MSI installer "Warning: 1946.Property [...] could not be set."

[ColorfulRhino]

Windows Version

Microsoft Windows [Version 10.0.22631.3155]

WSL Version

2.2.1.0

Are you using WSL 1 or WSL 2?

• WSL 2
• WSL 1

Kernel Version

No response

Distro Version

Ubuntu 22.04

Other Software

No response

Repro Steps

1. Download wsl.2.2.1.0.x64.msi, wsl.2.1.4.0.x64.msi or wsl.2.1.1.0.x64.msi from this repository's releases page.
2. Double click the installer
3. Confirm admin prompt
4. Let installer run
5. Warning appears:
   
6. Click OK
7. Installation finishes

Expected Behavior

No warning during install

Actual Behavior

Warning appears during install:

Diagnostic Logs

From collected logs via msiexec /i <path/to/msi> /L*V C:\wsllogs.txt:
(See error where the blank lines are)

[...]
MSI (s) (98:0C) [23:30:51:044]: File: C:\Program Files\WSL\tr-TR\msrdc.exe.mui;	To be installed;	Won't patch;	No existing file
MSI (s) (98:0C) [23:30:51:044]: Source for file 'msrdc.exe.mui_tr_TR' is compressed
MSI (s) (98:0C) [23:30:51:045]: Executing op: FileCopy(SourceName=60wmt6ni.mui|rdclientax.dll.mui,SourceCabKey=rdclientax.dll.mui_tr_TR,DestName=rdclientax.dll.mui,Attributes=512,FileSize=143408,PerTick=65536,,VerifyMedia=1,,,,,CheckCRC=0,Version=1.2.5105.0,Language=1033,InstallMode=62914560,,,,,,,)
MSI (s) (98:0C) [23:30:51:045]: File: C:\Program Files\WSL\tr-TR\rdclientax.dll.mui;	To be installed;	Won't patch;	No existing file
MSI (s) (98:0C) [23:30:51:045]: Source for file 'rdclientax.dll.mui_tr_TR' is compressed
MSI (s) (98:0C) [23:30:51:046]: Executing op: SetTargetFolder(Folder=C:\Program Files\WSL\zh-CN\)
MSI (s) (98:0C) [23:30:51:046]: Executing op: SetSourceFolder(Folder=1\PFiles64\WSL\zh-CN\)
MSI (s) (98:0C) [23:30:51:046]: Executing op: FileCopy(SourceName=hhlvgwqx.mui|msrdc.exe.mui,SourceCabKey=msrdc.exe.mui_zh_CN,DestName=msrdc.exe.mui,Attributes=512,FileSize=49184,PerTick=65536,,VerifyMedia=1,,,,,CheckCRC=0,Version=1.2.5105.0,Language=1033,InstallMode=62914560,,,,,,,)
MSI (s) (98:0C) [23:30:51:046]: File: C:\Program Files\WSL\zh-CN\msrdc.exe.mui;	To be installed;	Won't patch;	No existing file
MSI (s) (98:0C) [23:30:51:047]: Source for file 'msrdc.exe.mui_zh_CN' is compressed
MSI (s) (98:0C) [23:30:51:048]: Executing op: FileCopy(SourceName=izy0lorj.mui|rdclientax.dll.mui,SourceCabKey=rdclientax.dll.mui_zh_CN,DestName=rdclientax.dll.mui,Attributes=512,FileSize=143408,PerTick=65536,,VerifyMedia=1,,,,,CheckCRC=0,Version=1.2.5105.0,Language=1033,InstallMode=62914560,,,,,,,)
MSI (s) (98:0C) [23:30:51:048]: File: C:\Program Files\WSL\zh-CN\rdclientax.dll.mui;	To be installed;	Won't patch;	No existing file
MSI (s) (98:0C) [23:30:51:048]: Source for file 'rdclientax.dll.mui_zh_CN' is compressed
