Distributions” Error?
After receiving numerous complaints from multiple users, we decided to investigate the issue and devised a set of solutions that fixed the error for most of our users. Also, we looked into the reasons due to which this error is triggered and listed them below.
- Missing Distributions: Upon installing bash for Windows, there are certain additional files that need to be installed for the Windows Subsystem. If these files can’t be downloaded automatically from the Microsoft Store, this error is triggered.
- Disabled Service: In certain cases, the LxssManager service that is usually running in the background might be blocked after a recent update. This can prevent the operating system from acquiring all the necessary files in order to run the bash shell which might trigger the error.
- Wrong Default Distribution Selected: If Ubuntu hasn’t been selected as the default distribution for the operating system it might trigger this error. Because Ubuntu is an essential distribution for running the bash shell.
Now that you have a basic understanding of the nature of the problem, we will move on towards the solutions. Make sure to implement these in the specific order in which they are presented to avoid conflict.
Solution 1: Installing Distributions Manually
If certain distributions cannot be downloaded and installed automatically, we can try to install them manually through the command prompt. Therefore, in this step, we will be running a command to install essential distributions. For that:
- Press the “Windows” + “R” buttons simultaneously to open the Run prompt.
- Type in “cmd” and press “Shift” + “Ctrl” + “Enter” to grant the administrative privileges.
Typing cmd in the Run Prompt and pressing Shift + Alt + Enter to open an elevated Command Prompt - Type in the following command and press enter.
lxrun /install
Initiating Lxrun /install command Note: Try running this command in Powershell if it doesn’t work in Command Prompt.
- This will trigger the download from the Microsoft Store, press “Y” to initiate the downloading process if asked by the command prompt.
- Check to see if the issue persists.
Note: This command can also be executed on the Power Shell (Administrator). But if it isn’t recognized, download and install Ubuntu from the Microsoft Store and try running the command.
Solution 2: Wait for 10 Minutes
For some users, the problem fixed itself after 5 to 10 minutes. Often after a reboot, certain processes and services take some time to start. Due to this, the error might be triggered if you try to run bash too soon after the startup. Therefore, it is recommended to wait for at least 10 minutes after booting up your computer before you proceed with the steps below.
Solution 3: Installing Ubuntu
If Ubuntu hasn’t been installed on your computer, it can trigger this error because it is a very important distribution that is required in order to run bash. In order to download and install Ubuntu follow the steps below.
- Restart your computer and log in to your account.
- Click on this link to open the download page.
- Click on the “Get” option and then select the “Open Microsoft Store” option.
Clicking on the “Get” option - Once Microsoft Store loads up, click on the “Get” option to begin downloading the Ubuntu Distribution.
- Once the downloading process finishes, click on the “Install” option that appears in place of the “Get” option.
Clicking on the “Install” option - Ubuntu will now be installed on the computer.
- Check to see if the issue persists.
Solution 4: Starting LxssManager Service
It is possible that the LxssManager Service has been disabled due to which this error is triggered. Therefore, in this step, we will be manually starting the LxssManager Service. For that:
- Press “Windows” + “R” keys simultaneously to open the Run prompt.
- Type in “Services.msc” and press “Enter“.
Typing in “Services.msc” and pressing Enter - Scroll down and double click on the “LxssManager” service.
- Click on the startup type dropdown and select “Automatic“.
- Click on the “Start” option and select “Apply“.
Selecting Automatic as the startup type and pressing enter - Click on “OK” and check to see if the issue persists.
Kevin Arrows
Kevin Arrows is a highly experienced and knowledgeable technology specialist with over a decade of industry experience. He holds a Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) certification and has a deep passion for staying up-to-date on the latest tech developments. Kevin has written extensively on a wide range of tech-related topics, showcasing his expertise and knowledge in areas such as software development, cybersecurity, and cloud computing. His contributions to the tech field have been widely recognized and respected by his peers, and he is highly regarded for his ability to explain complex technical concepts in a clear and concise manner.
