IDL 64-bit Workbench freezes/crashes when launched by non-admin users on Windows 10

Issue:

The IDL 64-bit Workbench freezes or crashes when launched on Windows 10 as a non-admin user. However, the 64-bit Workbench works fine for admin users, and also the IDL 32-bit Workbench does not experience the issue at all for any users.

Cause:

This behavior is related to a failed interaction between the IDL Workbench and the Linux Subsystem (LSS) which now comes part of Windows 10 by default beginning in 2017. 

Solution:

To resolve the issue, reinstall the LSS using the below commands from an Administrator Windows Command Prompt. Note: This process will install a completely fresh LSS except for your users' home directory. Any prior packages, applications, or files within the LSS but outside of the home directories will be lost. 

lxrun /uninstall 

lxrun /install 

After this process completes, reboot your computer and the IDL 64-bit Workbench should work again for non-admin users. 

 

 

 

 

 

Created: 04/25/18 by BC  Reviewed: 04/30/18 by DS