Windows Subsystem For Linux Has no Distributions [Fix]

If you're having issues with WSL, install the distributions properly

Fix » Windows 10

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by Milan Stanojevic 

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Key notes

  • If you encounter this problem, give WSL enough time to start properly.
  • In case necessary services aren't running, enable them properly to fix the issue.

A version of Unix Shell (namely, Bash) can be installed on Windows 10. However, many people encountered the Windows subsystem for Linux has no installed distributions error.

This isn’t the only issue, and many reported Something went wrong in WSL error. However, we covered that in a separate guide.

Today we’re going to show you how to fix the issue with no installed distributions, so let’s get started, shall we?

Why am I getting Windows subsystem for Linux has no installed distributions error?

  • The necessary background process hasn’t started properly yet.
  • The distributions aren’t properly installed.
  • LxssManager service isn’t running.

How do I fix Windows Subsystem for Linux has no installed distributions?

1. Wait for a few minutes

  1. Start WSL normally.
  2. Wait for at least 5 minutes.
  3. After waiting, check if the issue is gone.

Sometimes it might take a while for WSL to start completely, so make sure to give it at least five minutes to start.

2. Use Command Prompt to install distributions

  1. Press the Windows key and type cmd.
  2. Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.command prompt run as administrator
  3. Type lxrun /installcommand prompt lxrun
  4. Press Y to begin the download.

After following these steps, the issue should be gone.

3. Enable LxssManager Service

  1. Press the Windows key + R.
  2. In the Run dialog box, type services.msc and click OK.services run dialog box
  3. Find LsxxManager and double-click on it.
  4. Select the Startup type as Automatic.
  5. Click on Start and Apply.

How to enable Windows Subsystem for Linux and install a distribution?

  1. Press Windows key + X and choose Windows PowerShell (Admin).
  2. Once it starts, run the following command: wsl --install
  3. The command will enable WSL and install Ubuntu on your PC.

As you can see, the Windows subsystem for Linux has no installed distributions error can be solved easily.

If the problem keeps appearing, it might be necessary to uninstall WSL and install it again.

Did you find our solutions helpful? How do you use Bash on Windows 10? Do let us know in the comments section below!

More about the topics: Linux, windows 10, WSL

Milan Stanojevic

Milan Stanojevic Shield

Windows Toubleshooting Expert

Milan has been enthusiastic about technology ever since his childhood days, and this led him to take interest in all PC-related technologies. He's a PC enthusiast and he spends most of his time learning about computers and technology. Before joining WindowsReport, he worked as a front-end web developer. Now, he's one of the Troubleshooting experts in our worldwide team, specializing in Windows errors & software issues.