WSL is saying it can't find the path specified

Question

Run powershell with administrator, and then execute wsl command, but getting error "The system cannot find the path specified."

If I click the "Reset" button in Windows Subsystem for Linxu app under Apps and Features, and then execute wsl command immediately, wsl command is working, but after 2 or 3 seconds, and execute wsl command one more time, then it returns "The system cannot find the path specified." again. What's going on here, what should I do? I have tried uninstall wsl_update, removed Windows Subsystem for Linux from windows features, and then reinstalled everything, still no luck. Please help. Thanks.

Answer 1

Hello

Thank you for your question and reaching out.

Run with cmd administrator then type below command in each line then press Enter.

wsl --shutdown

wslconfig /unregister Ubuntu

wsl --install --distribution Ubuntu

Please Note: If you forgot the distro name, Please run 'wsl --list' from cmd line.

--If the reply is helpful, please Upvote and Accept as answer--

Answer 2

I fixed the issue. You have to enable virtualization in the Bios settings of your CPU under advanced.

Answer 3

Hello guys I tried everything, I was about to re-intall windows and then I decided to try this solution and it worked!! It seems to be the only way to fix this specific issue that i found without a clean install so I had chat gpt make a nice guide for everyone basically the solution is to unpack the .msi updater provided by windows and paste its contents inside of the C:\Windows\System32\lxss folder it worked like a charm here is a detailed guide:

If you’ve been struggling to install or enable Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) and running into Error 0x8007019e, or the .msi installer for the WSL kernel gives you the dreaded "This update only applies to machines with the Windows Subsystem for Linux", you’re not alone. This issue can be particularly frustrating, and after scouring forums with no clear solution, I found a workaround that works!

Here’s the step-by-step guide to fixing WSL when nothing else works.

---

The Problem

1. Running wsl commands always fails:

      plaintext
      Copy code
      PS C:\WINDOWS\system32> wsl --install
   

The system cannot find the path specified.

   
   1. Attempting to enable WSL and related features using `DISM` may work, but the WSL kernel `.msi` installer gives this error:
   
