Software⏱️ 3 min read📅 2026-06-11

How to Fix: (Ubuntu20.04 WSL error at Startup) Press any key to continue

Ubuntu 20.04 WSL error at startup, unable to continue after pressing any key.

Quick Answer: Try running `wsl --update` command in the Command Prompt as an administrator to resolve the issue.

The error 'Press any key to continue...' in Ubuntu 20.04 WSL is frustrating and prevents users from using the operating system. This issue can occur due to various reasons, including problems with the LxssManager service, Hyper-V service, or issues with the WSL kernel.

In this troubleshooting guide, we will walk through the steps to resolve the error and get Ubuntu 20.04 WSL up and running smoothly.

🛑 Root Causes of the Error

  • The primary cause of this error is a problem with the LxssManager service. The LxssManagerUser and LxssManagerUser_60d78 services are stopped, which can prevent the WSL kernel from functioning properly.
  • Alternatively, issues with the Hyper-V service or problems with the WSL kernel installation can also cause this error.

🚀 How to Resolve This Issue

Resetting the LxssManager service

  1. Step 1: Open the Command Prompt as an administrator and run the command `net use lxsmanager /delete` to delete the existing LxssManager connection.
  2. Step 2: Next, run the command `lxsmanager /install` to reinstall the LxssManager service.
  3. Step 3: Finally, restart your computer and try launching Ubuntu 20.04 WSL again.

Updating the Hyper-V service

  1. Step 1: Open the Task Manager, go to the Performance tab, and click on the 'Hyper-V' process.
  2. Step 2: Select the 'Advanced options' button and check if the virtualization mode is enabled. If not, enable it.
  3. Step 3: Restart your computer and try launching Ubuntu 20.04 WSL again.

🎯 Final Words

If neither of the above methods resolve the issue, you can try updating the WSL kernel using the instructions provided in the Microsoft documentation. Additionally, make sure that Hyper-V is set to auto-start and that the system type is x64-based. If none of these steps work, it may be necessary to perform a clean installation of Ubuntu 20.04 WSL or seek further assistance from Microsoft support.

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