Bash.exe not working

Question

Bash.exe not working

Matt May 0

Running Windows 11. When I run bash.exe I get a command-prompt-like window, which disappears after a couple of seconds??

AgaveJoe 30,221 Reputation points

2025-08-21T14:59:00.6933333+00:00

The symptom you're describing (a console window opening and immediately closing) is classic behavior for an application that is failing on startup.

Since bash.exe is not a native Windows 11 executable, the root cause is likely an issue with the package that provided it (e.g., a corrupted Windows Subsystem for Linux installation or a problematic third-party tool).

To diagnose this, you need to check the Windows Event Viewer. Filter the Application log for recent 'Error' entries. There should be a corresponding event log that details the faulting module or provides an exception code, which will be critical for finding a solution.

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AgaveJoe 30,221 Reputation points

2025-08-21T14:59:00.6933333+00:00

The symptom you're describing (a console window opening and immediately closing) is classic behavior for an application that is failing on startup.

Since bash.exe is not a native Windows 11 executable, the root cause is likely an issue with the package that provided it (e.g., a corrupted Windows Subsystem for Linux installation or a problematic third-party tool).

To diagnose this, you need to check the Windows Event Viewer. Filter the Application log for recent 'Error' entries. There should be a corresponding event log that details the faulting module or provides an exception code, which will be critical for finding a solution.

Answer 1

Thanks for reaching out! It sounds like bash.exe is closing right after launch, which usually means the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) isn’t fully set up yet.

Here’s how you can fix it:

Check WSL Installation Open Command Prompt and run: wsl --list --verbose If no distributions are listed, you’ll need to install one.

Install a Linux Distribution Head to the Microsoft Store and install a distro like Ubuntu or Debian. Once installed, launch it from the Start menu to complete setup.

Enable Required Features Open PowerShell as Administrator and run:
dism.exe /online /enable-feature /featurename:Microsoft-Windows-Subsystem-Linux /all /norestart dism.exe /online /enable-feature /featurename:VirtualMachinePlatform /all /norestart Then restart your PC. 4. Update WSL (Optional) You can run wsl --update to make sure everything’s up to date. Once that’s done, try running bash.exe again—it should open your Linux shell properly. Let me know if the issue persists after following these steps. I’ll be happy to assist further if needed. If the issue has been resolved, kindly mark the response as answered.

Gade Harika (INFOSYS LIMITED) 490 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff

2025-08-25T12:36:26.69+00:00

"Hope you're doing well. We're following up on the ticket. Please let us know whether the issue persists or has been resolved. If the issue has been resolved, kindly mark the response as answered."
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Bash.exe not working

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