WSL process exited with code 4294967295 in Windows 11

Are you frustrated with the error code 4294967295 displayed in Windows 11? It mainly occurs when the users are trying to start the Windows Subsystem for Linux. While installation of WSL is easy and hassle-free and can be done with a single command, problems can still arise, leading to the WSL process to exit or close. This post will talk about how you can fix the situation where the WSL process exited with code 4294967295 in Windows 11.

Why Does the WSL Process Exit with Code 4294967295 Occur?

Some users have reported the occurrence of the error code 4294967295 while trying to start Windows Subsystem for Linux. The message on the screen display states

A connection attempt failed because the connected party did not properly respond after a period of time, or an established connection failed because the connected host failed to respond.

Several users have reported that the error code appears when they browse the Linux distro with the Window File Explorer. Failure to access the distribution leads to this issue. It is largely a network problem, and can, fortunately, be resolved with multiple solutions.

Fix WSL Process exited with code 4294967295

There are several solutions you can apply to resolve the WSL error code 4294967295 on Windows 11/10:

1. Reset Winsock
2. Stop or Restart Hyper-V
3. Uninstall DNSCrypt
4. Disable/Enable WSL & Virtual Machine Platform

You will need to use an admin account to execute these suggestions.

1] Reset Winsock

Winsock is an excellent API that deals with the output and input requests related to internet applications in the system. Resetting Winsock has reportedly resolved the issue for many users. You can also try it out. These are the steps –

• Open Windows Search (Win + S)  and type WT
• Once Windows Terminal appears, Right-click on it and select Run as administrator from the drop-down menu.
• In the terminal,  type netsh winsock reset and hit Enter.
• Now, Restart the PC.

After that, you need to observe if the issue has been resolved or not.

2] Stop or Restart Hyper-V Service

Hyper-V is a hardware virtualization tool from Microsoft. It enables the users to create and successfully run a virtual machine. In order to run other OS on the Windows Subsystem for Linux natively, the presence of a Hyper-V is essential. However, to fix this issue, you can try restarting or stopping the Hyper-V.

To do so, follow the steps below:

• Open the Run prompt, type services, and press Shift + Enter to launch the Windows Services
• Locate HV Host Service
• Right-click on it and choose to restart  If it’s not running, start it.

3] Uninstall DNSCrypt

DNSCrypt is a software that authenticates and encrypts communications between the OpenDNS and the user. It prevents spying or obtaining data from one’s system without their knowledge. It boosts the security and privacy of the computer. However, in some cases, DNSCrypt can cause the error code 4294967295. In that case, you must uninstall DNSCrypt and see if the problem is resolved.

Follow the steps below that will help you to do so:

• Go to Windows Settings > Apps and locate DNSCrypt
• Click on the tree-dot menu next to DNSCrypt and select Uninstall from the drop-down. Follow the on-screen instructions.

Alternatively, you can use uninstaller.exe to remove the program. Follow the steps below:

• Find the DNSCrypt installation folder in C:\Programs files or C:\Program files(x86).
• Once you find it, scroll below and locate uninstaller.exe. Click on it and follow the steps after to uninstall DNSCrypt from the system.

4] Disable/Enable WSL & Virtual Machine Platform

Another excellent way to fix the error code 4294967295 is to disable and then re-enable WSL on the system. You don’t have to worry about thinking that the data from the computer will get erased. Take a look at the steps you need to follow –

• Type WT in the Windows search bar. Right-click on it and select Run as administrator.
• Once Windows Terminal is open, type the following command and execute it:

DISM /online /disable-feature /featurename:VirtualMachinePlatform /norestart

DISM /online /disable-feature /featurename:Microsoft-Windows-Subsystem-Linux /norestart

• Restart the computer.
• After the PC starts, you need to go to the Windows Terminal again and execute the following commands:

DISM /online /enable-feature /featurename:VirtualMachinePlatform /norestart

DISM /online /enable-feature /featurename:Microsoft-Windows-Subsystem-Linux /norestart

Restart the PC and see if the problem is resolved or not.

Error code 4294967295 appears when users attempt to use the Windows Subsystem for Linux. The network issue, though frustrating, can be resolved with multiple fixes. You can try any or all of the methods mentioned above to handle the problem. However, if the issue still remains, you must get in touch with a professional.

How do I know if WSL is installed?

While you can check in the features list, the easiest way to figure it out is to type WSL in the run prompt and press the Enter key. If there is no error, and you can see a terminal open up which looks like Linux, then you have WSL.

Is WSL enabled by default?

No. You can use the wsl --install command on any terminal available in Windows to install it. Once enabled, you can then install any of the Linux flavors from Microsoft Store.