Docker Desktop – Unexpected WSL error [Solved]

Docker Desktop is an essential tool for developers looking to create, deploy, and run applications using containers. However, installing Docker Desktop can sometimes hit a roadblock, particularly due to issues with the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) and Hyper-V. In this post, we’ll explore how to resolve the Docker Desktop – Unexpected WSL Error that can occur during Docker Desktop installation, especially when using cloud VMs.

Issue Encountered: Docker Desktop – Unexpected WSL error

The entire error message might appear in the following manner:

Understanding the Issue

When installing Docker Desktop on Windows, two key components are required: the latest version of WSL and the Hyper-V feature. If either of these components is not properly set up, you might encounter the Unexpected WSL Error. This issue is common among users who are installing Docker Desktop on cloud VMs, such as Azure Virtual Machines or AWS EC2 Instances.

Step-by-Step Resolution

1. Check and Update WSL Version

First, ensure that you’re running the latest version of WSL. You can check your current WSL version by opening a command prompt and typing:

$ wsl --version

If you find that you’re not on WSL 2, you can set the default version to 2 by executing:

$ wsl --set-default-version 2

2. Enable Hyper-V Feature

Hyper-V is a virtualization technology tool that needs to be enabled in Windows. To check if Hyper-V is enabled, you can use the Windows Features dialog

Note: Explore our beginner-friendly blog post on Docker Architecture: A Complete Docker Introduction

3. Using Cloud VMs? Enable Nested Virtualization

If you’re using a cloud VM, you cannot enable the Hyper-V option, and the error looks like the following.

For that, an additional step of enabling nested virtualization is required. This feature allows you to run a virtual machine inside another virtual machine. However, it’s only available under certain conditions.

• Supported OS: Windows Server 2016, Windows 10, or above.
• VM Size: DV3 or EV3 series.
• Region: Available in specific regions such as West US, East US, West Europe.
• Security Type: Standard.

If your current VM doesn’t meet these prerequisites, you’ll need to recreate it with the specified specifications, then install Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL), and enable Hyper-V. Once these steps are completed, you should be able to install Docker Desktop without encountering the WSL error. It’s important to remember that while Docker Desktop facilitates containerization, ensuring your environment meets the necessary prerequisites is crucial for a seamless experience.

Note: Explore our detailed blog, step-by-step guide for installing Docker Desktop on Windows.

Conclusion

Dealing with virtualization and containerization can sometimes be challenging, but with the right setup and understanding, it becomes a powerful tool in your development arsenal. We hope this guide helps you in resolving the ‘Unexpected WSL Error’ and paves the way for a smooth Docker Desktop installation. Happy containerizing!

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Posts

• Docker Container Lifecycle Management
• Container (Docker) vs Virtual Machine
• Docker Images: A Complete Guide For Beginners
• Docker Network: An Introduction to Docker Networking
• Docker Compose Overview & Steps to Install Docker Compose

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