   ```yaml
   plaintext
   Copy code
   This update only applies to machines with the Windows Subsystem for Linux

1. Even after enabling all necessary features and installing Ubuntu from the Microsoft Store, the system fails to recognize WSL as properly installed.

This issue seems common on Windows Insider Preview Builds (24H2), but the solution might apply to other builds as well.

---

The Solution

Here’s the step-by-step process I used to fix WSL and get Ubuntu running successfully:

---

Step 1: Fully Enable WSL Features

Open PowerShell as Administrator and disable all WSL-related features to ensure a clean state:

powershell
Copy code
dism.exe /online /disable-feature /featurename:Microsoft-Windows-Subsystem-Linux /norestart
dism.exe /online /disable-feature /featurename:VirtualMachinePlatform /norestart

Restart your computer.

Re-enable the required features:

powershell
Copy code
dism.exe /online /enable-feature /featurename:Microsoft-Windows-Subsystem-Linux /all /norestart
dism.exe /online /enable-feature /featurename:VirtualMachinePlatform /all /norestart

Restart your computer again.

---

Step 2: Manually Install the WSL Kernel

If the .msi installer for the WSL kernel still fails, use this workaround:

Download the .msi Kernel Update:

• Go to WSL Kernel Update Package and download the .msi file.

Extract the .msi:

  - Use a tool like [7-Zip](https://www.7-zip.org/) to extract the `.msi` installer to a folder (e.g., `C:\WSLKernel`).
  
  **Copy Kernel Files to the Correct Location**:
  
     - Navigate to the extracted folder and locate the WSL kernel files.
     
        - Copy the kernel files to this directory:
        
        ```yaml
        plaintext
        Copy code
        C:\Windows\System32\lxss
        ```
        

---

Step 3: Install WSL from the Microsoft Store

1. Open the Microsoft Store.
2. Search for Windows Subsystem for Linux or use this link.
3. Install the WSL app.

---

Step 4: Install a Linux Distribution

1. Search for a Linux distribution in the Microsoft Store (e.g., Ubuntu).
2. Install it.
3. After installation, launch the distribution from the Start menu.

---

Step 5: Verify WSL Installation

Open PowerShell as Administrator and run:

powershell
Copy code
wsl --list --verbose

• You should see the installed distributions listed.

Test launching the distribution:

   powershell
   Copy code
   wsl

If it opens your Linux shell, you’re good to go!

---

Key Learnings

• The .msi error occurs because WSL was not fully registered or its files were missing from the lxss folder.
• Manually copying the WSL kernel files resolves this issue and allows the kernel to be recognized.
• This solution works on Windows Insider Builds like 24H2, where WSL behavior can sometimes break. How to Fix WSL Installation Errors (0x8007019e and .msi Issues) on Windows 11 Pro 24H2 Insider Build If you’ve been struggling to install or enable Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) and running into Error 0x8007019e, or the .msi installer for the WSL kernel gives you the dreaded "This update only applies to machines with the Windows Subsystem for Linux", you’re not alone. This issue can be particularly frustrating, and after scouring forums with no clear solution, I found a workaround that works! Here’s the step-by-step guide to fixing WSL when nothing else works. The Problem
  1. Running wsl commands always fails:

          plaintext
          Copy code
          PS C:\WINDOWS\system32> wsl --install
     

The system cannot find the path specified. ```

1. Attempting to enable WSL and related features using DISM may work, but the WSL kernel .msi installer gives this error:

        plaintext
        Copy code
        This update only applies to machines with the Windows Subsystem for Linux
   

2. Even after enabling all necessary features and installing Ubuntu from the Microsoft Store, the system fails to recognize WSL as properly installed.

This issue seems common on Windows Insider Preview Builds (24H2), but the solution might apply to other builds as well.

The Solution

Here’s the step-by-step process I used to fix WSL and get Ubuntu running successfully:

Step 1: Fully Enable WSL Features

1. Open PowerShell as Administrator and disable all WSL-related features to ensure a clean state:

        powershell
        Copy code
        dism.exe /online /disable-feature /featurename:Microsoft-Windows-Subsystem-Linux /norestart
   

dism.exe /online /disable-feature /featurename:VirtualMachinePlatform /norestart ```

1. Restart your computer.
2. Re-enable the required features:

        powershell
        Copy code
        dism.exe /online /enable-feature /featurename:Microsoft-Windows-Subsystem-Linux /all /norestart
   

dism.exe /online /enable-feature /featurename:VirtualMachinePlatform /all /norestart ```

1. Restart your computer again.

Step 2: Manually Install the WSL Kernel

If the .msi installer for the WSL kernel still fails, use this workaround:

1. Download the .msi Kernel Update:
   • Go to WSL Kernel Update Package and download the .msi file.
2. Extract the .msi:
   • Use a tool like 7-Zip to extract the .msi installer to a folder (e.g., C:\WSLKernel).
3. Copy Kernel Files to the Correct Location:
   • Navigate to the extracted folder and locate the WSL kernel files.
   • Copy the kernel files to this directory:

             plaintext
             Copy code
             C:\Windows\System32\lxss
     

Step 3: Install WSL from the Microsoft Store

1. Open the Microsoft Store.
2. Search for Windows Subsystem for Linux or use this link.
3. Install the WSL app.

Step 4: Install a Linux Distribution

1. Search for a Linux distribution in the Microsoft Store (e.g., Ubuntu).
2. Install it.
3. After installation, launch the distribution from the Start menu.

Step 5: Verify WSL Installation

1. Open PowerShell as Administrator and run:

        powershell
        Copy code
        wsl --list --verbose
   

   • You should see the installed distributions listed.
2. Test launching the distribution:

        powershell
        Copy code
        wsl
   

   If it opens your Linux shell, you’re good to go!

Key Learnings

• The .msi error occurs because WSL was not fully registered or its files were missing from the lxss folder.
• Manually copying the WSL kernel files resolves this issue and allows the kernel to be recognized.
• This solution works on Windows Insider Builds like 24H2, where WSL behavior can sometimes break.

Answer 4

To remove any corrupted older versions and install a new WSL, follow these steps:

1. Download WSL.2.3.17.0.x64.
2. Run the installer to automatically remove any previous corrupted versions and install the latest one.

Hope this helps! 😊