WSL Not Starting Automatically After Windows Restart (WSL 2.0.9)

Introduction

Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) is a compatibility layer for running Linux binary executables natively on Windows 10 and Windows Server 2019. WSL 2.0.9 is the latest version of WSL, which includes several improvements and new features over previous versions. However, some users have reported issues with WSL not starting automatically after a Windows restart. This article will provide a detailed explanation of the issue, its causes, and solutions.

Understanding WSL and Its Versions

WSL is a feature that allows developers, students, and system administrators to run a Linux environment directly on Windows, without the need for a virtual machine. WSL 2.0.9 is the latest version of WSL, which includes several improvements and new features over previous versions. WSL 2.0.9 uses a real Linux kernel, which provides better performance and compatibility with Linux applications.

Why WSL Does Not Start Automatically After a Windows Restart

There are several reasons why WSL may not start automatically after a Windows restart. One common reason is that the WSL service is not set to start automatically. Another reason could be that the WSL service is disabled or stopped. Additionally, there could be issues with the WSL installation or configuration that are preventing WSL from starting automatically.

Solution 1: Set the WSL Service to Start Automatically

To set the WSL service to start automatically, follow these steps:

1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type services.msc and press Enter.
3. Find the Windows Subsystem for Linux service in the list of services.
4. Right-click on the service and select Properties.
5. In the Properties window, select the Startup type dropdown list and select Automatic.
6. Click OK to save the changes.
7. Restart your computer and check if WSL starts automatically.

Solution 2: Start or Enable the WSL Service

If the WSL service is disabled or stopped, you can start or enable it by following these steps:

1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type services.msc and press Enter.
3. Find the Windows Subsystem for Linux service in the list of services.
4. If the service is stopped, right-click on it and select Start.
5. If the service is disabled, right-click on it and select Properties.
6. In the Properties window, select the Startup type dropdown list and select Automatic or Manual.
7. Click OK to save the changes.
8. Restart your computer and check if WSL starts automatically.

Solution 3: Repair or Reinstall WSL

If the above solutions do not work, you may need to repair or reinstall WSL. To repair WSL, follow these steps:

1. Open a command prompt as an administrator.
2. Type wsl --repair and press Enter.
3. Restart your computer and check if WSL starts automatically.

If repairing WSL does not work, you can try reinstalling WSL by following these steps:

1. Open a command prompt as an administrator.
2. Type wsl --unregister and press Enter.
3. Type wsl --register and press Enter.
4. Restart your computer and check if WSL starts automatically.

WSL not starting automatically after a Windows restart is a common issue that can be caused by several factors. By following the solutions provided in this article, you can troubleshoot and resolve the issue. WSL is a powerful tool for running Linux applications on Windows, and it is essential to ensure that it is configured correctly to take advantage of its features.

References

• Install Windows Subsystem for Linux
• Troubleshooting Windows Subsystem for Linux
• WSL 2 Linux kernel update