The error message you’re seeing: WSL/InstallDistro/Service/RegisterDistro/CreateVM/HCS/HCS_E_SERVICE_NOT_AVAILABLE means that Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) is failing to initialize the Hyper-V compute system, which is required to run a WSL 2 virtual machine.
The specific error HCS_E_SERVICE_NOT_AVAILABLE usually points to issues with the Hyper-V Host Compute Service (vmcompute).
🛠️ Fix Steps
✅ 1. Ensure Virtualization Is Enabled
Restart your PC and enter BIOS/UEFI.
Look for “Intel VT-x” or “AMD-V” and make sure it’s enabled.
Save and exit BIOS.
✅ 2. Enable Required Windows Features
Open PowerShell as Administrator and run:
Then restart your computer.
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✅ 3. Check If Hyper-V Services Are Running
Open Services (Win + R > type services.msc), and make sure the following are Running and set to Automatic:
Hyper-V Host Compute Service (
vmcompute)Hyper-V Virtual Machine Management (
vmms)
If they are disabled or not running, right-click > Start, and set their startup type to Automatic.
✅ 4. Use WSL 1 Temporarily
If you’re unable to get WSL 2 working, switch to WSL 1:
Then reinstall your distro.
✅ 5. Ensure Your OS Is Up to Date
WSL 2 and the required virtualization features work best on Windows 10 2004+ or Windows 11. To check your version:
If you’re on an older version, consider updating via Settings > Windows Update.
✅ 6. Reinstall WSL
If nothing works:
Or fully reset WSL with:
