How to Fix Wslregisterdistribution failed with error: 0x800701bc

Wslregisterdistribution failed with error: 0x800701bc error occurs when there is an issue related to Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL), precisely when there’s a mismatch or incompatibility between the WSL version and the Linux distribution you’re trying to use.

The easiest way to fix the error is by installing the latest WSL2 Linux kernel update package for the x64 machine package.

You need to download the ARM64 package rather than the standard one if you are working on an ARM64 system.

You can use the command prompt or PowerShell and enter the following command if you are unsure of your computer type: systeminfo | find “System Type.”

If you are using a version of Windows that is not written in English, you may need to alter the search text to translate the “System Type” string.

If the above solution is not working, you can try unregistering the distribution using the command “wslconfig /unregister <DistributionName>” and re-registering it.

You can also check the distribution version is compatible with your Windows version before installing it.

If you are having trouble with Windows 11, try the following commands.

wsl --update
wsl --shutdown

If the issue persists, you can reinstall the distribution, which you can do by using the wsl –install -d <Distribution Name> command.

Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) is a compatibility layer for running Linux binary executables natively on Windows 10.

The WSL allows you to run an entire Linux environment on Windows without needing a virtual machine or dual-booting.

Alternate ways to fix the error

  1. Update Windows
  2. Check the WSL Kernel
  3. Reinstall WSL
  4. Check for Specific Distribution Issues
  5. Run Windows Update Troubleshoot

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