FIX: WslRegisterDistribution failed with error: 0x80070057 Kali

WslRegisterDistribution failed with error: 0x80070057 the basics.

I tried to start Kali Linux on my Windows PC, but unfortunately, I got the following error message:

Installing, this may take a few minutes…
WslRegisterDistribution failed with error: 0x80070057
Error: 0x80070057 The parameter is incorrect.

I myself completely removed the Kali Linux installation and then reinstalled Kali Linux from the Microsoft Store. Unfortunately, all my settings were removed.

So, I started Googling to search for other solutions for other Kali Linux users on Windows so that they wouldn’t run into the same problem.

Because I already re-installed Kali Linux I tested all 3 options.

In the tutorial below there are 3 options for restoring your Kali Linux.

1. Option 1 is a workaround if you want to keep the self-configured settings.
2. Option 2 solves the problem completely, but then you have a chance that certain settings have been changed to default.
3. Option 3 is last resort solution and will temporarily remove the entire installation.

I assume that if you use Kali Linux on Windows, you have some technical knowledge so, I haven’t added screenshots etc. everywhere. If something is not clear yet, let me know in the comments.

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Option 1 – The Workaround for WslRegisterDistribution failed with error: 0x80070057

Go to start and search for Command Prompt.
Or press CTRL + R and type in cmd.

Type or copy each line separately:

wslconfig.exe /setdefault kali-rolling
bash
cd

From now on you can start (as a work around) Kali Linux from Command prompt. This is of course not desirable, but it can be a temporary solution.

You will no longer receive the error message “WslRegisterDistribution failed”

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Option 2 – A solution to “WslRegisterDistribution failed“

Go to the following location:
You cannot copy the directory because Kali Linux is installed in a directory with random characters.

“C:\Users\%username%\AppData\Local\Packages\KaliLinux<randomchars>\LocalState\rootfs.”

Copy the rootfs folder to a different folder.
I have a “C:\temp\” folder where I copy these type of things to.By restarting Kali Linux the directory will be re-created.
After you launch Kali Linux it will start to install again. Wait until the Install is finished.
Delete the newly installed rootfs and move the old one back.
You can now use Kali Linux with most unchanged.

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Option 3 – A complete fix, but not a desired one..

Microsoft Store as the last solution.

Keep in mind that all settings are removed and that you start again with a fresh installation.

1. Search in Start for Kali Linux
2. Right click on Kali and choose Uninstall
3. After the uninstall, you can reinstall Kali from the Microsoft Store.

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Recap

So, these are 3 options to solve your problem. If you find another solution, could you indicate it in the comments below? I’ll add it to the post.

Do you have other feedback, or do you see something that is not right? Please leave a comment!