WSL2 rootfs directory disappeared

[gjwatts]

Environment

Windows build number:  Win32NT             10.0.19042.0 Microsoft Windows NT 10.0.19042.0
Your Distribution version: 16.04
Whether the issue is on WSL 2 and/or WSL 1: WSL 2
Linux version 4.19.128-microsoft-standard (oe-user@oe-host) (gcc version 8.2.0 (GCC)) #1 SMP Tue Jun 23 12:58:10 UTC 2020

Steps to reproduce

First off, I can get into my Ubuntu shell and run commands just fine. From my Ubuntu shell, I can access my /c/ drive just fine.

I used to be able to access my ubuntu distro using Windows explorer at
C:\Users\<user>\AppData\Local\Packages\CanonicalGroupLimited.UbuntuonWindows_79rhkp1fndgsc\LocalState\rootfs
However, I just checked and now the rootfs directory is gone. All the directories before that are there and in LocalState I see a temp directory and file named ext4.vhdx, but no rootfs.

If I go into the Windows Explorer and try using \\wsl$, it delays for a few seconds and then comes back with the error:

Windows cannot access \\wsl$
Check the spelling of the name.  
Otherwise, there might be a problem with your network.  
To try to identify and resolve network problems, click Diagnose

If I go into a Ubuntu shell and run explorer.exe . instead of it bringing up an explorer window inside the Ubuntu file system, it opens it in my Document folder in the Windows file system.

I have not used the rootfs directory for several weeks now, but as far as I know, nothing major has happened to my PC other than a few MS updates.

Expected behavior

C:\Users\<user>\AppData\Local\Packages\CanonicalGroupLimited.UbuntuonWindows_79rhkp1fndgsc\LocalState\rootfs should exist and allow me access into my Ubuntu file system.

Actual behavior

The directory C:\Users\<user>\AppData\Local\Packages\CanonicalGroupLimited.UbuntuonWindows_79rhkp1fndgsc\LocalState\rootfs has been removed somehow and I can not access my Ubuntu file system from within Windows.

[gjwatts]

Feedback link -> https://aka.ms/AAab32e

[JuiceDrinker]

Any update on this? Running into the exact same issue

[moonseokho85]

let me know about the error please~

[Lermamitibla]

Same thing, and cant open ext4.vhdx anyway

[ChristineChetty11]

Same problem

[andrasmakoviczki]

Same for me too.

[Jakejamesreid]

Having the same issue. Rootfs folder is missing. Any update on this issue?

[ayushm2003]

facing the same issue. Although i am able to see \\wsl$\Ubuntu-20.04 folder in explorer but not able to access it via shell. Any updates on how can we resolve this?

[talhaanwarch]

same issue

[ajkessel]

ditto

[jayasakthivel]

The issue is with WSL 2. Try setting the default to WSL 1 (wsl --set-default-version 1) and you should be able to see the rootfs directory from there.

[microsoft-github-policy-service]

This issue has been automatically closed since it has not had any activity for the past year. If you're still experiencing this issue please re-file this as a new issue or feature request.

Thank you!