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Stack overflow Exception for GUI applications in WSL

Problem

When attempting to launch a Linux GUI application in WSL, a Stack Overflow Exception error may occur due to compatibility or driver issues, preventing the app from running correctly.

Stack Overflow Error in Terminal

Stack Overflow Error in Debug Mode

Solutions

To enable Linux GUI applications in WSL, follow these steps to ensure you have the correct environment and drivers:

  1. Update WSL

    Start by updating your WSL installation with the command below:

    Terminal window
    wsl --update

    After updating, restart WSL to apply the changes:

    Terminal window
    wsl --shutdown
    wsl

  2. Install the Appropriate vGPU Driver

    Install the correct virtual GPU (vGPU) driver for your system to enable support for Linux GUI applications in WSL. Select the driver that matches your hardware:

For further details, consult Microsoft’s guide on Running Linux GUI Apps on the Windows Subsystem for Linux.

Following these steps should resolve the Stack Overflow Exception and allow you to successfully run GUI applications within WSL.