How to fix WSL 2 is not installed in Docker

DockerBEGINNERHIGHUpdated Dec 1, 2025· 782 views

This error appears when Docker Desktop cannot find WSL 2 (Windows Subsystem for Linux 2) on your Windows system. Docker Desktop requires WSL 2 as its backend to run Linux containers on Windows 10/11, and this message indicates the required Windows features are not enabled or properly configured.

Quick fix

Fixes WSL 2 is not installed

dism.exe /online /enable-feature /featurename:Microsoft-Windows-Subsystem-Linux /all /norestart
dism.exe /online /enable-feature /featurename:VirtualMachinePlatform /all /norestart
  1. Check your Windows version
  2. Enable required Windows features via PowerShell
  3. Install the WSL 2 Linux kernel update
  4. Set WSL 2 as the default version
docker — error
dism.exe /online /enable-feature /featurename:Microsoft-Windows-Subsystem-Linux /all /norestart
dism.exe /online /enable-feature /featurename:VirtualMachinePlatform /all /norestart
WSL 2 is not installed

What this error means

Docker Desktop for Windows uses WSL 2 as its default backend for running Linux containers. WSL 2 provides a lightweight virtual machine with a real Linux kernel, which Docker needs to run containers efficiently. When you see 'WSL 2 is not installed', it means Docker Desktop detected that either the WSL feature itself, the Virtual Machine Platform feature, or both are not enabled on your Windows system. This is a common issue for new Docker Desktop installations, after Windows updates that may reset features, or when switching from the legacy Hyper-V backend to the WSL 2 backend. The good news is that WSL 2 is available on all Windows 10 (version 1903+) and Windows 11 editions, including Home editions, so this is purely a configuration issue that can be resolved without additional software purchases.

Typical symptoms

  • Docker Desktop displays 'WSL 2 is not installed' error dialog on startup
  • Docker Desktop prompts to install WSL 2 with a link to documentation
  • Unable to start Docker Desktop engine
  • Docker Desktop settings show WSL 2 option grayed out or unavailable
  • Error message suggests running PowerShell commands to enable features
  • Docker Desktop worked before but stopped after a Windows update

Common causes

  1. Windows Subsystem for Linux feature is not enabled
  2. Virtual Machine Platform feature is not enabled
  3. WSL 2 Linux kernel update package is not installed
  4. WSL default version is set to 1 instead of 2
  5. Virtualization is disabled in BIOS/UEFI settings
  6. Windows version is too old (requires Windows 10 version 1903 or higher)
  7. Recent Windows update reset the WSL configuration
  8. Group Policy is blocking WSL installation in enterprise environments

How to fix "WSL 2 is not installed"

1Check your Windows version

WSL 2 requires Windows 10 version 1903 (build 18362) or higher, or Windows 11. Check your version by pressing Win + R, typing winver, and pressing Enter.

If your version is older than 1903, you'll need to update Windows before proceeding. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and install all available updates.

2Enable required Windows features via PowerShell

Open PowerShell as Administrator (right-click Start menu > Windows Terminal (Admin) or PowerShell (Admin)) and run these commands:

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

Both commands should complete with 'The operation completed successfully.' Restart your computer after running these commands.

3Install the WSL 2 Linux kernel update

After restarting, download and install the WSL 2 Linux kernel update package from Microsoft:

1. Go to https://aka.ms/wsl2kernel
2. Download the wsl_update_x64.msi file (or ARM64 version for ARM devices)
3. Run the installer and follow the prompts

Alternatively, you can run this command in an elevated PowerShell:

powershell
wsl --update
4Set WSL 2 as the default version

Open PowerShell as Administrator and set WSL 2 as the default:

powershell
wsl --set-default-version 2

You should see 'The operation completed successfully.' If you see an error about kernel component updates, go back to step 3.

5Verify WSL installation

Confirm WSL is properly installed by running:

powershell
wsl --status

This should show the default WSL version as 2. You can also run:

powershell
wsl -l -v

This lists installed distributions and their WSL versions. It's okay if no distributions are listed - Docker Desktop will create its own.

6Use the simplified WSL install command (Windows 10 2004+)

On Windows 10 version 2004 or later, you can use a single command that handles everything:

powershell
wsl --install --no-distribution

This enables all required features and installs the WSL 2 kernel. The --no-distribution flag skips installing Ubuntu since Docker Desktop doesn't require a Linux distribution. Restart your computer after this command completes.

7Enable virtualization in BIOS/UEFI

If you still see errors about virtualization, you may need to enable it in your BIOS/UEFI:

1. Restart your computer and enter BIOS setup (usually by pressing F2, F12, Del, or Esc during boot)
2. Look for settings like 'Intel Virtualization Technology', 'Intel VT-x', 'AMD-V', or 'SVM Mode'
3. Enable the virtualization setting
4. Save and exit BIOS

The exact location varies by motherboard manufacturer. Consult your motherboard or laptop manual if needed.

8Restart Docker Desktop

After completing the above steps and restarting your computer:

1. Open Docker Desktop from the Start menu
2. If prompted, select 'Use WSL 2 instead of Hyper-V'
3. Wait for Docker to finish starting

You can verify Docker is using WSL 2 by going to Settings > General and confirming 'Use the WSL 2 based engine' is checked.

Advanced notes

Enterprise/Domain Environments: If you're on a corporate network, Group Policy may prevent enabling Windows features. Contact your IT department to request WSL 2 be enabled, or check if there's a pre-approved Docker Desktop installation package.

Minimum WSL Version: Docker Desktop requires at least WSL version 2.1.5 for full compatibility. Run wsl --version to check. If your version is older, run wsl --update to get the latest.

Hyper-V Alternative: On Windows Pro/Enterprise, you can use the Hyper-V backend instead of WSL 2. In Docker Desktop settings, uncheck 'Use the WSL 2 based engine'. However, WSL 2 is recommended for better performance and compatibility.

Virtual Machine Hosts: If you're running Windows inside a virtual machine (VMware, VirtualBox, etc.), ensure nested virtualization is enabled on the host. Without this, WSL 2 cannot function.

Windows Server: WSL 2 is available on Windows Server 2022 and later. For older Windows Server versions, use Docker Engine directly instead of Docker Desktop.

Frequently asked questions

What does "WSL 2 is not installed" mean?
Docker Desktop for Windows uses WSL 2 as its default backend for running Linux containers. WSL 2 provides a lightweight virtual machine with a real Linux kernel, which Docker needs to run containers efficiently. When you see 'WSL 2 is not installed', it means Docker Desktop detected that either the WSL feature itself, the Virtual Machine Platform feature, or both are not enabled on your Windows system.
How do I fix "WSL 2 is not installed"?
This error appears when Docker Desktop cannot find WSL 2 (Windows Subsystem for Linux 2) on your Windows system. Docker Desktop requires WSL 2 as its backend to run Linux containers on Windows 10/11, and this message indicates the required Windows features are not enabled or properly configured.
What causes "WSL 2 is not installed"?
Windows Subsystem for Linux feature is not enabled Virtual Machine Platform feature is not enabled WSL 2 Linux kernel update package is not installed
Is the "WSL 2 is not installed" error serious?
Yes. This is a high-severity error that usually blocks work until it is fixed, but the steps above resolve it.

Official resources & further reading