Windows Subsystem for Linux is a great environment for working with Linux tools, applications, utilities, bash command prompt shell, etc., from a Windows environment, as long as you don’t run into “Windows Subsystem for Linux has no installed distributions”. Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) is the de facto standard to run Linux distributions from Windows, without the need for a virtual machine platform, such as VirtualBox, Hyper-V, VMware Workstation, etc.
Working with Windows Subsystem for Linux is usually very straightforward but can be a bit quirky from time-to-time. Let’s look at an error you may receive when working with Windows Subsystem for Linux and how you can resolve it.
Table of contents
- What is Windows Subsystem for Linux?
- Linux distributions
- Installing Windows Subsystem for Linux
- Installing from Microsoft Store
- Legacy installation of Windows Subsystem for Linux, requiring the optional feature
- Installed WSL previously?
- Windows Subsystem for Linux has no installed distributions error
- Error description
- Windows Subsystem for Linux has no installed distributions Fix
- Installing Ubuntu distribution
- Windows Subsystem for Linux FAQs
- Wrapping Up
Windows Subsystem for Linux is a tool that lets developers, DevOps engineers, and home lab enthusiasts easily access Linux distribution environments from within their Windows host and use the Bash shell for an administrator.
Using WSL, you can run Bash command prompt, shell scripting, Linux applications, and native Linux tools. You can also use it to run internal or external command actions to control remote boxes.
WSL 2 is the newest iteration of Windows Subsystem for Linux that provides many performance and functionality improvements over WSL 1, as it uses an entirely new architecture.
Learn more about Windows Subsystem for Linux here: What is Windows Subsystem for Linux | Microsoft Learn
Linux distributions
You can install many different Linux distribution releases, including Ubuntu, Kali Linux, Debian, Arch Linux, and others, depending on which Linux distro you want to install. You can run your installed distributions at the same time in parallel.
Many Ubuntu distributions are found in the Microsoft Store, including the latest release Ubuntu 22.04.1 LTS and lower versions. It is controlled and run from the Windows service called LXSSManager service.
Administrators should make sure not to change the startup type for the service or manually configure it unless troubleshooting on a computer from personal experience.
Installing Windows Subsystem for Linux
The process of installing Windows Subsystem for Linux has changed over the course of the past few months as Windows Subsystem for Linux is now found on the Microsoft Store as a native Store app.
Installing from Microsoft Store
Previously, you had to enable Windows Subsystem for Linux as a Windows optional feature, and then download kernel updates for Linux for WSL 2 before you could use it. However, this has all been streamlined since WSL is now found on the Microsoft Store.
***Note*** you don’t have to have a user account to download the Windows Store app for WSL when visiting the Microsoft Store. Open Microsoft Store, search for “wsl” or “windows subsystem for linux” in the search bar on the Microsoft Store to find the Windows Subsystem for Linux Windows Store app.
Once you click install, it will run the downloading process and install the app.
Legacy installation of Windows Subsystem for Linux, requiring the optional feature
Previous versions of Windows Subsystem for Linux had to be enabled from the Windows optional features, requiring a reboot.
After enabling the Windows feature previously, you were prompted to restart.
Installed WSL previously?
What happens if you have installed the in-operating system version of Windows Subsystem for Linux and now want to install the Microsoft Store app? Actually, you just need to install again from the Microsoft Store app.
Once you install from the Microsoft Store, it will overwrite the in-operating system version of Windows Subsystem for Linux.
To check and make sure you have the Microsoft Store version, press the windows key +R, type cmd, then run the wsl –version command from the command prompt.
You should see something similar to the following:
Windows Subsystem for Linux has no installed distributions error
Many may experience an error of sorts when installing Windows Subsystem for Linux from the Microsoft Store. After launching the installation in the Microsoft Store, users may see the following error message displayed in the command prompt:
Error description
Below, you can see the following message. Windows subsystem for linux has no installed distributions error displayed in the command prompt window.
The error code given is wsl service createinstance getdefaultdistro wsl_e_default_distro_not_found. Press any key to continue. However, digging deeply into this is not the answer.
