Fix: WSL Register Distribution Error 0x80370102 Windows 10 / 11

Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) is a powerful feature that allows users to run a Linux environment directly within Windows without requiring a virtual machine. However, some users encounter an error when trying to install or register a WSL distribution: Error: 0x80370102. This issue commonly appears when setting up WSL on Windows 10 or Windows 11 and can be frustrating to troubleshoot.

What Causes the WSL 0x80370102 Error?

The error typically occurs due to virtualization-related problems on your system. Some main causes include:

• Virtualization not enabled: WSL 2 requires hardware virtualization, which must be enabled in the system BIOS.
• Hyper-V not installed or active: Windows relies on Hyper-V to run WSL 2, and if it is not installed, the system encounters issues.
• Conflicts with other virtualization software: Programs like VMware or VirtualBox might interfere with WSL 2.
• Windows version issues: Running an outdated or incompatible version of Windows may result in problems when using WSL 2.

How to Fix WSL Register Distribution Error 0x80370102

Follow these steps to resolve the issue and successfully install your WSL distribution.

1. Ensure Virtualization is Enabled in BIOS

The first step is to check whether hardware virtualization is enabled in your BIOS settings.

1. Restart your computer and enter BIOS or UEFI settings (commonly by pressing F2, F10, F12, or Delete during boot).
2. Look for an option called Intel VT-x (for Intel CPUs) or AMD-V (for AMD CPUs) under CPU settings.
3. Enable it if disabled, then save and exit BIOS.

Once your computer restarts, try installing WSL again.

2. Enable Hyper-V and Other Required Features

WSL 2 depends on several features that must be installed and enabled.

Run the following command in PowerShell (as Administrator):

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

After running the commands, restart your computer and check if WSL works properly.

3. Check Windows Version and Update if Necessary

WSL 2 requires Windows 10 version 1903 (build 18362) or newer. To check your Windows version:

• Press Win + R and type winver, then press Enter.
• If you are running an older version, update Windows by going to Settings > Update & Security and clicking Check for updates.

4. Disable Other Virtualization Software

Third-party virtualization software like VMware Workstation or VirtualBox may conflict with WSL 2. If you use such software, try disabling or uninstalling it before setting up WSL.

1. Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) and go to the Services tab.
2. Look for services related to VirtualBox or VMware and stop them.
3. Uninstall the software if WSL 2 still does not work.

5. Set WSL 2 as the Default Version

If you have upgraded to WSL 2 but the system is still trying to use WSL 1, you may need to manually set WSL 2 as the default version.

wsl --set-default-version 2

Then, try installing the distribution again with:

wsl --install -d Ubuntu

6. Restart the LxssManager Service

Another possible fix is restarting the Windows Subsystem for Linux Service.

1. Press Win + R and type services.msc, then press Enter.
2. Scroll down and find LxssManager.
3. Right-click and select Restart.

Conclusion

The WSL Register Distribution Error 0x80370102 can be resolved by ensuring that virtualization is enabled, Hyper-V is installed, Windows is up-to-date, and conflicting software is disabled. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you should be able to successfully install and run WSL 2 on your Windows 10 or Windows 11 system.

If the issue persists, double-check your system compatibility and make sure no other software is interfering with Hyper-V. With the right configuration, WSL 2 offers a seamless Linux experience directly on Windows.

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