Resolving windows subsystem for linux has no installed distributions Error

One Redditor for example, posted the following issue on Microsoft’s forum:
> I noticed this firewall alert on my Windows 8.1 (Update 1) PC a while ago, > “Windows Subsystem for Linux has detected that 3 distributions are currently > installed. However, none are in a working state, so the subsystem cannot > function with either.”
This issue can be resolved in a few easy steps, so let’s find out how.

  • The Windows subsystem for Linux error is preventing you from exploring the latest Linux distro.
  • One solution is to reinstall the Linux subsystem, and the guide below will give you all the necessary instructions for that.
  • One app that can help you install Linux distros easily is Linux Mint, so check out our dedicated app section for more information.
  • Check out this Windows 10 Errors Hub for more useful guides like this one.

Run the DISM command

  1. Type DISM in the Search bar and click on Run as administrator.
  2. In the DISM window, click the Next button to proceed.
    In the DISM window, click the Next button to proceed.
  3. Select Scan for affected devices and click Next.
  4. Wait for the scan to complete and restart the PC.

Run the RSAT tool

  1. To run the RSAT tool, press Windows Key + S, enter cmd, and click on Run as administrator.
  2. Enter †̃rstruis /scannow’ and press the Enter key to run the tool.
    Enter †̃rstruis /scannow' and press the Enter key to run the tool.

Run the Ps Lan Manager

  1. Press the Windows key + R to launch the Run dialog box.
  2. Type ps:netstat/ano and press Enter.
    Type ps:netstat/ano and press Enter.
  3. Look for any related network processes to the error.
  4. Disable the processes if needed.

Check the date and time of your computer

  1. If the time and date of your computer are not correct, this error can occur.
  2. To set the correct date and time, go to the Search bar type Date and Time.
    To set the correct date and time, go to the Search bar type Date and Time.
  3. Select Date and Time settings from the results.
  4. Click the Change date and time settings button.
  5. Select the Automatic date & time option.
  6. Click the Change button.
    Click the Change button.

Check the date and time of your distribution

  1. Navigate to the System Settings of Ubuntu or CentOS
  2. Go to the Date and Time section
    Go to the Date and Time section
  3. Check the date and time of your distribution
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