Docker WSL Kernel too low
Docker is a popular tool that allows developers to create, deploy, and run applications using containerization. It provides a consistent environment for developers to work on different platforms. However, sometimes you may encounter an error message saying "Docker WSL Kernel too low" when trying to run Docker on Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL). This article will explain what this error means and how to resolve it.
Understanding the Error
The "Docker WSL Kernel too low" error occurs when the version of the Linux kernel used by Docker on WSL is outdated or incompatible with the Docker version you are using. Docker relies on certain features and APIs provided by the Linux kernel, and if the kernel is too old or lacks necessary features, Docker cannot run properly.
Checking the Kernel Version
To check the current kernel version in your WSL environment, open a terminal and run the following command:
uname -r
This will display the kernel version number. If the kernel version is below the minimum required version for Docker, you will need to update it.
Updating the Kernel
Updating the kernel in WSL requires a few steps. Here is the process:
flowchart TD
A[Check WSL Version] --> B{Update WSL}
B --> C{Install WSL Kernel Update}
C --> D[Update WSL Kernel]
D --> E{Install Docker}
E --> F[Verify Docker Installation]
- Check WSL Version: Before updating the kernel, make sure you are running the latest version of Windows Subsystem for Linux. Open PowerShell as an administrator and run the following command:
wsl --list --online
This will display the available WSL versions. If there is a newer version available, update WSL 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) and <version number> with the desired WSL version (e.g., 2).
-
Install WSL Kernel Update: Once you have the latest WSL version installed, you need to download and install the appropriate WSL kernel update package from the Microsoft website. Go to the [WSL kernel update page]( and download the package according to your system architecture.
-
Update WSL Kernel: After downloading the update package, run it to install the new WSL kernel. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
-
Install Docker: Once the WSL kernel is updated, you can install Docker on your WSL environment. Open a terminal in your WSL distribution and run the following commands:
sudo apt update
sudo apt install docker.io
This will install Docker on your WSL environment.
- Verify Docker Installation: After the installation is complete, verify that Docker is running correctly by running the following command:
docker --version
This will display the Docker version if it is installed correctly.
Conclusion
The "Docker WSL Kernel too low" error occurs when the Linux kernel used by Docker on WSL is outdated. To resolve this issue, you need to update the WSL kernel and then install Docker. Following the steps mentioned in this article should help you resolve this error and allow you to use Docker in your WSL environment without any issues.
