WSL Error Installing Ubuntu

Question

Hello Folks,

I'm trying to install Ubuntu WSL2 on Windows 11. Running into the following error message:

Installing: Ubuntu

The parameter is incorrect.

Error code: Wsl/InstallDistro/Service/RegisterDistro/CreateVm/HCS/E_INVALIDARG

After googling, I have confirmed the following on my system:

Check/Uncheck/Restart Windows Features Virtualization and WSL.

BIOS Virtualization is enabled

Reinstalled Windows from scratch without any other apps

This is a dell machine

I really appreciate your help and guidance. Thanks.

Asim

Answer 1

Hello, thanks for reaching out. I'm Ace, one of the Independent Advisors. I can understand your concern and please don't worry I am here to help you.

If you're encountering the E_INVALIDARG error while installing Ubuntu on WSL2 in Windows 11, the issue is likely related to virtualization settings, Hyper-V, or a corrupted WSL installation. First, check if Virtualization Technology is enabled in your BIOS/UEFI settings. Restart your system and enter BIOS by pressing the appropriate key for your Dell machine, such as F2, F10, DEL, or ESC. Navigate to the CPU configuration section and ensure that virtualization is enabled. Next, verify that Hyper-V and Virtual Machine Platform are installed and enabled. Open Windows Features by searching for "Turn Windows features on or off" in the Start menu. Ensure that both Hyper-V and Virtual Machine Platform are checked, then restart your PC. If the issue persists, resetting WSL may help. Open PowerShell as Administrator and run the following commands: wsl --shutdown, wsl --unregister Ubuntu, and wsl --install Ubuntu. This will remove and reinstall Ubuntu, potentially resolving any configuration issues.

Let me know if this method works.

Thanks!

Answer 2

If you're encountering the E_INVALIDARG error while installing Ubuntu WSL2 on Windows 11, the issue is likely related to virtualization settings, Hyper-V conflicts, or a corrupted WSL installation. Since you've already confirmed that BIOS virtualization is enabled, the next steps involve checking Windows features and resetting WSL. First, ensure that Virtual Machine Platform and Windows Subsystem for Linux are enabled. Open PowerShell as Administrator and run:

powershell

dism.exe /online /enable-feature /featurename:VirtualMachinePlatform /all /norestart

dism.exe /online /enable-feature /featurename:Microsoft-Windows-Subsystem-Linux /all /norestart

then Restart your PC after running these commands. If the issue persists, try resetting WSL by running:

powershell

wsl --shutdown

wsl --unregister Ubuntu

wsl --install Ubuntu

This will remove and reinstall Ubuntu WSL2. Another possible fix is to check Hyper-V settings. Open Windows Features, ensure Hyper-V is enabled, and restart your system.

Citing this link for you to refer WSL installation errors > https://askubuntu.com/questions/1450642/install...

Standard Disclaimer: There is a link to a non-Microsoft website. The page appears to provide accurate, safe information.

Thanks!

Answer 3

Dear Ace,

Thanks so much for you reply and assistance.

No joy yet, unfortunately. Asim.

install log

Reinstalled Windows 11 by deleting the partition first.

Applied all availble updates

Enabled Virtualization and WSL in Features

Checked for Bios Virtualization and it is set to ON

Checked in task manager that Virtualization is showing up as enabled.

PS C:\WINDOWS\system32> wsl --install

Downloading: Windows Subsystem for Linux 2.5.7

Installing: Windows Subsystem for Linux 2.5.7

Windows Subsystem for Linux 2.5.7 has been installed.

Installing Windows optional component: VirtualMachinePlatform

Deployment Image Servicing and Management tool

Version: 10.0.26100.1150

Image Version: 10.0.26100.2033

Enabling feature(s)

[==========================100.0%==========================]

The operation completed successfully.

The requested operation is successful. Changes will not be effective until the system is rebooted.

Downloading: Ubuntu

Installing: Ubuntu

The operation could not be started because a required feature is not installed.

Error code: Wsl/InstallDistro/Service/RegisterDistro/CreateVm/HCS/HCS_E_SERVICE_NOT_AVAILABLE

Troubleshooting:

PS C:\WINDOWS\system32> wsl --shutdown

PS C:\WINDOWS\system32> wsl --unregister Ubuntu

Unregistering.

There is no distribution with the supplied name.

Error code: Wsl/Service/WSL_E_DISTRO_NOT_FOUND

PS C:\WINDOWS\system32>

PS C:\WINDOWS\system32> wsl --install Ubuntu

Downloading: Ubuntu

Installing: Ubuntu

The parameter is incorrect.

Error code: Wsl/InstallDistro/Service/RegisterDistro/CreateVm/HCS/E_INVALIDARG

PS C:\WINDOWS\system32>

I also installed Windows 10 to see if this works on it, but I had the same results.

Answer 4

Hello Ace,

I appreciate your continued support. I have followed every step in your post and the accompanying link but no joy still.

Install Log: PS C:\WINDOWS\system32> dism.exe /online /enable-feature /featurename:VirtualMachinePlatform /all /norestart Deployment Image Servicing and Management tool Version: 10.0.26100.1150 Image Version: 10.0.26100.2033 Enabling feature(s) [==========================100.0%==========================] The operation completed successfully. PS C:\WINDOWS\system32> dism.exe /online /enable-feature /featurename:Microsoft-Windows-Subsystem-Linux /all /norestart Deployment Image Servicing and Management tool Version: 10.0.26100.1150 Image Version: 10.0.26100.2033 Enabling feature(s) [==========================100.0%==========================] The operation completed successfully. PS C:\WINDOWS\system32> Restarted the computer PS C:\WINDOWS\system32> wsl --shutdown PS C:\WINDOWS\system32> wsl --unregister Ubuntu Unregistering. There is no distribution with the supplied name. Error code: Wsl/Service/WSL_E_DISTRO_NOT_FOUND PS C:\WINDOWS\system32> wsl --install Ubuntu Downloading: Ubuntu Installing: Ubuntu The parameter is incorrect. Error code: Wsl/InstallDistro/Service/RegisterDistro/CreateVm/HCS/E_INVALIDARG

Citing this link for you to refer WSL installation errors https://askubuntu.com/questions/1450642/installing-ubuntu-with-wsl-error-parameter-incorrect

Followed the link above but found nothing new that we didn't try earlier.

Answer 5

Thanks for getting back to us, Erukka. I’ve explored all available resources and solutions, but at this point, I want to ensure you’re connected with the right team who can assist you further. I’ll escalate your issue to a Microsoft Advocate for review.

Upon reroute, you’ll receive a Connect with a Specialist link, which you need to click to engage with them.

I appreciate your time and patience.

Thank you!