Error code: wsl/service/createinstance/createvm/e_invalidarg: A Complete Guide

ByAmit Sahani

The error code “Error code: wsl/service/createinstance/createvm/e_invalidarg” can be frustrating to encounter when using Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL). This comprehensive guide will explain what this error means, why it occurs, and how to troubleshoot and resolve it.

What Does the Error Code Mean?

 

The “wsl/service/createinstance/createvm/e_invalidarg” error indicates that WSL encountered an invalid argument when trying to create a new Linux virtual machine instance.

The error code breaks down as follows:

  • wsl – Indicates the Windows Subsystem for Linux service
  • service – The specific WSL service encountering the issue
  • createinstance – The action being attempted (creating a new instance)
  • createvm – Creating a new virtual machine
  • e_invalidarg – The specific error encountered – an invalid argument

So in plain terms, this error means WSL ran into an invalid argument when trying to create a new Linux virtual machine instance.

Common Causes of the Error

 

There are a few common triggers for the “e_invalidarg” error in WSL:

  • Incompatible WSL version – Trying to create a WSL 2 instance when running an older Windows 10 build that only supports WSL 1. Upgrading Windows can resolve this.
  • Lack of virtualization support – Virtualization capabilities like Hyper-V must be enabled to use WSL 2. Enabling this in Windows settings should fix.
  • Insufficient system resources – WSL 2 requires a minimum of 4GB RAM and an x64 compatible processor. Lacking resources causes creation issues.
  • Corrupt WSL files – Damaged WSL OS image files or corrupted data can lead to invalid arguments. Resetting or reinstalling WSL may help.
  • Conflicting applications – Some third-party apps like remote desktop services and virtual machine managers conflict with WSL 2. Uninstalling or closing these programs may remedy the problem.
  • Unsupported distros – Attempting to install a non-supported WSL distro from the Microsoft Store triggers the error. Stick to supported distros like Ubuntu.

So in summary, this error most often occurs due to incompatible Windows versions, lack of virtualization abilities, insufficient system specs, damaged files, conflicting software, or unsupported distros being installed.

How to Troubleshoot and Fix the Error

 

If you encounter the “wsl/service/createinstance/createvm/e_invalidarg” error, try these troubleshooting steps to fix it:

  1. Update Windows version
  • Check that you’re running Windows 10 version 2004 or higher to use WSL 2. Update Windows if on an older unsupported build.
  1. Enable virtualization
  • Open Windows Features and ensure “Virtual Machine Platform” and “Windows Hypervisor Platform” are enabled for WSL 2.
  1. Check system resources
  • Confirm your PC meets the minimum 4GB RAM and x64 processor requirements for WSL 2. Upgrade hardware if needed.
  1. Reset or reinstall WSL
  • Open PowerShell as admin, run “wsl –shutdown” then “wsl –unregister” and finally “wsl –install” to reset WSL and reinstall the Linux kernel.
  1. Close conflicting programs
  • Check for any virtual machine managers like VirtualBox as well as remote desktop services that may conflict and close them.
  1. Only install supported distros
  • Avoid installing random Linux distros from outside the Microsoft Store. Stick to supported distros like Ubuntu, openSUSE, etc.
  1. Update WSL
  • Sometimes WSL issues are fixed in updates. Open PowerShell as admin and run “wsl –update” to update WSL to the latest version.
  1. Consult Windows logs
  • Check the Event Viewer > Windows Logs > Application for more details on the “e_invalidarg” error to help diagnose the problem.
  1. Reach out for assistance
  • For ongoing issues, it may help to contact Microsoft Support or post in technical forums for additional troubleshooting advice.

Following this troubleshooting checklist can help narrow down and resolve the root cause of the “wsl/service/createinstance/createvm/e_invalidarg” error in most cases. Be sure to try resetting and reinstalling WSL, double checking system requirements, closing conflicting programs, installing only supported distros, and updating WSL to fix the problem.

Tips to Avoid the Error

 

Here are some general tips to help avoid encountering the 

“wsl/service/createinstance/createvm/e_invalidarg” error when using WSL:

  • Always keep Windows updated to the latest version and builds to stay compatible with WSL.
  • Only create WSL 2 instances after enabling Hyper-V virtualization on your system.
  • Check that your PC meets the minimum system requirements before installing WSL 2.
  • Be careful when modifying WSL config files and don’t manually edit them unless you know what you’re doing.
  • Only install distros directly from the Microsoft Store rather than manually to prevent issues.
  • Cleanly uninstall any VM managers like VirtualBox that could conflict with WSL.
  • Create a system restore point before making major changes related to WSL as a backup.
  • Back up your critical Linux files from WSL in case you need to reset or reinstall the subsystem.

Following best practices like these will help avoid stability issues and errors like “e_invalidarg” when working with Windows Subsystem for Linux.

Conclusion

 

The “wsl/service/createinstance/createvm/e_invalidarg” error ultimately indicates an invalid argument was passed when WSL attempted to create a new Linux VM instance. Updating Windows version, enabling virtualization, meeting system requirements, resetting WSL, closing conflicts, installing supported distros, and updating WSL can all help resolve this issue. Avoiding the error comes down to keeping WSL properly updated and configured, not installing unsupported distros, and managing system resources appropriately. Referring to this guide can aid in swiftly troubleshooting and fixing this common WSL error code encounter.