Issue when trying to install WSL: System cannot find the given path

Question

Hello,

I'm trying to install the WSL according to the Microsoft instructions (https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wsl/install#manual-installation-steps), but when I execute "wsl.exe" I get following error: The system cannot find the given path.

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C:\Windows\system32>wsl.exe --install

Das System kann den angegebenen Pfad nicht finden.

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The wsl.exe file is in the "C:\Windows\system32>" directory, I can see it there.

As a test, I executed the command "control.exe" and it opened the Control Panel window without any issues.

Then I copied the wsl.exe file to C: and tried the "wsl.exe --install" again. Here, I see exactly the same issue as in the System32 folder:

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C:>wsl.exe --install

Das System kann den angegebenen Pfad nicht finden.

Error code: Wsl/CallMsi/ERROR_PATH_NOT_FOUND

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It is clear that the issue is not the path, but the wsl.exe file itself. It is damaged. Since it's in the System32 folder (system files) I don't want to touch (delete/replace) this file an decided to ask for your help.

Does anybody have a solution here?

Thanks!

Answer 1

Hi,

Please open CMD as administrator and run the System File Checker tool to repair system files

DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
sfc /scannow

Also try to install the WSL package manually and see if the issue persists.

https://github.com/microsoft/WSL/releases/download/2.3.17/wsl.2.3.17.0.x64.msiBest Regards,

Ian Xue

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