Can’t access WSL files without starting manually starting WSL before

I’m trying to access Ubuntu WSL (2) files from Windows. Until recently, I was able to do so by accessing \wsl$Ubuntu, but now, I need to manually start Ubuntu WSL by launching the Ubuntu WSL app or by typing wsl in PowerShell or in CMD. \wsl$Ubuntu is not available after Windows has booted either. What do I need to do to be able to access WSL files without actually having starting WSL manually?