Forum Discussion

Beamrider's avatar
Beamrider
Copper Contributor
Apr 25, 2024

WSL won't install after upgrading to Windows 11 24H2

Help! I am running the current Dev Windows 11 build (version 24H2 OS Build 26100.1). Ever since I upgraded from 23H2 to 24H2 I've been unable to get WSL to work. When I run "wsl.exe" I get the follow...
Features
Beamrider's avatar
Beamrider
Copper Contributor
Apr 29, 2024

After unchecking "Windows Subsystem for Linux" in Programs and Features under Control Panel and rebooting.

Next, I moving all the WindowsApps that were installed in "D:\WndowsApps" back to "C:\Program Files\WindowsApps" with the "Move" option for each app under Apps > Installed apps in Settings.

I was able to then take ownership (change ownership to "Administrators" and then take "Full control" with my account) of all the directories (and their contents) that contained "Linux" or "Ubuntui" in their names.

I then delete them.

Afterwards, there was nothing installed under "D:\WindowsApps", so I changed the ownership of it to Administrators and then delete it entirely.

I rebooted after doing all this.

I then ran Windows Update and rebooted.

Then, I tried to reinstall WSL and it failed with the same "Catastrophic failure" message.


When I checked D drive afterwards, Windows had recreated "D:\WindowsApps" and tried to install it there instead of on C drive which is where "Where new content is saved" is pointing. Something is set somewhere (I presume in the Registry) telling Windows to try to install it on D drive which, according to various Google results, will always fail as WSL must be installed on the same drive as C:\Windows.

Does anyone know what I need to update in the Registry to make Windows install WSL on C drive?

  • reto_123's avatar
    reto_123
    Copper Contributor
    Jul 10, 2025

    Using the GetAppx-Package command, check if it is already installed:

    Get-AppxPackage *WindowsSubsystemForLinux*



    If not try installing directly from the Microsoft Store:

    https://aka.ms/wslstorepage

  • fflo7's avatar
    fflo7
    Copper Contributor
    Jul 10, 2024

    Beamrider  this is a swap file memory issue. when you upgrade windows. It uses the same storage that the WLS folder uses. you can ether move the swap file. or use a virtual box larger than 50 gigs on a different drive. just be sure you WLS program knows where the storage is at. if you don't know how to do that just ask 🙂 this is why they are telling you  to down step your version of windows. you can make a drive anywhere just make a drive and tell windows  were its virtual memory storage is. doing it this way is a lot easier than stepping down windows.. 🙂

     

Resources