WSL registration crash: Ubuntu setup fails with error 0x80004005 on Windows

Sophia Waller 60 Reputation points
2026-06-02T16:51:07.5733333+00:00

I am trying to deploy Ubuntu on my PC using the Windows Subsystem for Linux feature. During the initialization phase, the console stops working and throws the code WslRegisterDistribution failed with error: 0x80004005. After that, it just tells me to push any key. How can I bypass this deployment failure on my OS? Thank you for the advice.

Windows for business | Windows 365 Enterprise
0 comments
Answer accepted by question author
Domic Vo 34,080 Reputation points Independent Advisor
2026-06-02T17:21:47.6833333+00:00

Hi Sophia,

That error means WSL couldn’t properly register Ubuntu because the subsystem or virtualization support isn’t set up correctly. Make sure both “Windows Subsystem for Linux” and “Virtual Machine Platform” are enabled in Windows Features, then reboot. Update to the latest Windows build and install the newest WSL kernel package from Microsoft. Run wsl --set-default-version 2 to ensure you’re on WSL 2, and if Ubuntu was partially installed, remove it with wsl --unregister Ubuntu and reinstall from the Microsoft Store. Also check that the LxssManager service is running and that virtualization is enabled in BIOS. These steps usually clear the 0x80004005 error and let Ubuntu initialize normally.

If the above response helps answer your question, please hit "Accept Answer" so that others in the community facing similar issues can easily find the solution. Your contribution is highly appreciated.

Domic V.

Was this answer helpful?

1 person found this answer helpful.
0 comments

1 additional answer

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Domic Vo 34,080 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-06-07T13:34:56.8866667+00:00

    Hi Sophia Waller,

    Has your issue been resolved yet? If it has, please consider accepting the answer as it helps others sharing the same problem benefit too. Thank you :)

    Domic V.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments

Your answer

Answers can be marked as 'Accepted' by the question author and 'Recommended' by moderators, which helps users know the answer solved the author's problem.