Wrong usage of wsl --install does not give a helpful error message

[Fruitsalad]

Windows Build Number

10.0.21390.2025

Repro Steps

Type in any of the following commands:

wsl --install when wsl is already installed

wsl --install ubuntu

or any other misuse of wsl --install

Expected Behavior

I expect WSL to indicate that I made a syntax error.

In the specific case of wsl --install and wsl --install <distro>, more specific error messages could be printed such as WSL is already installed! Use "wsl --install -d <dist>" to install a new distribution. and Syntax error! Did you mean to run "wsl --install --distribution {the distro they typed in}"?.

Actual Behavior

WSL prints the --help output without any indication that there was a syntax error. I seriously thought that --install was just broken when I tried wsl --install ubuntu.

[didymus]

I'm just getting invalid command line option for --update in every application of it. It's not in the man pages either afaik.

There is indication of a syntax error Invalid command line option: --install. It's just the first line and scrolls the results of --help immediately after.

[Fruitsalad]

I don't think your issue is related to mine, didymus.
The --install option is currently only available in the preview builds, so the reason you're getting that error message is probably because it's not a feature in the version you have installed.

[markj1069]

Fruitsalad. Thanks for the insight. I am having the same issue as didymus. The preview build comment clears up the problem.
--Mark

[craigloewen-msft]

We've fixed this inside of WSL on the Microsoft Store
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wsl/store-release-notes#04710

Leaving this issue open to keep tracking it!

[DoctorWho8]

Can this preview be installed, and not cause problems to known working releases of WSL images? For example I read the pages on the store and I still have questions. Lots of questions.

[benhillis]

@DoctorWho8 - yes your existing images will continue to work with the preview. Please ask away and we can improve our docs!

[Biswa96]

Will the fixes from Store-d WSL Preview be imported to Windows built-in WSL?

[DoctorWho8]

@DoctorWho8 - yes your existing images will continue to work with the preview. Please ask away and we can improve our docs!

Great! But the store function complains that I do not have an applicable device connected. Huh? I'm viewing the store box on the system. The accounts page confirms it is present.