microsoft / microsoft/WSL

Unable to get GUI apps to work in Windows 11 with either Ubuntu or Debian

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#13,695 6 comments 0 reactions 0 assignees View on GitHub
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Description

### Windows Version

Microsoft Windows [Version 10.0.26200.7019]

### WSL Version

WSL version: 2.6.1.0

### Are you using WSL 1 or WSL 2?

- [x] WSL 2
- [ ] WSL 1

### Kernel Version

Kernel version: 6.6.87.2-1

### Distro Version

* Ubuntu-24.04 Running 2

### Other Software

WSLg version: 1.0.66

### Repro Steps

All commands using PowerShell 7.5.4.
Docker Desktop v4.50.0 running.
Updated NVIDIA drivers to latest.
Installed WSL 2.
Set 2 as default.
Installed Ubuntu using command `wsl --install --distribution Ubuntu-24.04`
Shut down WSL using `wsl --shutdown`
Shut down Docker Desktop
Restart WSL using `wsl -d Ubuntu-24.04`
Restart Docker Desktop from Start Menu
In Ubuntu CLI, run `sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade && sudo apt autoremove`
In Ubuntu CLI, run `sudo apt install gnome-text-editor -y`
In Ubuntu CLI, enter `gnome-text-editor ~/.bashrc &`
Receive [1] 2091

### Expected Behavior

Expecting to see gnome text editor open.

### Actual Behavior

No GUI app present in Windows.

I have tried restarting WSL multiple times. Updated NVIDIA drivers. Installed a GUI framework (xfce4). Set the DISPLAY=:0.

NOTHING HAS WORKED.

Is there ANY way to trace why???

### Diagnostic Logs

No errors. No diagnostics. No logs. No messages of any sort.

Contributor guide

Open the contributing guide

Research direction

Start by reproducing the listed PowerShell and WSL steps, especially installing gnome-text-editor and running gnome-text-editor ~/.bashrc &. Check the WSL, WSLg, Ubuntu, Docker Desktop, and NVIDIA configuration described in the report. Done means identifying why no GUI window appears and documenting a verified fix or the diagnostics needed to continue.

Written by the indexing model from the issue text.

Assessment

Tech stack
debian, docker, linux, ubuntu
Domain
desktop, operating-systems
Issue type
Bug
Difficulty
4/5
Estimated time
3-5 days
Activity status
Stale
Clarity
Needs clarification
Newbie friendliness
25/100

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