Error after update to 2.0.9.0, even reinstall fails: Error code: Wsl/CallMsi/E_ABORT #10764

sh-at-bergnet-de · 2023-11-16T08:32:48Z

Windows Version

Microsoft Windows [Version 10.0.19044.3693]

WSL Version

2.0.9.0

Are you using WSL 1 or WSL 2?

WSL 2
WSL 1

Kernel Version

No response

Distro Version

No response

Other Software

No response

Repro Steps

WSL didn't start today, The Microsoft Store told me that an update was installed.

I tried repair, reset and deinstal + Windows Restart + new Install

Expected Behavior

WSL starts and works as it did for month.

Actual Behavior

WSL does not start,

If I start the Powershell as Admin and use wsl --status it tells me that WSL is finishing an upgrade. After a short time (~half second) it fails with (Exitcode: 1603).
Error code: Wsl/CallMsi/E_ABORT

Diagnostic Logs

No response

github-actions · 2023-11-16T08:33:13Z

Hi I'm an AI powered bot that finds similar issues based off the issue title.

Please view the issues below to see if they solve your problem, and if the issue describes your problem please consider closing this one and thumbs upping the other issue to help us prioritize it. Thank you!

Closed similar issues:

File missing after command "wsl --update" showing "WSL is finishing an ugrade... Update failed (exit code:1603) Error code:Wsl/CallMsi/E_ABORT" (#10651), similarity score: 0.80
Cannot run WSL after update to 2.0.0 (#10530), similarity score: 0.77
Can't update wsl2 Error : 0x80041002 (#5278), similarity score: 0.75

You can give me feedback by thumbs upping or thumbs downing this comment.

MikolajGolowski · 2023-11-16T11:30:46Z

Same issue. Even more frustrating that I didn't request any update from microsoft. Everything was working fine until I rebooted my PC.

jack-volantautonomy · 2023-11-16T11:49:08Z

Also having the same issue. Completed a windows update overnight and this morning had some other issues so decided to do a complete uninstall and reinstall of WSL and Ubuntu and now my WSL is stuck in this state. Any command such as wsl --status, wsl --install, and wsl --version but I get this same message regardless.

MikolajGolowski · 2023-11-16T12:49:27Z

For me it went from the message above to
Class not registered
Error code: Wsl/CallMsi/REGDB_E_CLASSNOTREG_
after couple of restarts.

leonardoaraujodf · 2023-11-16T15:14:48Z

Same issue here.
My PC automatically updated today, after that I'm having this issue.
In a command prompt with elevated privilegies if I run:

C:\Users\lam>wsl
WSL is finishing an upgrade...
Update failed (exit code: 1603).
Error code: Wsl/CallMsi/E_ABORT

Even after unistalling and reinstalling it completely, I got stuck at the same state.

CHADT10 · 2023-11-16T16:01:58Z

Same issue here.
None of the wsl commands are working. Even after downgrading to 2.0.6.0

kloizzo · 2023-11-16T21:53:13Z

Have the same problem, nothing I've tried so far has been able to fix this. Restarted my computer a couple hours ago and have since not been able to open wsl and continue working. Says I have version 2.0.9.0. Every time I try to use any wsl command, I get the same message for the past couple hours: "WSL is finishing an upgrade... Update failed (exit code: 1603). Error code: Wsl/CallMsi/E_ABORT". I literally cannot get any work done and I have an urgent deadline. :((((((

MikolajGolowski · 2023-11-16T22:28:18Z

I thought I will attach my logs to the issue as there is no logs available for this one: WslLogs-2023-11-16_23-23-55.zip

Also I've spotted that WslInstaller service can be manually started in task manager but the WslService doesn't react to start command

I hope this gets resolved asap and will be given the highest priority as it blocks all of my job duties.

MikolajGolowski · 2023-11-16T23:25:50Z

I got it working on my side. The problem was resolved when I deleted the WslService from registry.

