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.
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.
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.
Open PowerShell as Administrator (right-click Start menu > Windows Terminal (Admin) or PowerShell (Admin)) and run these commands:
dism.exe /online /enable-feature /featurename:Microsoft-Windows-Subsystem-Linux /all /norestart
dism.exe /online /enable-feature /featurename:VirtualMachinePlatform /all /norestartBoth commands should complete with 'The operation completed successfully.' Restart your computer after running these commands.
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:
wsl --updateOpen PowerShell as Administrator and set WSL 2 as the default:
wsl --set-default-version 2You should see 'The operation completed successfully.' If you see an error about kernel component updates, go back to step 3.
Confirm WSL is properly installed by running:
wsl --statusThis should show the default WSL version as 2. You can also run:
wsl -l -vThis lists installed distributions and their WSL versions. It's okay if no distributions are listed - Docker Desktop will create its own.
On Windows 10 version 2004 or later, you can use a single command that handles everything:
wsl --install --no-distributionThis 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.
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.
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.
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.
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