MSI (s) (98:0C) [23:30:51:049]: Executing op: SetTargetFolder(Folder=C:\Program Files\WSL\zh-TW\)
MSI (s) (98:0C) [23:30:51:049]: Executing op: SetSourceFolder(Folder=1\PFiles64\WSL\zh-TW\)
MSI (s) (98:0C) [23:30:51:049]: Executing op: FileCopy(SourceName=spvcbrtv.mui|msrdc.exe.mui,SourceCabKey=msrdc.exe.mui_zh_TW,DestName=msrdc.exe.mui,Attributes=512,FileSize=49184,PerTick=65536,,VerifyMedia=1,,,,,CheckCRC=0,Version=1.2.5105.0,Language=1033,InstallMode=62914560,,,,,,,)
MSI (s) (98:0C) [23:30:51:049]: File: C:\Program Files\WSL\zh-TW\msrdc.exe.mui;	To be installed;	Won't patch;	No existing file
MSI (s) (98:0C) [23:30:51:049]: Source for file 'msrdc.exe.mui_zh_TW' is compressed
MSI (s) (98:0C) [23:30:51:050]: Executing op: FileCopy(SourceName=jilcuv4y.mui|rdclientax.dll.mui,SourceCabKey=rdclientax.dll.mui_zh_TW,DestName=rdclientax.dll.mui,Attributes=512,FileSize=143408,PerTick=65536,,VerifyMedia=1,,,,,CheckCRC=0,Version=1.2.5105.0,Language=1033,InstallMode=62914560,,,,,,,)
MSI (s) (98:0C) [23:30:51:050]: File: C:\Program Files\WSL\zh-TW\rdclientax.dll.mui;	To be installed;	Won't patch;	No existing file
MSI (s) (98:0C) [23:30:51:050]: Source for file 'rdclientax.dll.mui_zh_TW' is compressed
MSI (s) (98:0C) [23:30:51:051]: Executing op: CacheSizeFlush(,)
MSI (s) (98:0C) [23:30:51:051]: Executing op: ActionStart(Name=CreateShortcuts,Description=Creating shortcuts Shortcut: [1],)
MSI (s) (98:0C) [23:30:51:057]: Executing op: IconCreate(Icon=wsl.ico,Data=BinaryData)
MSI (s) (98:0C) [23:30:51:058]: Executing op: SetTargetFolder(Folder=23)
MSI (s) (98:0C) [23:30:51:059]: SHELL32::SHGetFolderPath returned: C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs
MSI (s) (98:0C) [23:30:51:059]: Executing op: ShortcutCreate(Name=WSL,Feature=WSL,Component={F0C8D6BA-1502-41E7-BF72-D93DFA134730}[~]2,,Arguments=--cd ~,,Icon=wsl.ico,,,,Description=Windows Subsystem for Linux,,,,)
MSI (s) (98:0C) [23:30:51:063]: Executing op: ShortcutPropertyCreate(ShortcutName=WSL,PropertyKey=System.AppUserModel.ID,PropVariantValue=Microsoft.WSL)
MSI (s) (98:0C) [23:30:51:071]: Executing op: ShortcutPropertyCreate(ShortcutName=WSL,PropertyKey=System.AppUserModel.ToastActivatorCLSID,PropVariantValue={2B9C59C3-98F1-45C8-B87B-12AE3C7927E8})
MSI (s) (98:0C) [23:30:51:073]: Note: 1: 1946 2: System.AppUserModel.ToastActivatorCLSID 3: WSL.lnk 4: 32 
MSI (s) (98:0C) [23:30:51:073]: Note: 1: 2205 2:  3: Error 
MSI (s) (98:0C) [23:30:51:073]: Note: 1: 2228 2:  3: Error 4: SELECT `Message` FROM `Error` WHERE `Error` = 1946 
MSI (c) (20:90) [23:30:51:080]: Font created.  Charset: Req=1, Ret=0, Font: Req=, Ret=Arial

MSI (c) (20:90) [23:30:51:080]: Font created.  Charset: Req=0, Ret=0, Font: Req=MS Shell Dlg, Ret=MS Shell Dlg