What I did to fix WSL:

Press Win+R and type "regedit"
Navigate to Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services
Look for "WslService" -> Right click on folder icon -> Delete
Restart PC
Install https://github.com/microsoft/WSL/releases/tag/2.0.5

I didn't try with 2.0.9 nor any other version of WSL for now. I'm happy it works in the end. Hope it will fix the issue for you as well.

thangpd1004 · 2023-11-17T04:00:57Z

Thank you . I fixed it

bence42 · 2023-11-17T09:14:20Z

For me, "WslService" didn't even exist. I've disabled WSL from "Turn Windows Features on or off", rebooted, enabled it, rebooted, installed WSL 2.0.8 > wsl worked.
After this I've run "wsl --update", updated to 2.0.9, and still works. Feel like witchcraft, not sure which step did the trick in the end. Maybe this helps other too.

CHADT10 · 2023-11-17T09:45:25Z

Thanks. The way @MikolajGolowski fixed it works for me too.

leonardoaraujodf · 2023-11-17T14:27:55Z

I have done this procedure and that fixed the problem to me. However, I lost all my data, but that's probably because I have been going through lots of different procedures, like reinstalling and messing with Windows registries to try to solve it. That on my own, I know. But I have decided to go back and use Linux VMs instead of WSL.

kloizzo · 2023-11-17T15:13:30Z

When I try to downgrade, I get this error:
Service 'WSL Service' (WSLService) could not be installed. Verify that you have sufficient privileges to install system services."

I have tried doing so as administrator using the command prompt terminal, but I still get the same error. There are no other users on my computer other than myself.

kloizzo · 2023-11-17T16:02:03Z

This worked for me, I was not able to downgrade install 2.0.8.0, but 2.0.5.0 worked perfectly. This method even kept my locally saved changes I hadn't yet pushed. YOU SAVED MY WORK, THANK YOU!!!!!

sh-at-bergnet-de · 2023-11-17T16:06:20Z

I also deleted Docker, Ubuntu, etc... Before you do the same save your virtualdisk, for ubuntu it's somewhere under AppData/Local/packages/cano... {company of ubuntu} .... and so on. ext4.vhdx. I tried to open it with the 'Bereitstellen' (provide, make available, something like this in english. this feature can also be used to create a virtual diskdrive from an *.img Diskimage-File), but that doesn't work.
The Recovery function of Diskinternals Linux Reader helped, but its about half speed on copying large files onto the same disk - but works.
I'm currently working on my Tuxedo laptop - and it works surprisingly well despite all the applications. Only MS Office has been a problem worth mentioning today. The online apps for it have a few operating problems, for example when you want to select a table from another sheet during the data check.
MS Teams works even better online with multiple accounts than the desktop app.
Well, I'm currently running outside all company group policies and AD is sometimes bypassed. So it's not yet an alternative, at least in our company. But it gets better with every attempt. It's definitely worth trying whether a Linux OS as the main operating system is a better solution - even if only temporarily to bridge the gap until WSL is up and running again.

samluise · 2023-11-17T16:50:01Z

I'm having a similar problem; I've noticed that no matter what command I enter, it always returns wsl update failed. So I deleted the key file ext4.vhdx and then I found that the commands worked, but of course wsl is now faulty. So
I logged off all the VMs
wsl --list
Ubuntu
docker-desktop
docker-desktop-data
Perform a logout:
wsl --unregister Ubuntu
wsl --unregister docker-desktop
wsl --unregister docker-desktop-data
Redownload wsl
wsl --install

xxPennyxx · 2023-11-18T07:00:28Z

Then I ran the following command: wsl --unregister Ubuntu and did all the steps from square one. Working now! :)

Molenfeuer · 2023-11-20T00:07:51Z

I run WSL on a Windows 10 system and had the same issue! It worked for me to remove the app 'Windows Subsystem for Linux' from 'Settings > Apps' and install these updates from the Microsoft homepage.

signalprocessor · 2023-11-20T08:35:33Z

@Molenfeuer's solution worked for me also (Windows 10 Pro 22H2).
1st attempt: Uninstalled WSL and installed the Linux kernel update package. Then wsl --update, failed with the same error code as before. Uninstalled WSL and rebooted.
2nd attempt: Uninstalled WSL and installed the Linux kernel update package. Everything working, no data lost. However, I'm not confident that this will last past the next auto-update.

wsl --status:
Default Distribution: Ubuntu
Default Version: 2
Windows Subsystem for Linux was last updated on 20.11.2023
WSL automatic updates are on.

wsl --list:
Windows Subsystem for Linux Distributions:
Ubuntu (Default)
docker-desktop-data
docker-desktop

baiciluigi · 2023-11-20T13:50:51Z

Same issue, can only run wsl with admin rights, everything else fails. Have to manually run it on admin.
Docker Desktop fails, but when launched with admin rights, succeeds aswell.
For now I can work like this but it needs to be fixed..

