Fix WslRegisterDistribution Failed With Error 0x80370114 On Windows 11

Encountering the error "WslRegisterDistribution failed with error: 0x80370114" while attempting to install Ubuntu or another Linux distribution on Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) in Windows 11 can be a frustrating experience. This error typically indicates that WSL is unable to start the virtual machine environment required to run the Linux distribution. This comprehensive guide delves into the causes of this error and provides a range of solutions to help you get WSL up and running smoothly on your Windows 11 system. We will explore various troubleshooting steps, from verifying system requirements and enabling virtualization to checking BIOS settings and reinstalling WSL components. By systematically addressing potential issues, you can effectively resolve the 0x80370114 error and enjoy the benefits of WSL for your development and other Linux-based tasks.

Understanding the Error: 0x80370114

The error code 0x80370114 signifies that the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) is unable to initiate the virtual machine environment. This issue commonly arises due to the virtualization features either being disabled or not properly configured on your system. Understanding the root cause is crucial for effectively troubleshooting and resolving the problem. Virtualization is a technology that allows you to run multiple operating systems on a single physical machine, and it is a core requirement for WSL to function correctly. When virtualization is disabled, WSL cannot create the necessary environment to run Linux distributions. This can be due to various reasons, including settings in your BIOS or UEFI firmware, Windows features that are not enabled, or conflicts with other software. By understanding these potential causes, you can better target your troubleshooting efforts and find the right solution for your specific situation.

Prerequisites: Ensuring System Compatibility

Before diving into the solutions, it's essential to ensure your system meets the basic requirements for running WSL 2, the version that offers significant performance improvements over WSL 1. First and foremost, you should be running Windows 10 version 1903 or higher, or Windows 11. To check your Windows version, press Win + R, type winver, and press Enter. A dialog box will appear, displaying your Windows version and build number. If you are on an older version, consider upgrading to the latest version of Windows 10 or Windows 11 to take advantage of the latest WSL features and improvements. Additionally, ensure that the "Virtual Machine Platform" and "Windows Subsystem for Linux" optional features are enabled. These features are crucial for WSL 2 to function correctly, as they provide the necessary components for virtualization and Linux integration. Enabling these features can be done through the Windows Features dialog, which we will cover in detail in the next section. Meeting these prerequisites is a fundamental step in ensuring a smooth WSL installation and avoiding common errors like 0x80370114.

Step-by-Step Solutions to Fix Error 0x80370114

1. Enabling Virtualization Features

One of the most common causes of the "WslRegisterDistribution failed with error: 0x80370114" error is that the necessary virtualization features are not enabled in Windows. To enable these features, follow these steps:

1. Open the "Turn Windows features on or off" dialog: Press Win + R, type optionalfeatures.exe, and press Enter. This will open the Windows Features dialog, where you can manage various optional Windows components.
2. Locate and check the boxes next to "Windows Subsystem for Linux" and "Virtual Machine Platform": Scroll through the list of features and find the entries for "Windows Subsystem for Linux" and "Virtual Machine Platform." Ensure that both of these boxes are checked. These features are essential for WSL 2 to function correctly, as they provide the core virtualization and Linux integration components.
3. Click OK and restart your computer: After checking the boxes, click the "OK" button to save the changes. Windows will then begin the process of enabling the selected features, which may take a few minutes. Once the process is complete, you will be prompted to restart your computer. Restarting is crucial to apply the changes and ensure that the virtualization features are properly enabled.

2. Verifying Virtualization in BIOS/UEFI

If enabling the Windows features doesn't resolve the issue, the next step is to verify that virtualization is enabled in your computer's BIOS or UEFI firmware settings. This is a critical step, as virtualization needs to be enabled at the hardware level for WSL to function correctly. The BIOS/UEFI is a low-level software that initializes the hardware components of your computer during the boot process, and it contains settings that control various hardware features, including virtualization.

1. Access your BIOS/UEFI settings: Restart your computer and press the appropriate key during startup to enter the BIOS/UEFI setup. The key to press varies depending on your computer manufacturer, but common keys include Del, F2, F12, Esc, or F10. Refer to your computer's manual or the manufacturer's website for the specific key for your system. Pressing the correct key during the startup process will take you to the BIOS/UEFI setup screen.
2. Navigate to the virtualization settings: Once in the BIOS/UEFI setup, use the arrow keys to navigate through the menus and locate the virtualization settings. The exact location and name of these settings can vary depending on your motherboard manufacturer and BIOS/UEFI version. Look for options such as "Virtualization Technology (VT-x)", "Intel Virtualization Technology", "AMD-V", or similar terms. These settings control whether the virtualization features of your CPU are enabled.
3. Enable virtualization: If the virtualization setting is disabled, select it and change the value to "Enabled". This will activate the virtualization capabilities of your CPU, allowing WSL to create the necessary virtual machine environment. Make sure to save the changes before exiting the BIOS/UEFI setup.
4. Save changes and exit: After enabling virtualization, navigate to the "Save & Exit" or similar section in your BIOS/UEFI setup. Select the option to save your changes and exit. Your computer will then restart, and the new settings will be applied. With virtualization enabled in the BIOS/UEFI, WSL should be able to function correctly.

