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Fatal Module V4l2loopback Not Found in Directory [Fix]

This error affects various versions of Linux and WSL on Windows

3 min. read

Published onDecember 14, 2023

published onDecember 14, 2023

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Key notes

Fatal module v4l2loopback not found in directory message can appear when trying to install certain applications on Linux.

The error message will prevent you from installing software, and you won’t be able to proceed unless you fix it, so today we’re going to show you how to do it.

Why does fatal module v4l2loopback not found in directory error occur?

This issue occurs if your kernel and module aren’t installed from the same source, or if Linux headers or kernel modules aren’t installed. Improperly configured system can also cause this issue.

How can I fix the fatal module v4l2loopback not found in the directory error?

How can I fix the fatal module v4l2loopback not found in the directory error?

1. Install kernel and v4l2loopback from the same source

We used Debian and booster-backports as an example, so be sure to adjust your command accordingly.

2. Install linux-headers

These instructions are for Arch, but a similar solution can be applied on Ubuntu. Just run the following command, but be sure to replace the module version accordingly:sudo apt-get install linux-headers-4.14.98-imx

After that, reinstall v4l2loopback.

3. Ensure that kernel modules are installed

Keep in mind that this is just an example, and the command will differ depending on the kernel module version that you want to install.

In some instances, you might have to reinstall kernel modules to fix this problem.

4. Modify the config file on NixOS

How to install V4L2Loopback on Linux?

Ubuntu

Arch

Fatal module v4l2loopback not found in the directoryis a Linux error it usually appears if kernel modules or headers aren’t installed properly.

This issue can also appear in WSL, and if you’re not familiar with it, we suggest reading our guide on how toinstall bash on Windows 10. After doing that, you canrun Linux GUI apps through bash on Windows.

To learn more about this feature, you might want to read our guide on how toaccess files in Windows Subsystem for Linux.

Did you find a different solution for this error? If so, share it with us in the comments section.

More about the topics:Linux,WSL

Milan Stanojevic

Windows Toubleshooting Expert

Milan has been enthusiastic about technology ever since his childhood days, and this led him to take interest in all PC-related technologies. He’s a PC enthusiast and he spends most of his time learning about computers and technology.

Before joining WindowsReport, he worked as a front-end web developer. Now, he’s one of the Troubleshooting experts in our worldwide team, specializing in Windows errors & software issues.

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Milan Stanojevic

Windows Toubleshooting Expert

Before joining WindowsReport, he worked as a front-end web developer. Now, he’s specialized in Windows errors & software issues.