https://github.com/microsoft/WSL/issues/4569

[LindHunt]

I am experiencing an issue when launching Kali Linux on WSL. When I open Kali Linux from the Start Menu or run the command:

wsl -d kali-linux

the terminal opens but only shows a blank screen or hangs without displaying the shell prompt. There is no error message shown.

This issue started occurring suddenly. Previously, Kali Linux was working normally.

Steps to Reproduce:

Install Kali Linux from the Microsoft Store.

Launch it via Start Menu or run:

wsl -d kali-linux

The terminal opens but does not enter the shell (only a blinking cursor or freeze).

Expected Behavior:
Kali Linux should load normally and display the shell prompt.

Actual Behavior:
The terminal shows a blank screen or becomes unresponsive.

Environment:

Windows Version: (e.g., Windows 10 22H2 / Windows 11 23H2)

WSL Version: (output of wsl --version)

WSL Mode: WSL 2

Kali Linux Version: (Rolling / Microsoft Store version)

Kernel Version: (from wsl --version)

Additional Information:
I have already tried:

Restarting Windows

Running wsl --shutdown

Updating WSL using wsl --update

Rebooting the system

The issue still persists.

[github-actions]

Logs are required for review from WSL team

If this a feature request, please reply with '/feature'. If this is a question, reply with '/question'.
Otherwise, please attach logs by following the instructions below, your issue will not be reviewed unless they are added. These logs will help us understand what is going on in your machine.

How to collect WSL logs

Download and execute collect-wsl-logs.ps1 in an administrative powershell prompt:

Invoke-WebRequest -UseBasicParsing "https://raw.githubusercontent.com/microsoft/WSL/master/diagnostics/collect-wsl-logs.ps1" -OutFile collect-wsl-logs.ps1
Set-ExecutionPolicy Bypass -Scope Process -Force
.\collect-wsl-logs.ps1

The script will output the path of the log file once done.

If this is a networking issue, please use .\collect-wsl-logs.ps1 -LogProfile networking instead, following the instructions in Collect WSL logs for networking issues

Once completed please upload the output files to this GitHub issue.

See Collect WSL logs (recommended method).

If you choose to email these logs instead of attaching them to the bug, please send them to wsl-gh-logs@microsoft.com with the GitHub issue number in the subject, and include a link to your GitHub issue comment in the message body, and reply with '/emailed-logs'.

[LindHunt]

WslLogs-2026-03-16_21-16-08.zip

[github-actions]

Diagnostic information

.wslconfig found
Detected appx version: 2.6.3.0

[LindHunt]

how?