How to Fix Windows Subsystem for Linux Has No Installed Distributions Error

When trying to use Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL), one of the most common errors encountered by users is: “WSL has no installed distributions.” This issue typically arises after installing WSL but before setting up a Linux distribution, or if the distribution was removed or never properly installed. Thankfully, this problem can be resolved with a series of structured steps. This article will walk you through how to fix this error reliably and ensure your WSL setup is fully operational.

Understanding the Error

The “No installed distributions” message means that WSL is active on your system, but there is currently no Linux distribution available to run. Without a Linux distro (like Ubuntu, Debian, or Kali), WSL cannot function properly. You’ll usually encounter this issue when you attempt to launch WSL directly using a command line or a shortcut without completing the distribution installation process.

Step-by-Step Solutions

1. Confirm That WSL is Enabled

Before you do anything else, make sure that the Windows Subsystem for Linux feature is installed and active on your machine.

• Open PowerShell as Administrator.
• Enter the following command:

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

If you’re on Windows 10 version 2004 and above or Windows 11, you may also want to enable the virtual machine platform:

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

Once complete, restart your computer.

2. Check Your WSL Version

Since WSL 2 offers performance improvements over WSL 1, it’s helpful to verify which version you’re using. To check the version installed, use:

wsl --list --verbose

If WSL is installed but no distributions are shown, it confirms that no Linux distribution exists on your system.

3. Install a Linux Distribution

The error primarily occurs because there’s no Linux distribution available for WSL to run. Installing a supported distribution usually resolves the issue immediately.

Here’s how to install one:

1. Open the Microsoft Store.
2. Search for distributions like Ubuntu, Debian, Kali Linux, openSUSE, or Alpine Linux.
3. Select the desired distribution and click Install.

Once installed, launch the distribution and set up a new username and password as prompted.

[ai-img]wsl ubuntu microsoft store install[/ai-img]

4. Set Your Default Distribution

After installation, if multiple distributions are available, you can set a default one to use with the wsl command.

wsl --set-default distro-name

Replace distro-name with the name of the Linux distribution, e.g., Ubuntu.

5. Update WSL to the Latest Version

To avoid compatibility issues, it’s good practice to keep WSL updated. Run the following command to install or update your WSL to the latest version:

wsl --update

If WSL was not correctly installed or configured in the background, updating WSL can automatically resolve some underlying problems.

[ai-img]windows terminal wsl update command line[/ai-img]

6. Reset or Uninstall an Existing Distribution

If a distribution seems broken or fails to open after installation, resetting or uninstalling it might fix the error:

• Go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features.
• Find your Linux distribution, click on it, and choose Advanced Options.
• Select Reset or Uninstall.
• Then reinstall it from the Microsoft Store.

7. Use the Command Line to Install a Distro

Alternatively, you can install Linux distributions via command line using:

wsl --install -d Ubuntu

This command installs both WSL and Ubuntu in one step, assuming your system has support for this syntax (Windows 10 2004+, build 19041+ or Windows 11).

Conclusion

Getting the “WSL has no installed distributions” error can be frustrating, especially if you’re new to the Windows Subsystem for Linux. However, the problem often stems from a simple oversight—like not installing a Linux distribution—rather than a serious system error. By following the steps outlined above, you can quickly resolve the issue and get your WSL environment running smoothly. Once fixed, WSL becomes a powerful tool for developers, engineers, and system administrators looking to bridge the gap between Windows and Linux operating environments.