StraigenDaigen · 2023-11-20T22:39:59Z

Thank you very much, I was thinking re-install my Windows 11, but this solution works for me.

Hakim-0000 · 2023-11-21T06:02:06Z

thanks! actually, my problem was solved already after i delete the WslService on regedit and restart it

ronimiguel · 2023-11-22T23:10:04Z

Encountered the same issue, and after trying various solutions without success, I finally found a workaround that works, assuming you have admin access:

Locate PowerShell in the start menu, right-click on it, and choose "Run as Administrator."
In the PowerShell command prompt, execute wsl --list to display a list of all installed Linux distributions.
To start a specific distribution, use the command: wsl -d nameOfDistribution. For example, wsl -d Ubuntu

sarahgsb · 2023-11-23T06:59:40Z

THANK YOU!!!! It worked here!!

mikefarmer01 · 2023-11-23T12:48:06Z

After updating to the 2.0.11 pre-release, wsl started working again for me.

JVimes · 2023-11-23T21:27:02Z

Edit: Apparently because I'd enabled "Use TLS 1.3 (experimental)" in Internet Options.

~~Deleted reg key, restart, install 2.0.5. Now wsl --update gives an error 😕~~

PS> wsl --update
Checking for updates.
An error occurred in the secure channel support
Error code: Wsl/UpdatePackage/0x80072f7d

yusuf-uthman · 2023-11-26T20:30:08Z

This worked for me as well, But I lost my projects because I couldn't retrieve my old files

marianesoares · 2023-11-28T06:22:20Z

After uninstalling wsl and deactivating wsl in windows features, it started working again for me.

Settings > Apps > Optional features > More windows features

Clear the “Windows Subsystem for Linux” option.
Reboot
Activate the “Windows Subsystem for Linux” option.
Update the kernel

Chacoon3 · 2023-11-28T18:59:30Z

Thank you so much! I solved my issue by doing step 1 through 4! I really appreciate your help!

OneBlue · 2023-12-01T21:13:11Z

Fixed in 2.0.11

Matcmps · 2023-12-04T02:39:01Z

Thanks a lot!!!
It worked fine like wine!!!

abdlkhmd · 2023-12-04T10:05:27Z

How to disable WSL from "Turn Windows Features on or off"?

hadirkhan · 2023-12-13T06:18:40Z

Thanks! I wasn't able to see WslService in the registry but had a WslInstaller folder there. I didn't want to mess anything up so I tried this and it worked for me. I was able to run the wsl --update command and upgrade to 2.0.14.

hustc12 · 2023-12-15T00:50:13Z

It works for me! You really saved my life!

jredfox · 2023-12-16T00:30:53Z

same issue here WSL was never installed before and I am running windows 10.0.19045.3636. this issue is not fixed.

soutzis · 2023-12-17T18:51:10Z

I got it working on my side. The problem was resolved when I deleted the WslService from registry.

What I did to fix WSL:

1. Press Win+R and type "regedit"
   ![image](https://private-user-images.githubusercontent.com/74925548/283622770-c97b1a55-89f2-4d66-ba30-f3ab0741e150.png?jwt=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.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.0g_2ox4O6FPXcuWQZ3gPDHSeeu6aXp05NhkIAMUdsoo)

2. Navigate to Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services

3. Look for "WslService" -> Right click on folder icon -> Delete

4. Restart PC

5. Install https://github.com/microsoft/WSL/releases/tag/2.0.5

I didn't try with 2.0.9 nor any other version of WSL for now. I'm happy it works in the end. Hope it will fix the issue for you as well.

IDK how you figured it out, but you are a f***in CHAD! Thanks and well done! Even the MS devs couldn't figure it out.

