Docker Desktop Startup Error on Windows

The Docker Desktop app for Windows can sometimes behave unexpectedly. You could successfully install the app, but have difficulty getting the Docker engine to start. This guide delves into the reason behind such behaviour, offering effective solutions to the problem and directives for resolving any such future occurrence.

The Problem

Inherently, Windows cannot run Linux-based apps, like Docker Desktop, without some of its features enabled. Trying to do this raises compatibility issues as the environments are fundamentally different.

The Solution

It’s common for users to attempt fixing this error by reinstalling the Docker desktop app, deleting configuration files, or restarting their computers. These measures are ineffective as they do not address the underlying cause of the problem.

Instead, activate Windows' virtualization feature and install a Linux platform on your device. This enables it to run Linux apps like Docker Desktop. Here’s how:

Step 1: Enable Virtualization

The steps to enable virtualization vary by PC manufacturers and models. On HP EliteBook, for example, here’s how to enable it:

1. Power on your device, and press F10 while the booting to enter BIOS.

2. Use the arrow keys to select the Advanced tab.

3. Under the Advanced tab, use the up and down arrows to select System Options, then press Enter.

4. In the System Options window, select the Virtualization Technology (VTx) box.

5. Press F10 to save your changes and exit BIOS.

As previously stated, this process varies slightly for other models from HP. Other PC brands such as Dell, Acer, Asus, and Lenovo all have their respective methods for enabling virtualization.

Step 2: Turn on Virtual Machine Platform

In addition to virtualization, you also need to enable the Windows Virtual Machine Platform. Here’s how to do that:

1. Select Start, enter Windows features in the search field, and select Turn Windows features on or off from the list of results. Alternatively, go to Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features > Turn Windows Features On or Off.

2. In the Windows Features window that opened, find Virtual Machine Platform and select it.

   

3. Select OK to save your changes.

Step 3: Install the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL)

To install the Windows Subsystem for Linux, follow these steps:

1. Open Windows PowerShell: Select Start, enter Windows PowerShell in the search field, and select Windows Powershell from the results. Choose “Run as administrator” when opening the app.

2. Install or Update WSL: In PowerShell, run the command wsl --update to install or update WSL.

3. Check installation status: Run the wsl --version command to check if the installation was successful. If it was, you should get an output similar to the image below.

4. Set the Default WSL Version: Run the command wsl --set-default-version 2 to set WSL 2 as your default version.

5. Close PowerShell: Type exit and press Enter to close PowerShell.

Step 4: Restart your device (optional)

Restart your device, then open the Docker Desktop application again.

Additional Troubleshooting Tips

The Docker Engine should now be starting as expected. However, if the error persists after completing the steps in the previous sections, consider the following:

• Enable Hyper -V: Hyper -V is an alternative to WSL, though Docker Desktop recommends WSL over Hyper-V. To enable Hyper-V, follow these steps:

  1. Select Start, enter Windows features in the search field, and select Turn Windows features on or off from the results. Alternatively, go to Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features > Turn Windows Features On or Off.

  2. In the Windows Features window, find Hyper -V and select it.

     

  3. Select OK to save your changes.

  4. Restart your device, then open Docker Desktop.

• Downgrade Your App: Your device may not support the current version of Docker Desktop you are running, so downgrading to an older version might help. Here is a link to different versions of the app.

Future Issues with the Docker Engine

The steps below will get your Docker Engine running again if it fails to start after previously running successfully:

1. Reset the Docker Desktop app to default settings

2. Restart the app

3. Restart your computer (optional)

To Summarize

This guide effectively addressed the Docker Engine startup error, particularly for Windows 10 and 11. If you still encounter the error after implementing the recommendations here, there are likely other underlying causes. Fortunately, resources like the Docker community forum, Stack Overflow, YouTube, and others are available to assist you further.