Docker Desktop – Unexpected WSL Error
Docker Desktop is an application that improves the development environment with powerful management for applications and microservices. This application is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux. For people who require the Docker Desktop application every day at work, receiving the Docker Desktop unexpected WSL error could be frustrating and annoying.
With the appearance of this error, it is urgent to search for solutions. But before that, I’d like to share the causes of this error with you. Thus, you can have a clear idea of which solution you should take. Here are 3 general causes of the unexpected WSL error on Docker Desktop for Windows:
- Incompatible or outdated software or OS: Running with an outdated version of an operating system or the Docker Desktop application may result in various issues, including the WSL error.
- Improper computer settings: The virtualization configuration might affect the proper performance of Docker or WSL.
- Insufficient system resources: When there is not enough CPU or RAM, Docker cannot function well and may give an unexpected WSL error.
Keep reading to try the following three methods to resolve the issue.
Way 1. Update WSL
As we mentioned above, the WSL itself can cause such an error with the error message that an unexpected error occurred while executing a WSL command. Firstly, go to check if the problem happens because the WSL is outdated.
Step 1. Press Win + R to launch the Run window.
Step 2. Type cmd into the dialog and press Shift + Ctrl + Enter to run Command Prompt as administrator.
Step 3. Type wsl –version and press Enter to check the version information.
Step 4. Type wsl –update and press Enter to update the WSL version.
You need to restart your computer to make the change fully apply to the device.
Additionally, some people fix an unexpected WSL error on Docker Desktop by unregistering Docker Desktop using Command Prompt.
Step 1. Run Command Prompt as administrator on your device.
Step 2. Type the following commands and press Enter at the end of each one:
- wsl –status
- wsl –unregister docker-desktop
step 3. Restart the Docker Desktop application.
Way 2. Enable the SVM Mode in the BIOS
This method is proven to be useful for the Docker Desktop unexpected WSL error. The SVM mode, referred to as Secure Virtual Machine, is a feature that improves performance for virtual environments.
SVM is for AMD processors while for Intel processors, a similar feature is called VT-x or Virtualization Technology. Here is how to enable the SVM Mode in the BIOS.
Step 1. Restart your computer and press the BIOS hotkeys to enter the BIOS. In general, you can press the F2 or Delete key. But different computer manufacturers set the different BIOS hotkeys. Pay attention to the startup interface which will display the BIOS hotkeys.
Step 2. Press the arrow keys to choose the Advanced tab and select the CPU Configuration option.
Step 3. Opt for the SVM Mode and choose Enabled from the menu.
Step 4. Press F10 or Save & Exit to confirm your change.
Afterward, the computer will restart automatically. You can check if the Docker Desktop unexpected WSL error is resolved.
Way 3. Optimize PC Memory Usage
When your computer runs with low RAM, you may fail to run the Docker Desktop properly as well. To free up RAM on your computer, you can end unnecessary background tasks, clear RAM cache, or use professional computer tune-up software, like MiniTool System Booster.
MiniTool System Booster can clean up junk files, uninstall unnecessary applications, disable startup programs, and complete other tasks to clean up RAM. You can get the trial edition to obtain more available RAM.
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Final Words
This is all about how to fix the Docker Desktop unexpected WSL error on your device. The three solutions are easy to carry out and do make sense. Hope they can resolve your issue as well!
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