Windows Subsystem for Linux has no installed distributions Fix
Rather than being a showstopper error, if you have experienced the same issue, this message says we have no preferred Linux distribution or installed distributions error message, meaning we need to install Ubuntu or some other Linux distribution.
We need to use the WSL command and install a distribution. Installing Ubuntu is an easy distribution to get up and running with.
You can use the following command to begin the installation of the Ubuntu distribution.
Installing Ubuntu distribution
If you open a Windows Terminal, you can run the WSL command to see the options. However, to install Ubuntu, you can use the following command from the command line:
wsl –install ubuntu
Once you install Ubuntu, it will finish out the installation and then prompt to setup a new unix username in the UNIX shell.
Once you setup the new user account, you will see the Ubuntu prompt provide details of the environment, etc.
Windows Subsystem for Linux FAQs
What is Windows Subsystem for Linux? It is a way to have native access to Linux Bash shell prompt and other Linux tools without the overhead of a virtual machine platform.
How do you install WSL in Windows now? It is now a Windows Store app. Previously, you had to enable the optionalfeature.
How do you install Linux distributions in Windows Subsystem for Linux? Using the WSL command from the terminal or prompt, you can run the wsl –install <distribution> to install a new Linux distribution.
Wrapping Up
Hopefully, if you are experiencing the Windows subsystem for linux has no installed distributions error after installing WSL from the Windows Store, this little tip will help you to get around this perceived error message.
It is actually fairly intuitive as to the source of the error since it is noting you have yet to install Linux distributions in your WSL installation.
Windows Subsystem for Linux is a great tool that I find myself using more and more as the features and capabilities, and more importantly, the limitations, are becoming less and less. Without WSL, spinning up virtual machines when using Windows or SSH’ing into a remote VM is your only option.
Do you have an issue with your PC’s ‘Windows Subsystem For Linux having no Installed Distributions’ message? We may be able to assist you with your issue. In this post, we’ll discuss a few approaches that may be able to assist you in resolving the issue.
What Causes the “Windows Subsystem For Linux has no Installed Distributions” Error?
We decided to study the issue after receiving numerous complaints from multiple customers and devised a series of fixes that fixed the mistake for the vast majority of our users. We also looked into the causes of this problem and compiled a list of them below.
Missing Distributions: When installing bash for Windows, you’ll need to install a few extra files for the Windows Subsystem. This error is caused if these files cannot be downloaded automatically from the Microsoft Store.
Disabled Service: After a recent upgrade, the LxssManager service, which generally runs in the background, could be blocked in some situations. This may prevent the operating system from obtaining all of the files required to operate the bash shell, resulting in an error.
Wrong Default Distribution Selected: This error may occur if Ubuntu is not set as the operating system’s default distribution. Because Ubuntu is required for using the bash shell.
We’ll move on to the remedies now that you have a fundamental knowledge of the problem’s nature. You avoid conflict, make sure to implement these in the order that they are offered.
1. Wait for a Few Minutes
Several people claimed that the problem went away on its own within a few minutes. Some processes take a while to begin running in the background.
Wait at least 5 minutes after rebooting your computer before starting the software.
2. Use Command Prompt to install Distributions
If the error message “Windows Subsystem For Linux has no installed distributions” displays, you must manually install distributions by following the procedure
1. Type cmd while holding down the Windows key.
2. Select Run as administrator from the context menu when you right-click on Command Prompt.
3. lxrun /install is the command to use.
4. To begin the download, press Y.
3. Enable LxssManager Service
This error can happen if the LxssManager Service is disabled for some reason. Enable it according to the instructions below.
1. Hold down the Windows key and the R key at the same time.
2. Type services.msc into the Run dialog box and click OK.
3. Double-click on LsxxManager to open it.
4. Select Automatic as the Startup type.
5. Start by pressing the Start and Apply buttons.
4. Installing Ubuntu
Because Ubuntu is a very significant distribution that is necessary to execute bash, it can generate this error if it isn’t installed on your machine. Follow the instructions below to download and install Ubuntu.