Warning 1946.Property 'System.AppUserModel.ToastActivatorCLSID' for shortcut 'WSL.lnk' could not be set. HRESULT 32.
MSI (s) (98:0C) [23:31:00:188]: Executing op: SetTargetFolder(Folder=23)
MSI (s) (98:0C) [23:31:00:189]: SHELL32::SHGetFolderPath returned: C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs
MSI (s) (98:0C) [23:31:00:189]: Executing op: ActionStart(Name=CleanMsixState,,)
MSI (s) (98:0C) [23:31:00:190]: Executing op: CustomActionSchedule(Action=CleanMsixState,ActionType=3073,Source=BinaryData,Target=CleanMsixState,)
MSI (s) (98:D8) [23:31:00:192]: Invoking remote custom action. DLL: C:\Windows\Installer\MSI36D5.tmp, Entrypoint: CleanMsixState
MSI (s) (98:0C) [23:31:00:198]: Executing op: ActionStart(Name=WriteRegistryValues,Description=Writing system registry values Key: [1], Name: [2], Value: [3],)
MSI (s) (98:0C) [23:31:00:198]: Executing op: ProgressTotal(Total=39,Type=1,ByteEquivalent=13200)
MSI (s) (98:0C) [23:31:00:198]: Executing op: RegOpenKey(,Key=Interface\{38541BDC-F54F-4CEB-85D0-37F0F3D2617E},,BinaryType=1,ControlRegistryReflection=0,)
MSI (s) (98:0C) [23:31:00:198]: Executing op: RegAddValue(,Value=ILxssUserSession,)
MSI (s) (98:0C) [23:31:00:198]: Disabling reflection on key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Classes\Interface\{38541BDC-F54F-4CEB-85D0-37F0F3D2617E}
MSI (s) (98:0C) [23:31:00:198]: Executing op: RegOpenKey(,Key=Interface\{38541BDC-F54F-4CEB-85D0-37F0F3D2617E}\ProxyStubClsid32,,BinaryType=1,ControlRegistryReflection=0,)
MSI (s) (98:0C) [23:31:00:198]: Executing op: RegAddValue(,Value={4EA0C6DD-E9FF-48E7-994E-13A31D10DC60},)
MSI (s) (98:0C) [23:31:00:198]: Disabling reflection on key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Classes\Interface\{38541BDC-F54F-4CEB-85D0-37F0F3D2617E}\ProxyStubClsid32
MSI (s) (98:0C) [23:31:00:198]: Executing op: RegOpenKey(,Key=CLSID\{4EA0C6DD-E9FF-48E7-994E-13A31D10DC60},,BinaryType=1,ControlRegistryReflection=0,)
MSI (s) (98:0C) [23:31:00:198]: Executing op: RegAddValue(,Value=PSFactoryBuffer,)
MSI (s) (98:0C) [23:31:00:198]: Disabling reflection on key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Classes\CLSID\{4EA0C6DD-E9FF-48E7-994E-13A31D10DC60}
MSI (s) (98:0C) [23:31:00:198]: Executing op: RegOpenKey(,Key=CLSID\{4EA0C6DD-E9FF-48E7-994E-13A31D10DC60}\InProcServer32,,BinaryType=1,ControlRegistryReflection=0,)
MSI (s) (98:0C) [23:31:00:198]: Executing op: RegAddValue(,Value=C:\Program Files\WSL\wslserviceproxystub.dll,)
[...]

[github-actions]

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• Warning during installation via .msi installer (#10692), similarity score: 0.79

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[ColorfulRhino]

Issue was reported last year here but was closed unsolved: #10692

[ColorfulRhino]

Just used the installer for version 2.2.1 and this issue is still present.

[bowjacon]

MSI (c) (18:58) [17:42:19:389]: Note: 1: 1708 
MSI (c) (18:58) [17:42:19:389]: Note: 1: 2205 2:  3: Error 
MSI (c) (18:58) [17:42:19:389]: Note: 1: 2228 2:  3: Error 4: SELECT `Message` FROM `Error` WHERE `Error` = 1708 
MSI (c) (18:58) [17:42:19:389]: Note: 1: 2205 2:  3: Error 
MSI (c) (18:58) [17:42:19:389]: Note: 1: 2228 2:  3: Error 4: SELECT `Message` FROM `Error` WHERE `Error` = 1709 
MSI (c) (18:58) [17:42:19:389]: Product: Windows Subsystem for Linux -- Installation failed.

MSI (c) (18:58) [17:42:19:390]: Windows Installer installed the product. Product Name: Windows Subsystem for Linux. Product Version: 2.1.5.0. Product Language: 1033. Manufacturer: Microsoft Corporation. Installation success or error status: 1603.