Can confirm that the latest version works fine!

doanhuong1992vn · 2023-12-18T15:47:38Z

Thank you. It really solved the problem for me

SrfYakuza · 2023-12-25T19:57:15Z

you should try wsl --update --web-download

and then wsl --install
it should work

AntonSmatanik · 2024-01-01T12:46:57Z

Same process worked for me, but I used version 2.0.11. I didn't lose any data. The Linux distro, in this case Ubuntu, worked like a charm again.

Copystrike · 2024-01-21T13:46:11Z

Just adding my 2 cents here, had the same issue, but for me WslService didn't exist. Turns out it was just because I had not enabled Hyper-V in windows features. (At least that is what I assume)

Screenshot

These are my current Windows features incase you want to replicate. (Make sure to reboot your pc)

77DDS77 · 2024-01-22T13:02:34Z

THANK YOU! Been headbutting all morning, you saved my day!

BraveDrXuTF · 2024-01-30T10:53:22Z

I got it working on my side. The problem was resolved when I deleted the WslService from registry.
What I did to fix WSL:

1. Press Win+R and type "regedit"
   ![image](https://private-user-images.githubusercontent.com/74925548/283622770-c97b1a55-89f2-4d66-ba30-f3ab0741e150.png?jwt=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.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.0g_2ox4O6FPXcuWQZ3gPDHSeeu6aXp05NhkIAMUdsoo)

2. Navigate to Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services

3. Look for "WslService" -> Right click on folder icon -> Delete

4. Restart PC

5. Install https://github.com/microsoft/WSL/releases/tag/2.0.5

I didn't try with 2.0.9 nor any other version of WSL for now. I'm happy it works in the end. Hope it will fix the issue for you as well.

IDK how you figured it out, but you are a f***in CHAD! Thanks and well done! Even the MS devs couldn't figure it out.

Can confirm that the latest version works fine!

It not works for me, I got the error by wsl --update, and I went into the regedit but found no WslService. 😥

In fact, the problem bg for me is, I want to reload my vhdx file with my old ubuntu system, so I create a reg of that file, and wsl detect it. But after I use wslconfig to transfer the default version to my vhdx file and run wsl, the system requests me to update wsl and says "core" needs to be updated, so I run wsl --update and got the error code, and with no wslservice. What should I do to load my system successfully?

blairg23 · 2024-02-14T02:21:03Z

Windows restart fixed the issue.

elvisisvan · 2024-03-05T11:13:23Z

press `windows + r` then input:

tick "windows subsystem for linux" and "windows hypervisor platform":

ZeynepBalikciNaomis · 2025-01-14T07:42:30Z

thank youuuuuuu @bence42 😭

This was referenced Nov 17, 2023

WSL not staring after reboot #10770

Closed

WslRegisterDistribution failed with error: 0x80070424 #10772

Closed

Wsl/ERROR_NOT_FOUND after installing Windows updates #10782

Closed

MMiller7901 mentioned this issue Nov 17, 2023

Object not found error / Error code: Wsl/ERROR_NOT_FOUND - wsl can be run and used only with elevated privileges ("run as admin") #10767

Closed

2 tasks

Cyterafle mentioned this issue Nov 18, 2023

Can't use WSL2 after last update #10788

Closed

2 tasks

omar2535 mentioned this issue Nov 19, 2023

The specified service does not exist as an installed service. Error code: Wsl/0x80070424 [process exited with code 4294967295 (0xffffffff)] #10779

Closed

2 tasks

microsoft deleted a comment from diux6969 Nov 20, 2023

JVimes mentioned this issue Nov 23, 2023

Ubuntu not working all of a sudden #10819

Closed

2 tasks

adambirds mentioned this issue Nov 24, 2023

WSL2 fails to start with Error code: Wsl/Service/CreateInstance/CreateVm/ConfigureNetworking/HNS/0x80070424 #10755

Closed

2 tasks

hisriram96 mentioned this issue Nov 30, 2023

WSL installation fails with error "0x8007019e" - version 2.0.9.0 and 2.0.12.0 #10850

