[Fix] WSL1: systemd upgrade error - `E: Sub-process /usr/bin/dpkg returned an error code (1)`

🔥 THE PROBLEM

On WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux) WSL1, you ran:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

But then it slapped you with this nasty surprise:

Failed to take /etc/passwd lock: Invalid argument
dpkg: error processing package systemd (--configure):
installed systemd package post-installation script subprocess returned error exit status 1

And that very last line:

E: Sub-process /usr/bin/dpkg returned an error code (1)

💡 THE MOST RELIABLE FIX:

That’s because WSL1 doesn’t support systemd at all-it’s like trying to install a kitchen sink in a cardboard box. 💀

✅ Step 1: Confirm if you’re in WSL1 or WSL2

wsl.exe -l -v

You’ll see a list like:

  NAME      STATE           VERSION
* Ubuntu    Running         1

If VERSION is 1 → WSL1.
If VERSION is 2 → 🎉 You good! (though the error suggests you’re still on 1.)

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🧨 Step 2: If you’re on WSL1 - Upgrade to WSL2

Because WSL2 supports systemd natively now. Here’s how:

1. Ensure you’re on Windows 10 (Build 19041+) or Windows 11
2. Run in PowerShell (as admin):

wsl --set-version Ubuntu 2

1. Set WSL2 as default:

wsl --set-default-version 2

That command will switch your WSL into 2025-worthy mode-with full systemd compatibility and no more /etc/passwd lock failures.

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💥 If then You’re Hitting the Classic ERROR_NOT_SUPPORTED

That line:

Error code: Wsl/Service/CreateVm/HCS/ERROR_NOT_SUPPORTED

translates to:

“Yo dude, your system can’t even support WSL2 VM tech. Sorry not sorry.”

This isn’t just a config issue anymore-it means your system doesn’t meet WSL2’s requirements.

---

We need to check 3 things one by one to make sure WSL2 can even work on your current setup:

🧩 1. Is Virtualization Enabled in BIOS?

• Reboot into BIOS/UEFI (usually by pressing Delete or F2 when booting).
• Look for Intel VT-x, AMD-V, or anything saying Virtualization - and enable it.
• Save and reboot.

Detailed Guide - Enable Virtualization in BIOS

e.g. On GALAX B560 LIGHTXY motherboard:

🛠️ Steps to Enable Virtualization (Intel VT-x):

1. Enter BIOS Setup:
   • Restart your computer.
   • Immediately press the Delete key repeatedly as your system boots up to enter the BIOS setup utility.
2. Navigate to Advanced Settings:
   • Use the arrow keys to move to the Advanced tab in the BIOS menu.
3. Locate CPU Configuration:
   • Within the Advanced tab, find and select CPU Configuration.
4. Enable Intel Virtualization Technology:
   • Look for an option named Intel Virtualization Technology or VT-x.
   • Select this option and change its setting to Enabled.
5. Save and Exit:
   • Press F10 to save your changes and exit the BIOS.
   • Confirm any prompts to apply the changes.

🧩 2. Is Hyper-V Platform Installed?

Even if WSL2 is “set-default,” it needs Hyper-V tech to create a virtual machine backend. So run this in PowerShell (Admin):

dism.exe /online /enable-feature /featurename:VirtualMachinePlatform /all /norestart
dism.exe /online /enable-feature /featurename:Microsoft-Windows-Subsystem-Linux /all /norestart

Optional but helpful (for GUI apps later):

dism.exe /online /enable-feature /featurename:HypervisorPlatform /all /norestart

🧩 3. Check Windows Version - WSL2 Minimum = Win10 2004+

Run this in PowerShell:

systeminfo | findstr /B /C:"OS Name" /C:"OS Version"

If you see something like:

OS Version:                10.0.18362  <== ❌ too low (must be ≥ 19041)

Then, that’s the real block. You’ll need to update to at least Windows 10 2004 or later, or ideally Windows 11.

🧩 4. Reboot‼️

Once all three conditions are met, reboot your PC to let Windows fully apply the updated settings.

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🐾 TL;DR

Thing	Status	Fix
BIOS Virtualization	❓ Maybe Disabled	Enable it in BIOS
Hyper-V/VM Support	❌ Missing	Run dism commands to enable features
OS Version Too Low	❓ Check with systeminfo	Must be Win10 2004+ or upgrade to Windows 11
Can’t Use WSL2 Now	✅ True	Use script workaround + avoid systemd packages on WSL1

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Solved❗

Now go ahead and run:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

inside your Ubuntu shell -

this time, it should work like a charm! 💫

🐧 You’re now officially a WSL2 baddie.

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