Fix: WSL Register Distribution Error 0x8004032d on Windows PC

Basically, Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) makes it possible to run Linux binary executables natively on Windows 10 and Windows Server 2019.

Tech enthusiasts, system administrators, and developers greatly appreciate this feature since it combines Windows and Linux environments.

Nevertheless, like any software, WSL can also cause errors that may disrupt your workflow. There is an error code 0x8004032d that will occur when WSLRegisterDistribution is attempted.

But don’t worry, it’s nothing to worry about! We have some fixes that will help you resolve this problem. So, let’s get started with the guide.

What is Error: 0x8004032d?

Linux distributions that are not registered in WSL will receive the error code 0x8004032d. Linux distributions require a number of steps to be installed or launched using WSL, including registering with the system. There is a possibility that this error will occur if any step in this process fails.

Common Causes

1. Incomplete Installation: It is possible that the Linux distribution was not installed correctly.
2. Corrupted Files: There may be some corrupted files that are needed for the distribution to run.
3. Permission Issues: Registration can be hindered by the lack of proper permissions.
4. Conflicting Software: WSL might be affected by other software you have installed on your system.
5. System Updates: There may be incompatibilities with recent updates to Windows or WSL.

How to Fix WSL Register Distribution Error 0x8004032d on Windows PC?

So, here are some fixes that will help you fix the WSLregisterdistribution failed with error 0x8004032d:

Fix 1: Enable Hyper-V

If you want to use Windows Subsystem for Linux on a Windows computer, then Hyper-V is a must-have functionality.

When your Linux distribution is installed via Windows, and it’s not enabled, you’ll get an error. Hence, enabling Hyper-V might resolve the “WSLRegisterDistribution failed with Error: 0x8004032d” issue.

1. Search for Turn Windows features on or off and click the most relevant result.
2. Select Hyper-V and click OK.

Restart your computer and check if the problem has been resolved. Continue with the next step if the first solution does not work.

Read: Microsoft Hyper-V for Windows 11: Everything You Should Know

Fix 2: Enable Hardware Virtualization

You must enable hardware virtualization on your PC to use the Hyper-V-powered Windows Subsystem for Linux.

Once you have installed WSL, you must check and enable this feature from the BIOS if you accidentally disabled it.

If you don’t have access to a high-performance system yet, you can use the Performance tab in Task Manager. You will find a tab called Virtualization on this tab.

Make sure that the status is set to Enabled. You must follow these steps if you do not already have hardware virtualization enabled on your Windows computer.

1. You need to restart your computer. To enter BIOS, press the specific hotkey. Depending on the brand, the hotkeys may differ. Usually, it’s Esc, F2, or Del.
2. To proceed, open the BIOS window, select the Advanced tab, and press Enter.
3. You can enable Virtualization with your keyboard arrows.

Finally, save the changes and restart your Windows device.

Fix 3: Turn On Nested Virtualization & Change RAM Settings

Virtual machines (VMs) running Hyper-V inside another Hyper-V virtual machine are nested virtualization.

You can use this method to run the Visual Studio Phone Emulator in a virtual machine or to test configurations that require several virtual machines.

It has been reported that many online users have found success with nested virtualization. Here are the steps you need to follow:

1. In Hyper-V Manager, shut down your virtual machine.
2. On your keyboard, press Win + X and choose Windows PowerShell (Admin).
3. To run this command, copy and paste it into the PowerShell window and press Enter:

Set-VMProcessor <VMName> -ExposeVirtualizationExtensions $true

4. To access settings, right-click your virtual machine in Hyper-V Manager and choose Settings.
5. To set RAM to twice its current value, click Memory in the left pane, uncheck Enable Dynamic Memory, and change the RAM value to 2048 > 4096.
6. Thereafter, to save your changes, click Apply and OK.
7. Launch your virtual machine. Right-click the virtual machine and choose Connect. It will start Hyper-V and reboot your system.

Fix 4: Install Virtual Machine

In the WSL version, the virtual machine has become a necessity. To install it, you need to use Windows Features on your computer.

• To turn Windows features, click the Start button and type Turn Windows Features.
• In the list of applications, click on the application you want to use.
• On the Virtual Machine Platform tab, check the box, and then click OK.

If the feature was installed, reinstall or upgrade it, and it should be working now.

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Fix 5: Restart the LxssManager

In WSL on Windows, the LXSS Manager manages Linux distribution installation, configuration, and execution.

It may be possible to resolve our WSL installation error by stopping and restarting this service. Here are the steps you need to follow.

1. Firstly, open the run dialog box by pressing the Windows key+R.
2. Then type Services.msc and press Enter.
3. Find the LxssManager service among all the services.

4. To apply the changes, right-click on the service and select stop.

5. When you close the services panel, you should open it again and find the LxssManger service there.
6. Right-click it and select restart.

7. If you restart your computer and reinstall WSL, the error should be resolved.

Fix 6: Disable Antivirus or Windows Defender

It is common for Windows Defender or any antivirus you have installed on your system to disrupt installation.

If you wish to avoid this error, make sure you disable them before installing WSL. To disable Windows Defender or antivirus, follow the steps below.

1. Start by searching for Windows security and opening it.
2. Select Virus and Threat Protection Settings.
3. Select Manage Settings from the menu.

4. You can disable the following options.
5. Once you have made these changes, you will need to restart your computer, and then you can attempt to install WSL again.

Fix 7: Repair System Files

You can suffer from corrupted files in your Windows system. If system files have been corrupted, we can restore them using the System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Imaging Service and Management Tool (DISM).

1. Run the command prompt.
2. In the command prompt, type the following commands one by one and press enter.

sfc /scannow    
dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth

3. Afterwards, restart your computer.
4. Once you have installed the WSL again, the error should be resolved.

Fix 8: Perform a Clean Boot

When doing a clean boot, you are able to identify the application that is causing the error. In order to identify conflicts caused by conflicting software programs, users can perform a clean boot.

1. Initially, in the run dialog box, type msconfig and press Enter.
2. Move to services and enable the original boot configuration option.
3. Afterward, select Hide all Microsoft services and then Disable All.

4. Click on Open Task Manager under Startup.

5. Using the right-click menu, disable each task.
6. If you restart your PC and reinstall the updates, the error should be resolved.

So, that’s all we have for you regarding how to fix the WSLregisterdistribution that failed with error 0x8004032d. We hope that this guide has helped you. But that’s not the end. You can still ask me anything in the comment section.