▷ How to fix the error “Windows subsystem for Linux does not have any distributions installed”?

Bash is a Unix shell and form of command language that was first introduced in 1989. It has been widely distributed as the default login shell for Linux and MacOS. Although it is mainly seen on Linux and Marcos, there is a version that can be installed on Windows 10. Nevertheless, There have been many complaints from users that they cannot use Bash on Windows 10 and you see a »Windows Subsystem For Linux has No distributions installed» error when trying.

“The Windows subsystem for Linux does not have a distribution installed” Error message

What causes the error “Windows subsystem for Linux does not have any distributions installed”?

After receiving numerous complaints from multiple users, we decided to investigate the matter and came up with a set of solutions that fixed the error for most of our users. What's more, We investigated the reasons why this error is triggered and they are listed below.

• Missing distributions: when installing bash for Windows, There are certain additional files that need to be installed for the Windows subsystem. If these files cannot be downloaded automatically from the Microsoft store, this error will occur.

• Disabled service: in certain cases, the LxssManager service that usually runs in the background may crash after a recent update. This can prevent the operating system from acquiring all the files required to run the bash shell that could trigger the error.

• Incorrect default distribution selected: if Ubuntu is not selected as the default distribution for the operating system, could trigger this error. Because Ubuntu is an essential distribution for running the bash shell.

Now that you have a basic understanding of the nature of the problem, we will look for solutions. Make sure to apply them in the specific order in which they are presented to avoid conflicts.

Solution 1: install distributions manually

If certain distributions cannot be downloaded and installed automatically, we can try to install them manually via command prompt. Therefore, in this step, we will run a command to install the essential distributions. For it:

1. Simultaneously press the buttons »Windows» + »R» to open the run prompt.

2. Type »cmd» and press »Shift» + »Ctrl» + »Enter» to grant administrative privileges. Typing cmd at the run prompt and pressing Shift + Alt + Enter to open an elevated command prompt

3. Type the following command and hit enter.

   lxrun /install

   Start the Lxrun command / install

4. This will activate the download from the Microsoft store, press »Y» to start the download process if prompted by the command line.

5. Check if the problem persists.

   Note: This command can also be run in Power Shell (Administrator)

Solution 2: Wait 10 minutes

For some users, the problem was fixed only after 5 a 10 minutes. Often, after a reboot, certain processes and services take time to start. Because of this, the error can be triggered if you try to run bash too soon after startup. Therefore, it is recommended to wait at least 10 minutes after starting the computer before continuing with the next steps.

Solution 3: Instale Ubuntu

If Ubuntu has not been installed on the computer, it can cause this error because it is a very important distribution that is required to run the bash. To download and install Ubuntu, follow the steps below.

1. Restart your computer and log into your account.

2. Click this link to open the download page.

3. Click on the »Get» option and then select the «Open Microsoft Store« option.. Clicking on the option “Obtain”

4. Once Microsoft Store loads, click on the »Get» option to start downloading the Ubuntu distribution.

5. Once the download process is complete, click on the »Install» option that appears instead of the »Get« option. Clicking on the option “Install”

6. Ubuntu will now be installed on the computer.

7. Check if the problem persists.

Solution 4: start the LxssManager service

The LxssManager service may have been disabled due to triggering this error. Therefore, in this step, we will manually start the LxssManager service. For it:

1. Simultaneously press the keys »Windows» + »R» to open the run prompt.

2. Go to »Services. msc »and press» Enter «. Writes “Services.msc” and hit Enter

3. Scroll down and double click on the service »LxssManager«.

4. Click on the startup type drop-down menu and select »Automatic«.

5. Click on the »Start» option and select »Apply«. Selecting Automatic as the startup type and hitting enter

6. Click »OK» and check if the problem persists.