Docker Desktop WSL Kernel Version Too Low

Introduction

Docker Desktop is a popular tool for building, packaging, and running applications using containerization. It provides a user-friendly interface to manage Docker containers and images. However, sometimes users may encounter an error message stating "Docker Desktop WSL kernel version too low". This article aims to explain this error and provide a solution to resolve it.

Understanding the Error

The error message "Docker Desktop WSL kernel version too low" typically occurs when Docker Desktop tries to start a Docker container using the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) but encounters an incompatible WSL kernel version. Docker Desktop relies on the WSL kernel to run Linux containers, and if the WSL kernel version is too low, it can cause issues.

Solution

To resolve the "Docker Desktop WSL kernel version too low" error, we need to update the WSL kernel version. Here are the steps to update the WSL kernel using PowerShell:

  1. Open PowerShell with administrator privileges.

  2. Check the current WSL kernel version by running the following command:

wsl --set-version <distribution name> <version number>

Replace <distribution name> with the name of your WSL distribution (e.g., Ubuntu, Debian) and <version number> with the desired WSL kernel version (e.g., 2).

  1. Update the WSL kernel version by running the following command:
wsl --set-version <distribution name> <version number>

Replace <distribution name> with the name of your WSL distribution (e.g., Ubuntu, Debian) and <version number> with the desired WSL kernel version (e.g., 2). Make sure to choose a version that is compatible with Docker Desktop.

  1. Restart Docker Desktop to apply the changes.

Example

Here is an example of updating the WSL kernel version using PowerShell:

  1. Open PowerShell with administrator privileges.

  2. Check the current WSL kernel version:

wsl --set-version Ubuntu-20.04 2
  1. Update the WSL kernel version to 2:
wsl --set-version Ubuntu-20.04 2
  1. Restart Docker Desktop.

Conclusion

The "Docker Desktop WSL kernel version too low" error can be resolved by updating the WSL kernel version. This article provided a step-by-step solution using PowerShell to update the WSL kernel. By following these steps, users can ensure compatibility between Docker Desktop and the WSL kernel, enabling them to continue using Docker containers seamlessly.

Remember to check the compatibility of the desired WSL kernel version with Docker Desktop before updating. It is also recommended to keep both Docker Desktop and the WSL kernel up to date to benefit from the latest features and bug fixes.

Please note that the steps and examples provided in this article may vary depending on your system configuration and the specific version of Docker Desktop and WSL you are using. Always refer to the official documentation and support resources for the most accurate and up-to-date information.