1. Log in to your account after restarting your computer.
2. To access the download page, click this link.
3. Select “Get” and then “Open Microsoft Store” from the drop-down menu.
4. After the Microsoft Store has loaded, select “Get” to begin downloading the Ubuntu Distribution.
5. When the download is complete, select the “Install” option instead of the “Get” option that displays.
6. The Ubuntu operating system will now be installed on the machine.
7. Check to check whether the problem still exists.
Conclusion
As you can see, the error “Windows Subsystem For Linux has no Installed Distributions” can be quickly fixed.
Furthermore, if you wait a few minutes after restarting your computer, the problem may resolve itself. Otherwise, manually install the distributions or enable the LxssManager Service.
We hope you found our answers to be useful.
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Description
-
Your Windows build number: 2004 (19041.26.4)
-
What you’re doing and what’s happening:
- installed WSL using directions at https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wsl/install-win10
- restarted the computer
- installed Kali Linux from the Windows Store
- restarted the computer
- ran
bash.exeat a Powershell command line (running as administrator).
- got the message:
Windows Subsystem for Linux has no installed distributions.
Distributions can be installed by visiting the Microsoft Store:
https://aka.ms/wslstore
log files.zip
Windows Subsystem for Linux Has No Installed Distributions (WSL) is an amazing resource that engages Windows clients to run a Linux movement directly on their structure without the necessity for a virtual machine or two fold boot game plan. It has been a remarkable benefit for creators, IT specialists, and any person who needs to use Linux gadgets on a Windows machine. In any case, a couple of clients could encounter an issue where Windows Subsystem for Linux has no presented courses. This bungle can be amazing, but it’s very simple to decide.
In this article, we will dive into what the botch Windows Subsystem for Linux has no presented scatterings connotes, why it works out, and how to fix it.
What is Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL)?
Before we dive into the issue, it’s important to grasp what Windows Subsystem for Linux Has No Installed Distributions means and why it’s significant. WSL grants you the ability to run a full Linux environment directly inside Windows, making it possible to use Linux tools, utilities, and even Linux applications alongside your native Windows applications. This is particularly crucial for developers working in diverse environments or for users who need access to Linux-specific features without leaving the comfort of Windows.
WSL was first introduced with Windows 10, and since then, it has undergone major updates, including the release of WSL 2, which features a full Linux kernel for improved performance and compatibility. However, users sometimes encounter issues, such as the Windows Subsystem for Linux Has No Installed Distributions error, preventing them from accessing their Linux environment.
What Does “Windows Subsystem for Linux Has No Installed Distributions” Mean?
The blunder “Windows Subsystem for Linux has no introduced movements” happens when WSL can’t find any Linux circulations introduced on your framework. This commonly implies that either the establishment of the WSL highlight didn’t finish accurately or you have not introduced a Linux circulation to use with WSL.
WSL requires a Linux distribution to be installed so you can run Linux commands and applications on your Windows machine. Naturally, Windows Subsystem for Linux Has No Installed Distributions, meaning that it doesn’t come preloaded with a distribution, so you must manually install one. If you’re seeing this error, it simply indicates that you haven’t installed a Linux distribution yet, or something went wrong during the installation process, leaving your system with Windows Subsystem for Linux Has No Installed Distributions.
Why Does This Error Happen?
There are several reasons why this error might occur. Here are the most common causes:
- Windows Subsystem for Linux: On the off chance that WSL wasn’t as expected installed or configured on your system, it could result in this error message. Sometimes, a system update or an issue with the installation process might cause Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) to malfunction, leading to unexpected glitches or errors.
- No Linux Distribution Installed: In the event that you have not yet introduced a Linux dispersion or on the other hand on the off chance that your establishment movements, WSL can’t find any movements to run, bringing about this mistake.
- Corrupted Installation or Configuration: Assuming that your Linux distribution was installed but is now corrupted or has been uninstalled, the error might occur. This could happen due to a system update, a failed installation, or issues with Windows Subsystem for Linux itself.
