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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsStart by identifying what fails: hostname lookups, all outbound connectivity, access only while a VPN is connected, proxy use, or inbound connections to Linux. Those symptoms point to different parts of WSL’s network path, so avoid changing DNS or networking mode before checking the specific failure. WSL 2 normally uses NAT; on supported Windows 11 systems, DNS tunneling and mirrored networking provide additional options for particular compatibility needs.
Identify the kind of connection failure
Run a simple comparison in the affected WSL distribution: try reaching a known hostname and then an external IP address. If the IP is reachable but the hostname is not, investigate DNS. If neither works, check the Windows-side virtual networking dependency and whether the failure began with a VPN or proxy. If Linux can make outbound connections but Windows or another LAN device cannot reach a Linux service, troubleshoot inbound access instead.
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- Names fail, IP connectivity works: investigate DNS resolution and VPN DNS policy.
- No outbound connectivity: check the WSL networking mode and the Windows Internet Connection Sharing service.
- Failure appears only with VPN or proxy: check DNS tunneling, mirrored-mode compatibility, and Windows proxy settings.
- Outbound works, inbound does not: review localhost/LAN behavior and firewall rules.
These are diagnostic clues, not proof of a single cause. Microsoft notes that a blocked DNS call to the Windows host is one possible reason WSL cannot connect to the internet (Microsoft’s WSL troubleshooting guide).
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NAT is the default WSL 2 networking mode. Mirrored networking is available on Windows 11 22H2 and later and adds capabilities including IPv6, multicast, LAN access, and improved compatibility with some VPN configurations. It is an option to test when its features address your problem, not a universal fix: Microsoft documents VPN-specific incompatibilities as well.
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Microsoft’s configuration reference lists none, nat, bridged (deprecated), mirrored, and virtioproxy. NAT is used as the fallback for an unknown networking-mode value; beginning with WSL 2.3.25, NAT may fall back to VirtioProxy if NAT fails. Check current platform and WSL requirements before copying a mode setting from a guide. See WSL networking and advanced WSL settings.
If DNS fails, check tunneling before hard-coding a resolver
Use DNS tunneling on supported Windows 11 systems
On Windows 11 22H2 and later, DNS tunneling is enabled by default. It passes WSL DNS requests to Windows through a virtualization feature rather than as ordinary network packets. That can improve compatibility with VPNs and complex firewall configurations, and it lets Windows DNS suffixes and policies apply to WSL. For it to work, generateResolvConf must not be disabled in /etc/wsl.conf.
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Docker Desktop-managed container DNS uses a separate mechanism; changing WSL DNS settings is not a general fix for container DNS. Microsoft explains DNS tunneling and related settings in its WSL configuration reference.
Use a manual resolver only as a targeted VPN workaround
Microsoft documents a manual /etc/resolv.conf override for a VPN-specific situation. Treat it as a workaround, not the default response to every lookup failure: it can bypass the automatic resolver behavior and may stop being appropriate when the VPN disconnects. Before applying the procedure in Microsoft’s troubleshooting guide, record the VPN DNS server, back up the existing resolver configuration, and follow the guide’s steps to disable automatic resolver generation. Restore the prior configuration when the VPN is no longer in use.
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If WSL has no internet, check Internet Connection Sharing
WSL 2 relies on the Windows Internet Connection Sharing service, whose service name is SharedAccess. The Host Network Service uses it for the virtual network supporting NAT, DNS, DHCP, and host connection sharing. If a local setting or policy has disabled it, WSL may not be able to create its network.
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If the problem involves a VPN or proxy
Test the VPN client with the mode your system supports
Mirrored networking is intended to improve VPN compatibility, but compatibility depends on the VPN client and its version. Microsoft’s troubleshooting documentation names tested versions with known incompatibilities and includes separate notes for Cisco AnyConnect and Global Secure Access. If a VPN breaks connectivity, test the exact client and version against Microsoft’s current guidance; for a managed device, check enterprise policy rather than assuming a networking-mode change is permitted or sufficient.
Apply the Windows HTTP proxy when appropriate
On Windows 11 22H2 and later, the autoProxy setting can apply Windows HTTP proxy information in WSL. Use it when the failure concerns an HTTP proxy, not as a substitute for fixing DNS or general virtual-network connectivity. The supported setting and networking context are described in Microsoft’s WSL networking documentation.
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Choose a networking mode for the need you actually have
| Mode or feature | When it may help | Important qualification |
|---|---|---|
| NAT | Default WSL 2 networking. | Does not provide the mirrored-mode feature set; NAT may fall back to VirtioProxy if NAT fails beginning with WSL 2.3.25. |
| Mirrored | Windows 11 22H2 and later; consider for IPv6, multicast, LAN access, or improved VPN compatibility. | Not a guaranteed VPN fix. Inbound traffic may require Hyper-V firewall configuration. |
| DNS tunneling | Windows 11 22H2 and later; helps route WSL DNS through Windows policies and may improve VPN or firewall compatibility. | Requires that generateResolvConf is not disabled in /etc/wsl.conf. It is distinct from Docker Desktop managed-container DNS. |
| Bridged | Listed in the WSL configuration reference. | Deprecated; do not treat it as an equivalent current recommendation. |
| None or VirtioProxy | Listed as networking-mode values in the configuration reference; VirtioProxy can be a NAT fallback from WSL 2.3.25 when NAT fails. | Do not choose these as general-purpose fixes without a specific need and version-aware guidance. |
For options and current behavior, consult Accessing network applications with WSL and Advanced settings configuration in WSL.
Apply configuration changes and restart WSL safely
.wslconfig applies to WSL 2 distributions globally. Microsoft recommends WSL Settings for configuration, and some changes may not take effect until WSL is stopped and started again. In PowerShell or Command Prompt, run:
wsl --shutdownThis stops all running WSL distributions, not only the one you are troubleshooting. Save work in every open distribution first, then start the affected distribution again. Microsoft documents the command in Basic commands for WSL; the configuration reference also notes that a shutdown may be needed after settings changes.
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If Linux can connect out but cannot accept connections
Inbound access is separate from DNS and outbound internet. Mirrored networking can support localhost and LAN scenarios, but Windows/Hyper-V firewall rules may still need configuration for inbound traffic. If access from Windows works but access from another LAN device does not, check the relevant firewall policy and inbound rule rather than changing the Linux DNS resolver. Microsoft covers localhost, LAN access, and firewall considerations in its WSL networking guide.
Quick Recap
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