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WSL cannot start from anywhere besides ~ #23504

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opened 2026-01-31 08:44:08 +00:00 by claunia · 5 comments
claunia commented 2026-01-31 08:44:08 +00:00
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Originally created by @JamesRickards-Canada on GitHub (Aug 6, 2025).

Windows Terminal version

1.22.12111.0

Windows build number

10.0.26100.4652

Other Software

WSL 1

Steps to reproduce

In Windows terminal, go to settings, change the Ubuntu starting directory to be anywhere besides ~ (e.g. "C:\Users"), save.
Open a new Ubuntu tab (or, set the default profile to Ubuntu, go to C:\Users in Windows Terminal, right click, open in Terminal)

Expected Behavior

You open WSL in "C:\Users", i.e. /mnt/c/Users

Actual Behavior

You open WSL in ~

Under settings, I noticed that "Command line" was set to:
"C:\Windows\system32\wsl.exe --distribution-id {fc5a03e5-b632-4340-8975-048f8e6f47ee} --cd ~"

This was the default setting when it was installed. Deleting the "--cd ~" fixed my issue. I don't know why the "--cd ~" was the default behaviour, as it makes the starting directory choice useless. In an older version of WSL on a different laptop the "cd ~" was not included in the command line.

Originally created by @JamesRickards-Canada on GitHub (Aug 6, 2025). ### Windows Terminal version 1.22.12111.0 ### Windows build number 10.0.26100.4652 ### Other Software WSL 1 ### Steps to reproduce In Windows terminal, go to settings, change the Ubuntu starting directory to be anywhere besides ~ (e.g. "C:\Users"), save. Open a new Ubuntu tab (or, set the default profile to Ubuntu, go to C:\Users in Windows Terminal, right click, open in Terminal) ### Expected Behavior You open WSL in "C:\Users", i.e. /mnt/c/Users ### Actual Behavior You open WSL in ~ Under settings, I noticed that "Command line" was set to: "C:\Windows\system32\wsl.exe --distribution-id {fc5a03e5-b632-4340-8975-048f8e6f47ee} --cd ~" This was the default setting when it was installed. Deleting the "--cd ~" fixed my issue. I don't know why the "--cd ~" was the default behaviour, as it makes the starting directory choice useless. In an older version of WSL on a different laptop the "cd ~" was not included in the command line.
claunia added the Needs-TriageIssue-Bug labels 2026-01-31 08:44:09 +00:00
claunia commented 2026-01-31 08:44:10 +00:00
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@similar-issues-ai[bot] commented on GitHub (Aug 6, 2025):

We've found some similar issues:

  • #10704 , similarity score: 82%

If any of the above are duplicates, please consider closing this issue out and adding additional context in the original issue.

Note: You can give me feedback by 👍 or 👎 this comment.

@similar-issues-ai[bot] commented on GitHub (Aug 6, 2025): We've found some similar issues: - #10704 , similarity score: 82% If any of the above are duplicates, please consider closing this issue out and adding additional context in the original issue. > Note: You can give me feedback by 👍 or 👎 this comment.
claunia commented 2026-01-31 08:44:10 +00:00
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@DHowett commented on GitHub (Aug 6, 2025):

Fortunately for us, but unfortunately for you, Terminal got out of the business of detecting WSL profiles. This command line is generated by WSL itself. It may be worth filing a bug on their repository.

@DHowett commented on GitHub (Aug 6, 2025): Fortunately for us, but unfortunately for you, _Terminal_ got out of the business of detecting WSL profiles. This command line is generated by WSL itself. It may be worth filing a bug [on their repository](https://github.com/microsoft/wsl).
claunia commented 2026-01-31 08:44:10 +00:00
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@DHowett commented on GitHub (Aug 6, 2025):

I recall this coming up during the specification for WSL-generated profiles. I'm gonna follow up myself.

@DHowett commented on GitHub (Aug 6, 2025): I recall this coming up during the specification for WSL-generated profiles. I'm gonna follow up myself.
claunia commented 2026-01-31 08:44:10 +00:00
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@DHowett commented on GitHub (Aug 6, 2025):

Done: https://github.com/microsoft/WSL/issues/13346

@DHowett commented on GitHub (Aug 6, 2025): Done: https://github.com/microsoft/WSL/issues/13346
claunia commented 2026-01-31 08:44:11 +00:00
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@JamesRickards-Canada commented on GitHub (Aug 6, 2025):

Ah okay!
I originally filed it on WSL but it was suggested I file it here haha
Thanks for making the new report!

@JamesRickards-Canada commented on GitHub (Aug 6, 2025): Ah okay! I originally filed it on WSL but it was suggested I file it here haha Thanks for making the new report!
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Reference: starred/terminal#23504
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