Software⏱️ 3 min read📅 2026-06-11

How to Fix 0x80070781 Error – Error 0x80070781 copying files from WSL to Windows

Error 0x80070781 occurs when trying to copy files from WSL to Windows, despite having read/write permissions and being able to access the files in Explorer.

Quick Answer: Check if Google Drive is mounted as a network drive and try copying files using a different method, such as the mnt process or a USB SD card reader.

📋 Table of Contents

  1. ⚠️ Common Causes
  2. 🚀 How to Resolve This Issue
  3. ✨ Wrapping Up

Error 0x80070781 occurs when attempting to copy files from WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux) to Windows, specifically when using the \wsl$/ubuntu-18-04 path. This issue affects users who need to transfer files from WSL to Windows, such as creating a boot disk for Yocto projects.

This error is frustrating because it prevents users from successfully transferring critical files between their WSL and Windows environments, hindering productivity and progress in their work or projects.

⚠️ Common Causes

  • The primary reason for this error is related to the way WSL handles file paths and permissions. When copying files from WSL to Windows, the system may not be able to resolve the path due to differences in file systems and permissions. This can lead to errors like Error 0x80070781.
  • An alternative reason could be related to the use of Google Drive or other cloud storage services. If the Google Drive folder is mounted as a drive letter, it may cause conflicts with WSL's file system, leading to issues when copying files between the two environments.

🚀 How to Resolve This Issue

Using the `mnt` process in WSL

  1. Step 1: Open a new terminal window in WSL and navigate to the directory containing the files you want to copy. Type `mount -t proc /proc /mnt/proc` and press Enter.
  2. Step 2: Type `mount -o bind /mnt/c /mnt/c` and press Enter. This will create a symbolic link between the Windows C: drive and the WSL /mnt/c directory.
  3. Step 3: Copy the files you want to transfer using the `cp` command, specifying the full path to the file in both WSL and Windows directories. For example, `cp -r \wsl$/ubuntu-18-04/path/to/file /mnt/c/destination/directory`. Press Enter and verify that the files have been copied successfully.

Using a third-party file copy tool

  1. Step 1: Download and install a third-party file copy tool, such as CopyTo, which allows you to transfer files between WSL and Windows without relying on the `mnt` process.
  2. Step 2: Launch the tool and select the source and destination directories. Choose the file type and options as needed. Press Start to begin the transfer process.

✨ Wrapping Up

By following these steps, users should be able to successfully copy files from WSL to Windows, overcoming the Error 0x80070781 issue. If you continue to experience issues, consider reaching out to Microsoft support or the WSL community for further assistance.

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