Open

2 tasks

OneBlue closed this as completed Dec 1, 2023

soutzis mentioned this issue Dec 17, 2023

Still getting WSL.lnk and waiting for an upgrade to finish errors. #10931

Closed

2 tasks

temp12312yeap mentioned this issue Jan 22, 2024

wsl install beyond-sw-camp/be01-101#1

Open

alohith mentioned this issue Mar 27, 2024

Error code: Wsl/Service/CreateInstance/CreateVm/ConfigureNetworking/HNS/ERROR_UNHANDLED_EXCEPTION #11389

Closed

2 tasks

Error after update to 2.0.9.0, even reinstall fails: Error code: Wsl/CallMsi/E_ABORT #10764

Error after update to 2.0.9.0, even reinstall fails: Error code: Wsl/CallMsi/E_ABORT #10764

Comments

sh-at-bergnet-de commented Nov 16, 2023

Windows Version

WSL Version

Are you using WSL 1 or WSL 2?

Kernel Version

Distro Version

Other Software

Repro Steps

Expected Behavior

Actual Behavior

Diagnostic Logs

github-actions bot commented Nov 16, 2023

Closed similar issues:

MikolajGolowski commented Nov 16, 2023

jack-volantautonomy commented Nov 16, 2023

MikolajGolowski commented Nov 16, 2023

leonardoaraujodf commented Nov 16, 2023

CHADT10 commented Nov 16, 2023 • edited Loading

kloizzo commented Nov 16, 2023

MikolajGolowski commented Nov 16, 2023

MikolajGolowski commented Nov 16, 2023

thangpd1004 commented Nov 17, 2023 • edited Loading

bence42 commented Nov 17, 2023

CHADT10 commented Nov 17, 2023 • edited Loading

leonardoaraujodf commented Nov 17, 2023

kloizzo commented Nov 17, 2023 • edited Loading

kloizzo commented Nov 17, 2023

sh-at-bergnet-de commented Nov 17, 2023

samluise commented Nov 17, 2023

xxPennyxx commented Nov 18, 2023

Molenfeuer commented Nov 20, 2023

signalprocessor commented Nov 20, 2023 • edited Loading

baiciluigi commented Nov 20, 2023

StraigenDaigen commented Nov 20, 2023

Hakim-0000 commented Nov 21, 2023

ronimiguel commented Nov 22, 2023 • edited Loading

sarahgsb commented Nov 23, 2023

mikefarmer01 commented Nov 23, 2023

JVimes commented Nov 23, 2023 • edited Loading

yusuf-uthman commented Nov 26, 2023

marianesoares commented Nov 28, 2023

Chacoon3 commented Nov 28, 2023

OneBlue commented Dec 1, 2023

Matcmps commented Dec 4, 2023

abdlkhmd commented Dec 4, 2023

hadirkhan commented Dec 13, 2023

hustc12 commented Dec 15, 2023

jredfox commented Dec 16, 2023

soutzis commented Dec 17, 2023 • edited Loading

Can confirm that the latest version works fine!

doanhuong1992vn commented Dec 18, 2023

SrfYakuza commented Dec 25, 2023

AntonSmatanik commented Jan 1, 2024 • edited Loading

Copystrike commented Jan 21, 2024 • edited Loading

77DDS77 commented Jan 22, 2024

BraveDrXuTF commented Jan 30, 2024

Can confirm that the latest version works fine!

blairg23 commented Feb 14, 2024

elvisisvan commented Mar 5, 2024

press windows + r then input:

tick "windows subsystem for linux" and "windows hypervisor platform":

ZeynepBalikciNaomis commented Jan 14, 2025

CHADT10 commented Nov 16, 2023 •

edited

Loading

thangpd1004 commented Nov 17, 2023 •

edited

Loading

CHADT10 commented Nov 17, 2023 •

edited

Loading

kloizzo commented Nov 17, 2023 •

edited

Loading

signalprocessor commented Nov 20, 2023 •

edited

Loading

ronimiguel commented Nov 22, 2023 •

edited

Loading

JVimes commented Nov 23, 2023 •

edited

Loading

soutzis commented Dec 17, 2023 •

edited

Loading

AntonSmatanik commented Jan 1, 2024 •

edited

Loading

Copystrike commented Jan 21, 2024 •

edited

Loading

press `windows + r` then input: