Windows · Guide
How to Run Docker Desktop on Windows 11 with WSL 2
Short answer
Enable virtualization in the BIOS, install WSL 2 with wsl --install, then install Docker Desktop and keep the WSL 2 backend selected. Verify with docker run hello-world in a terminal.
Requirements
- Windows 11 or Windows 10 22H2 with WSL 2
- Hardware virtualization enabled in firmware
- Docker Desktop for Windows
- 8 GB RAM or more for comfortable use
Steps
1. Confirm virtualization is on
Open Task Manager > Performance > CPU and check that Virtualization says Enabled. If not, turn on Intel VT-x or AMD-V in the firmware setup.
2. Install WSL 2
In an administrator terminal run wsl --install, reboot, then wsl --status to confirm version 2 is the default. Docker's Linux containers run inside this layer.
3. Install Docker Desktop
Run the official installer and keep Use WSL 2 instead of Hyper-V selected. Sign out and back in so your account joins the docker-users group.
4. Verify the installation
Open a terminal and run docker run hello-world. A short success message means the engine, WSL integration and networking all work.
5. Enable integration for your distribution
In Settings > Resources > WSL Integration, switch on your Linux distribution so docker commands work inside it, not just in PowerShell.
6. Keep project files on the Linux side
Bind mounts from C:\ into a container are much slower than files stored inside the WSL filesystem. Clone repositories into the distribution for a noticeable speed-up.
7. Cap resource usage
Create a .wslconfig file in your user profile with memory and processors limits so the WSL virtual machine cannot consume all system RAM.
Alternative methods
1. Use the Hyper-V backend
On Windows Pro without WSL, Docker Desktop can run on Hyper-V. It works, but file sharing and startup are generally slower than WSL 2.
2. Run Docker inside a Linux VM
A VirtualBox or VMware Linux guest with Docker installed avoids Docker Desktop licensing entirely, at the cost of managing the VM yourself.
Troubleshooting
Docker Desktop stops with a WSL error
Run wsl --update, then wsl --shutdown, and start Docker Desktop again. An outdated WSL kernel is the most common cause of startup failure.
The engine never finishes starting
Quit Docker Desktop, run wsl --shutdown, and restart it. If it still hangs, use Troubleshoot > Clean / Purge data, which removes local images and containers.
Vmmem uses enormous amounts of RAM
That is the WSL virtual machine reserving memory. Limit it in .wslconfig and restart WSL for the change to apply.
Frequently asked questions
Is Docker Desktop free?
It is free for personal use, education and small businesses. Larger organisations need a paid subscription under Docker's terms.
Do I need Windows 11 Pro?
No. The WSL 2 backend works on Home editions; only the Hyper-V backend requires Pro or Enterprise.
Can I run Windows containers too?
Yes, by switching to Windows containers from the tray menu, but the two modes cannot run at the same time.
Where are images stored?
Inside a WSL virtual disk, not in your project folder. Use docker system prune to reclaim space when that disk grows.