Software⏱️ 4 min read📅 2026-06-15

How to Fix 0x8007007e Error – WSL fails to start in Windows 10: "The specified module could not be found." (Error 0x8007007e)

WSL fails to start in Windows 10 due to a module not found error. Try reinstalling WSL from the Windows store and ensure kernel version is up-to-date.

Quick Answer: Reinstall WSL from the Windows store and check for kernel updates.

The 'The specified module could not be found' error in WSL on Windows 10 occurs when the system cannot locate a required module for the Linux distribution. This issue affects users who have installed WSL and are trying to run their Linux distributions, such as Ubuntu. The problem can be frustrating because it prevents users from accessing their Linux environments, which may contain essential tools and applications.

This error is often caused by a misconfigured system or an outdated kernel version. In some cases, the issue might be related to the Windows Boot Manager configuration. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to resolve this problem and get WSL up and running again.

🛑 Root Causes of the Error

  • The primary reason for this error is a misconfiguration of the system that prevents the Linux distribution from locating the required modules. This might be due to an outdated kernel version or a corrupted Windows Boot Manager configuration.
  • An alternative cause could be a problem with the WSL installation process itself, which may have resulted in a partially installed or incomplete distribution.

✅ Best Solutions to Fix It

Enable WSL and Update Kernel Version

  1. Step 1: Press the Windows key + X and select System.
  2. Step 2: In the System window, click on Advanced system settings on the right side.
  3. Step 3: In the Advanced system settings window, click on Settings in the left pane under Performance.
  4. Step 4: Under Performance Options, click on Change for advanced power settings.
  5. Step 5: Uncheck the box next to 'Turn on fast startup (recommended)' and then click Save Changes.
  6. Step 6: Close all System windows and restart your computer.
  7. Step 7: After restarting, open PowerShell as administrator and run the command `wsl --install`.
  8. Step 8: Next, run the command `bcdedit /v` to verify that the Windows Boot Manager configuration is correct.

Update Windows Feature Experience Pack

  1. Step 1: Press the Windows key + I to open Settings.
  2. Step 2: In the Settings window, click on Update & Security.
  3. Step 3: Click on Windows Feature Experience Pack in the left pane under Update & Security.
  4. Step 4: Under Windows Feature Experience Pack, toggle the switch next to 'Windows 10 Feature Experience Pack' to enable it.
  5. Step 5: Restart your computer and try running WSL again.

🎯 Final Words

To resolve the 'The specified module could not be found' error in WSL on Windows 10, you can try enabling WSL and updating the kernel version or update the Windows Feature Experience Pack. If these steps do not work, you may need to seek further assistance from Microsoft support or a qualified IT professional.

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