3. Checking Hyper-V Configuration

Hyper-V is Microsoft's virtualization platform, and while WSL 2 uses a lightweight virtual machine, conflicts with Hyper-V can sometimes cause issues. It's important to ensure that Hyper-V is properly configured and not interfering with WSL.

1. Disable Hyper-V (if necessary): In some cases, disabling Hyper-V can resolve conflicts with WSL. To disable Hyper-V, open "Turn Windows features on or off" as described in the previous steps. Locate "Hyper-V" in the list and uncheck the box. Click "OK" and restart your computer.
2. Verify Hyper-V is not running: After restarting, open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) and go to the "Performance" tab. If Hyper-V is disabled, you should not see any Hyper-V related processes running. This confirms that Hyper-V is not interfering with WSL.

4. Reinstalling WSL

If the previous steps haven't resolved the issue, reinstalling WSL can help ensure that all components are correctly installed and configured. This process involves uninstalling WSL and its related components, and then reinstalling them from scratch. This can help resolve any potential issues caused by corrupted or incomplete installations.

1. Uninstall WSL: Open "Turn Windows features on or off", uncheck "Windows Subsystem for Linux", and click "OK". This will uninstall the core WSL component from your system.
2. Uninstall associated Linux distributions: Open "Settings" > "Apps" > "Apps & features". Locate any installed Linux distributions (e.g., Ubuntu) and uninstall them. This will remove the Linux distribution from your system, ensuring a clean slate for the reinstallation.
3. Restart your computer: Restarting your computer after uninstalling WSL and the Linux distributions is crucial to ensure that all components are fully removed and that any pending changes are applied.
4. Reinstall WSL: Open "Turn Windows features on or off", check "Windows Subsystem for Linux", and click "OK". This will reinstall the core WSL component on your system.
5. Install a Linux distribution: Open the Microsoft Store and search for your desired Linux distribution (e.g., Ubuntu). Click "Install" to download and install the distribution. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process. Once the distribution is installed, you can launch it and set up your user account and other configurations.

5. Checking for Conflicting Software

In some instances, certain software, particularly other virtualization solutions like VMware or VirtualBox, can conflict with WSL. These conflicts can prevent WSL from functioning correctly and may result in the 0x80370114 error. It's important to identify and address any potential software conflicts to ensure WSL can run smoothly.

1. Identify potential conflicts: Consider any virtualization software you have installed on your system, such as VMware, VirtualBox, or other similar applications. These programs may interfere with WSL's ability to create its virtual machine environment. Additionally, security software or system utilities that interact with low-level system resources could also potentially cause conflicts.
2. Disable or uninstall conflicting software: If you suspect a particular software is conflicting with WSL, try disabling it temporarily or uninstalling it altogether. Disabling the software will prevent it from running and potentially interfering with WSL, while uninstalling it will completely remove it from your system. After disabling or uninstalling the software, restart your computer to ensure the changes are applied.
3. Test WSL: After restarting your computer, try installing or running WSL again to see if the issue is resolved. If WSL functions correctly after disabling or uninstalling the conflicting software, you have likely identified the source of the problem. You may then need to choose between using WSL and the conflicting software, or explore alternative configurations that allow both to coexist without conflicts.

6. Ensuring the Virtual Machine Platform Feature is Enabled

WSL 2 relies on the Virtual Machine Platform feature in Windows to run its virtualized Linux environment. If this feature is not enabled, you will likely encounter the 0x80370114 error. This feature provides the necessary components for WSL to create and manage virtual machines, and it is a critical requirement for WSL 2 to function correctly. Enabling this feature is a straightforward process that can often resolve the error.

1. Open "Turn Windows features on or off": Press Win + R, type optionalfeatures.exe, and press Enter. This will open the Windows Features dialog, where you can manage various optional Windows components.
2. Locate and check the box next to "Virtual Machine Platform": Scroll through the list of features and find the entry for "Virtual Machine Platform." Ensure that the box next to it is checked. This indicates that the feature is enabled. If the box is unchecked, click on it to enable the feature.
3. Click OK and restart your computer: After checking the box, click the "OK" button to save the changes. Windows will then begin the process of enabling the Virtual Machine Platform feature, which may take a few minutes. Once the process is complete, you will be prompted to restart your computer. Restarting is crucial to apply the changes and ensure that the Virtual Machine Platform feature is properly enabled.

Conclusion

Resolving the "WslRegisterDistribution failed with error: 0x80370114" error on Windows 11 requires a systematic approach. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can effectively troubleshoot and address the underlying causes of the issue. From enabling virtualization features and verifying BIOS settings to reinstalling WSL components and checking for conflicting software, each solution targets a specific potential problem area. Remember to carefully follow each step and restart your computer when prompted to ensure that the changes are properly applied. With patience and persistence, you can overcome this error and successfully install and run WSL on your Windows 11 system, unlocking the power of Linux within your Windows environment. WSL is a valuable tool for developers, system administrators, and anyone who wants to leverage the capabilities of both Windows and Linux, and resolving this error will allow you to take full advantage of its features.