Error on WSL

I might encounter this error when trying to open my Linux distribution:

A connection attempt failed because the connected party did not properly respond after a period of time, or established connection failed because connected host has failed to respond.
Error code: Wsl/Service/0x8007274c

What Is This Error in WSL?

The error message:

“Error code: Wsl/Service/0x8007274c”

is a Windows networking timeout (SocketException 10060 / HRESULT 0x8007274c). In the context of Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL), it means that wsl.exe cannot connect to the WSL service or the Linux VM backend (WSL - 2).

This typically happens when:

  • The WSL VM is unresponsive, frozen, or crashed.
  • The WSL service (LxssManager) is hung.
  • Memory or resource exhaustion prevents the Linux kernel from responding.
  • Conflicts occur with Docker Desktop, VS Code Remote‑WSL, or antivirus software.
  • The Linux distro becomes corrupted after a failed shutdown or update.

The error often appears when running commands like:

wsl
wsl -d <distro>
wsl --shutdown

I may also see exit code 4294967295 (0xffffffff), indicating abnormal termination.

This is not a full WSL uninstall issue—it is strictly a runtime connection failure.

How to Fix It

I follow each step in order. I run commands in PowerShell or Command Prompt as Administrator.

1. Force shutdown WSL

Shut down all WSL instances and the VM.

wsl --shutdown

(If it errors, that’s normal when WSL is stuck.)

This clears most temporary hangs.

2. Restart the WSL service

net stop LxssManager
net start LxssManager

Or via Services.msc → LxssManager → Restart.

This resets the service that wsl.exe connects to.

3. Restart Hyper‑V components (WSL 2 only)

Restart-Service vmcompute

OR disable Hyper‑V in Windows Features → reboot → enable → reboot.

Clears VM-level communication issues.

4. Unregister and reinstall the distro

If a specific distro is corrupted:

wsl --unregister Ubuntu

Then reinstall:

wsl --install -d Ubuntu

(I backup my /home first if needed.)

5. Update WSL and check system resources

wsl --update

Check Task Manager for high RAM/CPU usage.

Outdated WSL builds or low memory can cause kernel panics.

6. Disable interfering software

Temporarily stop:

  • Docker Desktop
  • VS Code Remote-WSL
  • Antivirus real‑time scanning

These can block WSL’s Hyper‑V connection.

7. Full WSL reset (last resort)

wsl --uninstall

Reboot, then reinstall:

wsl --install

This wipes all distros—backup before using.

Additional Tips

  • Check WSL version:

    wsl --status

  • Upgrade to WSL 2:

    wsl --set-version <distro> 2

  • Check logs:

    • Event Viewer → System → LxssManager
    • Distro logs in LocalState directory

  • Prevention:

    • I Run wsl --shutdown before Windows updates.
    • I Avoid manually mounting/extending the distro VHDX.

  • Explore More Guides:

Still Not Working?

If the error persists after trying all the above fixes, it could be:

  • Hardware-related: A failing SSD or corrupted disk sectors.
  • Windows Insider Bug: Unstable builds often have WSL regressions, especially on Windows 11 Insider Preview.

I report the issue on the WSL GitHub Repository with the output of:

wsl --status

This sequence resolves the problem in nearly all cases—Step 1 alone fixes the majority of WSL connection failures.

If it was a critical issue in WSL, all above steps might hang up and no response. In that case, a hard reboot is required.