WSL 2 Networking Not Working — No Internet Access from Linux Subsystem

Fix WSL 2 networking issues where Linux distributions have no internet access, DNS resolution fails, or cannot reach external hosts from inside WSL. This guide covers everything you need to know about this topic, including common causes, step-by-step solutions, and answers to frequently asked questions.

Here are the key things to understand: WSL 2 uses a virtual network adapter with NAT to provide network connectivity to Linux distributions. DNS resolution inside WSL defaults to the host Windows DNS settings via auto-generated /etc/resolv.conf. VPN software on Windows can break WSL 2 networking by changing routing tables. Firewall rules on the Windows host can block WSL 2 network traffic. WSL 2 runs in a lightweight VM with its own network stack separate from Windows. Understanding these fundamentals will help you diagnose and resolve this issue more effectively.

The most common reasons this occurs include: VPN software (Cisco AnyConnect, GlobalProtect) changing routing tables and breaking WSL NAT. DNS resolution failing because /etc/resolv.conf points to an unreachable DNS server. Windows Firewall or third-party firewall blocking WSL 2 virtual adapter traffic. Hyper-V virtual switch misconfigured after a Windows update. Identifying the root cause is the first step toward finding the right solution.

To resolve this, follow these recommended steps: Test connectivity: run "ping 8.8.8.8" in WSL — if this works but DNS fails, it is a DNS issue. Fix DNS manually: edit /etc/resolv.conf and set nameserver to 8.8.8.8 or 1.1.1.1. Prevent auto-generation: create /etc/wsl.conf with [network] generateResolvConf=false. For VPN issues: add WSL routing rules — wsl.exe requires special routes when VPN is active. Restart WSL: run "wsl --shutdown" in PowerShell then relaunch your Linux distribution. If these steps do not resolve the issue, consider consulting additional resources or a qualified professional.

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