- WSL 2 Not Set Up: If you’re using WSL 2 (which is recommended for its improved performance), but the necessary components are not set up, you might encounter the error Windows Subsystem for Linux Has No Installed Distributions. WSL 2 requires the Virtual Machine Platform and Hyper-V features to be enabled. Without these features properly configured, you may face this issue, as Windows Subsystem for Linux Has No Installed Distributions will prevent the Linux environment from running.
Step by step instructions to fix the “Windows Subsystem for Linux Has No Introduced movements” Error
Fortunately this error is fixable, and there are some steps you can use to choose it. Coming up next are a couple of stages you can follow to fix the issue:
1. Install a Linux Distribution: If you haven’t presented Linux scattering, you’ll need to do all things considered. This is the manner in which you can present a movement using the Microsoft Store:
- Open the Microsoft Store on your Windows machine.
- In the hunt bar, type the name of a Linux circulation you need to introduce (like Ubuntu, Debian, or Kali Linux).
- Click on the distribution you want to install.
- Click the Install button to begin the installation process.
- Once installed, launch the distribution by either searching for it in the Start menu or typing its name in the command prompt (e.g., ubuntu).
2. Check WSL Installation and Enable Required Features: If WSL is not enabled or there’s an issue with your current WSL setup, follow these steps to ensure it’s properly configured:
- Enable WSL Feature:
Open PowerShell as an administrator.
Run the following command to enable the WSL feature:
powershell
wsl –install
If you’re using Windows 10 and the –install command is not available, use the older method:
powershell
dism.exe /online /enable-feature /featurename:Microsoft-Windows-Subsystem-Linux /all /norestart
B. Enable Virtual Machine Platform (required for WSL 2):
Run this command to enable the Virtual Machine Platform:
powershell
dism.exe /online /enable-feature /featurename:VirtualMachinePlatform /all /norestart
C. Enable Hyper-V (needed for WSL 2):
Run the following command to enable Hyper-V:
powershell
dism.exe /online /enable-feature /featurename:Microsoft-Hyper-V-All /all /norestart
D. Restart your computer to apply the changes.
3. Set the Default WSL Version to 2: If you’ve proactively presented a Linux flow yet are at this point standing up to the issue, have a go at reinstalling it. This is the method for getting it going:
- Open PowerShell as an administrator.
Run the following command:
powershell
wsl –set-default-version 2
B. This command will set WSL 2 as the default version for any new Linux installations.
4. Install or Reinstall the Linux Distribution: If you’ve already installed a Linux distribution but are still facing the issue, try reinstalling it. This is how to do it:
- Open Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) from the Start menu.
- Uninstall the current Linux distribution from the Microsoft Store.
- Reinstall your preferred Linux distribution.
- Follow the setup instructions to configure your Linux environment.
Reinstalling the distribution can resolve any underlying installation issues.
Open PowerShell and list the installed distributions:
powershell
wsl –list –verbose
- If your distribution appears but is not working, uninstall it by running:
powershell
wsl –unregister <distro_name> - Supplant <distro_name> with the name of the dispersion you need to eliminate (e.g., Ubuntu).
- Once uninstalled, reinstall your preferred Linux distribution from the Microsoft Store.
5. Check for Windows Updates: Sometimes, outdated system files or missing updates can cause issues with WSL. Ensure your framework is exceptional by checking for Windows refreshes:
A. Go to Settings > Update and Security > Windows Update.
B. Click on Check for Updates and introduce any suitable updates.
Conclusion
The Windows Subsystem for Linux Has No Installed Distributions has no presented movements” bungle can be amazing, especially when you rely upon WSL for your development or regular tasks. Nonetheless, this issue is generally simple to fix. By following the means above, like introducing a Linux dispersion, guaranteeing WSL is appropriately empowered, and checking for any framework issues, you can return to involving WSL quickly. Assuming you experience any other issues, try to check for any error messages or logs that could help pinpoint the cause. Windows Subsystem for Linux is a fantastic tool for integrating Linux with Windows, and with a little troubleshooting, you can enjoy the full benefits of this powerful.