MSI (c) (18:58) [17:42:19:390]: Grabbed execution mutex.
MSI (c) (18:58) [17:42:19:390]: Cleaning up uninstalled install packages, if any exist
MSI (c) (18:58) [17:42:19:391]: MainEngineThread is returning 1603

After clicking msi installation, the same problem also occurred. I found that it was installed on my F drive, that is, "F:\WindowsApp". However, it was displayed as C drive in the "Storage" of the system settings. I tried to change For the SYSTEM user, unfortunately, still doesn't work:)

[OneBlue]

Thank you @ColorfulRhino. Could you share the full MSI logs of a WSL installation ?

[ColorfulRhino]

Thank you @ColorfulRhino. Could you share the full MSI logs of a WSL installation ?

I have sent the MSI install log by email as per https://github.com/Microsoft/WSL/blob/master/CONTRIBUTING.md with reference to this issue in the subject.

[OneBlue]

Thank you @ColorfulRhino. Let's try something: What if you delete "C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\WSL.lnk", and then run the installer again ? Does the warning disappear then ?

[ColorfulRhino]

Thank you @ColorfulRhino. Let's try something: What if you delete "C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\WSL.lnk", and then run the installer again ? Does the warning disappear then ?

I did the following:

1. Delete "C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\WSL.lnk"
2. Run wsl.2.2.1.0.x64.msi: No warning
3. Delete "C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\WSL.lnk"
4. Run wsl.2.2.3.0.x64.msi: No warning
5. Delete, run, delete, run: No warnings
6. Then did about 30 installs without deleting, the warning showed like 1 in 8 times
7. Did about 15 installs with deleting, the warning also showed at least once

So it seems deleting it at least once in the beginning may have reduced the frequency of the warning appearing, but no idea if that was the actual cause. When I tried it some days ago, the warning showed like 3 out of 4 times.

[kristibektashi]

I've seen such warnings with shortcuts appear with other MSI packages as well, and I suspect this is an issue with the Windows Installer service not being able to properly handle shortcuts in the latest updates (although I am running build 26100). If that is indeed the case, this issue should be reported to the Feedback Hub, not here.

Edit: It's an issue with PowerToys, not with Windows: microsoft/PowerToys#34391

[luxferre]

PS C:\Users\abima> wsl --update
Проверяется наличие обновлений.
Обновление подсистема Windows для Linux до версии: 2.2.4.
Warning 1946.Property 'System.AppUserModel.ID' for shortcut 'WSL.lnk' could not be set.
Warning 1946.Property 'System.AppUserModel.ToastActivatorCLSID' for shortcut 'WSL.lnk' could not be set.```

[Mister-Click]

PS C:\Users\abima> wsl --update
Проверяется наличие обновлений.
Обновление подсистема Windows для Linux до версии: 2.2.4.
Warning 1946.Property 'System.AppUserModel.ID' for shortcut 'WSL.lnk' could not be set.
Warning 1946.Property 'System.AppUserModel.ToastActivatorCLSID' for shortcut 'WSL.lnk' could not be set.```

I was having the same issue and updated Windows, a Windows Cumulative Update fixed it.

[avjts]

I experience similar elusive problem with different product, and I found the culprit is PowerToys.PowerLauncher.exe (a PowerToys quick launcher feature).
The additional question to @ColorfulRhino and others may be: Do you use PowerToys and have PowerToys Run feature enabled?
If yes, then you experience the issue I reported to PowerToys project: microsoft/PowerToys#34391

[CYGG1123]

I experience similar elusive problem with different product, and I found the culprit is PowerToys.PowerLauncher.exe (a PowerToys quick launcher feature). The additional question to @ColorfulRhino and others may be: Do you use PowerToys and have PowerToys Run feature enabled? If yes, then you experience the issue I reported to PowerToys project: microsoft/PowerToys#34391

Truly, My PC encountered this problem after I updating the PowerToys, while many files lost their association with default application with error info like "can't find file at (Path of the file)" while file is actually here.

[Stanzilla]

Also getting this error since the last ~4 updates

[luxferre]

Yes, I had the freature enabled when the issue appears.
I had not experienced the issue anymore (but afair there were no wsl update since the time). Next time I'll try update with the feature disabled, thank you.

a PowerToys quick launcher feature

[DiskCrasher]

Still seeing this error with v2.3.26.0. And yes, I have PowerToys installed.