Windows 10: Issue Enabling Windows Subsystem for Linux

When trying to enable WSL in the Windows Features window, I get an error message saying:


"The referenced assembly could not be found. Error code: 0x80073701"


I've tried to do enable the feature in both the command prompt and PowerShell, but it provides the same error, even running as admin. The computer is up to date on Windows updates, and also tried enabling developer mode to no avail. I can't seem to find a solution for this specific error code. What steps might I take to enable WSL?

:)

 

Windows Subsystem Linux

Hello,

We would like to know more about the issue you're experiencing with using
Windows Subsystem for Linux. Kindly answer the following questions:

• Are you developing a program, an app, or a software for Linux?
• Is your Window 10 PC connected to a domain?
• Are you managing a Windows Server PC?
• What troubleshooting steps have you tried so far?
• Can you tell us the Version and OS build of your Windows 10 device? You can find this information by clicking the
  Start button, type About your PC, and then press
  Enter.

We need the following information in order to determine if we need to refer your concern to the
TechNet forums or the Microsoft Developer Network (MSDN) forums.

For now, we suggest reviewing these support articles to find out if there's an issue with the installation of
Windows Subsystem for Linux:

• Install the Windows Subsystem for Linux
• Troubleshooting Windows Subsystem for Linux

We'll be waiting for your response.

 

Windows Subsystem for Linux not available on build 14316

Review instructions:

How
to: Enable the Windows Subsystem for Linux

 

enabling windows subsystem linux on windows 10

Hi,

You mentioned that the build of your Windows 10 is 16299.15. The latest build of Windows 10 is 16299.125. It is possible that the issue with Windows Subsystem for Linux is occurring because you're still using the earlier build of Windows 10 version 1709.
We recommend updating the build of your Windows 10 to resolve the issue.

Let us know if you can enable Windows Subsystem for Linux after updating the build of your Windows 10.

If you think this was useful, feel free to "mark it as an answer" to help those who are facing the same problem.