Our 4 Tested Ways To Fix Docker Desktop Starting Forever In Windows 11

See full bio

Dayan Shahid

At HI Digital I test and write about different hardware configurations to show other PC users what they can expect from their build. My end goal is to educate the masses to make the right decision when they are looking for new PC parts to buy

See full bio

Building, sharing, and running advanced apps are all made possible by a tool, Docker. All the software is packed into a unit called a container, which has the runtime, code, libraries, and tools required for the software to run. However, you might face the “Docker Desktop Starting Forever” error due to system requirements issues, problems with the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL), and corrupt app installation files.

Method Difficulty Rating

Enable Virtualization

If the virtualization is disabled on your system, there is a high chance you won’t be able to access the application, as explained on their Docker official forums. To enable Virtualization, access your BIOS by pressing the manufacturer-specified Access key, which can be found on their website.

Learn the method to check what motherboard you have and how to get into its BIOS with our specified guides. Once in the BIOS, the method to enable Virtualization depends on whether your CPU is from Intel or AMD.

Enabling Virtualization In BIOS for Intel CPUs

These steps can be followed to enable Virtualization for Intel CPUs:

1. Access CPU Settings: Select Advanced Mode or hit F7 > Advanced > CPU Configuration.

   

2. Enable Intel Virtualization Technology: Opt for Intel Virtualization Technology > Choose Enabled > Exit > Save changes & reset.

   

Enabling Virtualization In BIOS for AMD CPU

The following instructions allow users to enable Virtualization for AMD CPUs:

1. Launch Advanced Mode: Select Advanced Mode or hit F7.
2. Advanced Settings: Enter Advanced tab > CPU Configuration.
3. Enable SVM: Select SVM Mode > Select Enabled > Exit > OK.

   

During our research on the topic, we found that users on Reddit were also able to fix the Docker error using this method. 

Reinstall Docker

Uninstalling and then reinstalling the Docker again is another method that can eliminate the Docker desktop trouble. This is because sometimes, the files can get corrupted, and the only way to fix them is by reinstalling the software. The following steps can easily accomplish this task:

1. Open Run: Access the Run > