Upgrade from Win 10 to Win 11 and WSL Will No Longer Start

Question

Hi,

I recently upgraded my PC from Win 10 to Win 11 and WSL no longer will start.

Every time I try to start it (or upgrade it) I get the following message (even when running as administrator):

C:\Windows\System32>wsl

Windows Subsystem for Linux must be updated to the latest version to proceed. You can update by running 'wsl.exe --update'.

For more information please visit https://aka.ms/wslinstall

Press any key to install Windows Subsystem for Linux.

Press CTRL-C or close this window to cancel.

This prompt will time out in 60 seconds.

The certificate authority is invalid or incorrect

C:\Windows\System32>wsl.exe --update

The certificate authority is invalid or incorrect

I have Windows Subsystem for Linux and Virtual Machine Platform enabled in my Windows Features menu.

WSL worked before I migrated from Windows 10 to Windows 11.

What do I need to do to get WSL working again?

Thanks!

Answer 1

The PC was on a VPN. I took it off the VPN and the WSL installation went through without issue.

Thanks!

Answer 2

To get WSL working again, focus on fixing certificate trust first:

1. Confirm Date/Time/Timezone are correct (then sync time)
2. Install all pending Windows Updates (root certificate updates ride through normal servicing), and test on a different network (mobile hotspot) to rule out proxy/inspection
3. If you’re on a proxy/VPN, try temporarily disabling it and (as a quick check) reset WinHTTP proxy with netsh winhttp reset proxy
4. Then retry wsl.exe --update.

Answer 3

9897377802

Answer 4

I cannot start or upgrade WSL due to the certificate issue.

Uninstalling, restarting and re-installing WSL did not fix the problem.

Answer 5

It seems that after upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11, you're encountering issues with the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) not starting and receiving a certificate authority error when trying to update it. Here are some steps you can take to resolve this issue:

1. Check Windows Version: Ensure that you are running a compatible version of Windows 11. WSL 2 is available in Windows 11 and Windows 10, Version 1903, Build 18362 or later. You can check your version by pressing Windows logo key + R, typing winver, and pressing OK.
2. Update WSL: Since you are receiving a message to update WSL, you can try running the command in an elevated PowerShell window:

      wsl --update
   

   If you continue to receive the certificate authority error, consider the following steps.
3. Reinstall WSL: You may need to reinstall WSL. You can do this by first uninstalling it from the Windows Features menu and then reinstalling it:
   • Open the Start menu and search for "Turn Windows features on or off".
   • Uncheck "Windows Subsystem for Linux" and "Virtual Machine Platform", then restart your computer.
   • After the restart, go back to the Windows Features menu and re-enable both features.
4. Check for Windows Updates: Make sure your Windows installation is fully updated. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and check for updates.
5. Use the Microsoft Store: If WSL is available in the Microsoft Store, you can also try updating it from there. Running wsl.exe --update should pull the latest version from the Store if you are on a compatible version of Windows.

If these steps do not resolve the issue, you may need to consider performing a repair installation of Windows 11 to fix any underlying problems with your installation.

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References:

• Troubleshooting Windows Subsystem for Linux
• Comparing WSL Versions