How to Fix “Unexpected WSL Error” in Docker Desktop

Docker Desktop is a crucial tool for developers who work with containerized applications. However, many users encounter the “Unexpected WSL Error” when attempting to install or run Docker Desktop on Windows. This issue frequently arises when using Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) due to misconfigurations, outdated software, or system conflicts.

Docker Desktop – Unexpected WSL error

An unexpected error was encountered while executing a WSL command. Common causes include access rights issues, which occur after waking the computer or not being connected to your domain/active directory.

Please try shutting WSL down (wsl –shutdown) and/or rebooting your computer. If not sufficient, WSL may need to be reinstalled fully. As a last resort, try to uninstall/reinstall Docker Desktop. If the issue persists please collect diagnostics and submit an issue (https://docs.docker.com/desktop/troubleshoot/overview/#diagnose-from-the-terminal).

This article provides a step-by-step troubleshooting guide to fix the “Unexpected WSL Error” in Docker Desktop and ensure a smooth development environment.

Docker Desktop Unexpected WSL Error

Docker Desktop Unexpected WSL Error
Docker Desktop Unexpected WSL Error

This error typically appears when executing a WSL command, such as:

An unexpected error was encountered while executing a WSL command.
Common causes include access rights issues, system sleep, or domain connectivity issues.

Several factors can trigger this issue, including:

  • Improper installation or outdated WSL
  • Disabled Hyper-V or Virtual Machine Platform features
  • Corrupt Docker settings or network configurations
  • Disabled BIOS-level virtualization settings

Step-by-Step Solutions to Fix the Error

1. Restart WSL and Your System

Before trying advanced solutions, perform a simple restart:

  1. Open Command Prompt (Admin) or PowerShell (Admin).
  2. Run the command: wsl --shutdown
  3. Restart your computer and check if Docker works.

2. Ensure WSL is Installed and Up-to-Date

Confirm WSL is installed and running correctly:

  1. Run the following command in PowerShell: wsl --status If WSL is missing, install it with: wsl --install
  2. Update WSL to the latest version: wsl --update

3. Set the Default WSL Version to 2

Docker Desktop requires WSL 2 for proper functionality. Set it as the default version:

wsl --set-default-version 2

4. Enable Virtualization and Hyper-V Features

For Docker Desktop to function, virtualization must be enabled in both BIOS and Windows.

Enable Virtualization in BIOS

  1. Restart your computer and enter BIOS settings (usually by pressing F2, F10, F12, or DEL during boot).
  2. Locate Virtualization Technology (VT-x / AMD-V) and enable it.
  3. Save changes and restart.

Enable Virtualization Features in Windows

Run the following command in PowerShell (Admin):

dism.exe /online /enable-feature /featurename:Microsoft-Windows-Subsystem-Linux /all /norestart
dism.exe /online /enable-feature /featurename:VirtualMachinePlatform /all /norestart
dism.exe /online /enable-feature /featurename:Microsoft-Hyper-V-All /all /norestart

Restart your computer after executing these commands.

5. Set Hypervisor Launch Type to Auto

Docker Desktop depends on Hyper-V, which sometimes requires manual activation. Fix this with:

bcdedit /set hypervisorlaunchtype auto

Restart your system afterward.

6. Unregister and Reinstall Docker’s WSL Distributions

  1. Open PowerShell (Admin) and run: wsl --unregister docker-desktop wsl --unregister docker-desktop-data
  2. Uninstall Docker Desktop completely from Windows.
  3. Navigate to C:\Users\<YourUsername>\AppData\Local\Docker and delete all contents.
  4. Reinstall Docker Desktop from the official Docker website.

7. Reset WSL Network Settings

Network misconfigurations may also cause issues. Reset Winsock by running:

netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset all

Then restart your computer.

8. Install a Linux Distribution for WSL

If WSL is installed but not configured properly, install a Linux distribution (e.g., Ubuntu):

wsl --install -d Ubuntu

Then set it as the default WSL distribution:

wsl --set-default ubuntu

9. Enable Nested Virtualization (For Cloud VMs)

If running Docker on Azure VMs, VMware, or VirtualBox, ensure Nested Virtualization is enabled:

  • For Azure VMs: Use VM sizes like Standard_D2s_v3 that support Nested Virtualization.
  • For VMware: Enable “Hardware-Assisted Virtualization” in the VM settings.
  • For VirtualBox: Run the command: vboxmanage modifyvm "VM_Name" --nested-hw-virt on

10. Ensure Hyper-V Services Are Running

Sometimes, required Windows services remain disabled. Verify their status:

  1. Press Win + R, type services.msc, and hit Enter.
  2. Locate and start the following services if they are inactive:
    • Hyper-V Host Compute Service
    • Hyper-V Virtual Machine Management

Conclusion

The “Unexpected WSL Error” in Docker Desktop stems from various system misconfigurations. By following this comprehensive troubleshooting guide, you can identify and resolve the root cause, ensuring Docker Desktop runs smoothly on your system.

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