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Having trouble installing WSL on Windows 10

Anonymous
2018-05-19T18:17:54+00:00

Hello, Ive been trying to install WSL on Windows 10 so I can run a Linux distro, but am running into errors when it tries to install. I am using home edition and a version compatible with WSL. When I go to enable it and it goes through with the restart and installation, it eventually stops and says "Can not complete updates, undoing changes", then sends me back to my previous settings. I've been trying to find a solution online, but can't seem to find one. Any ideas?

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Install and upgrade

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  1. Anonymous
    2018-06-06T02:58:43+00:00

    @kms165

    I also have Windows 10 Home Edition, and I've had no problems.  WSL installation encounters problems if there are issues with the current system to begin with. 

     Just a few questions:

    1. Are you running Windows 10 64-bit version?  To check this:
    • run ControlPanel.  If the "View by:" (near upper right corner) is

       "Category", switch to "Small Icons" to see everything.

    • in ControlPanel, click the icon labeled "System".
    • "System type:" should show 64 bit.  

       If it says 32 bit, you won't be able to install WSL Linux. 

       Solution: Upgrade to 64 bit Windows 10. 2. The "Processor:" section of the same "System" window should show a true 64-bit CPU (eg. Intel Core i3).  If you have a Pentium, or Celeron CPU, check if it can 

    truly support 64 bit (eg. Pentium D, 4F, Extreme or Celeron M are 64 bit). 3. RAM should be at least 2Gb. The "System" window, or TaskManager can be used to check RAM. 

    Note: It's my experience that memory size matters very much.  My Core i3 laptop was sluggish with the 4Gb memory that it came with.  I replaced the 2x2Gb memory cards with 2x8Gb cards, and everything is much faster. 4. Windows 10 version (as of this writing, should be at least 1803).  From the Start menu (or just press the Windows key) type in "winver".   A screen should pop up, showing the current version.  You should make sure that you have all the updates before enabling/installing WSL Linux.

    If everything above is good regarding your system, enabling WSL and installing Linux instances should be a breeze.  Make sure to follow the correct steps.

    See:  https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wsl/install-win10It's the instructions that I used on my Windows 10 Home edition, and installed: Ubuntu, OpenSuse Leap, Suse Linux Enterprise Server, Debian, and Kali Linux. 

    Hope this bit helps!

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  2. Anonymous
    2018-05-20T06:56:48+00:00

    Hi kms165,

    Since you're having issues installing WSL, we recommend contacting the app developer for better assistance.

    Feel free to post back for other Windows concerns.

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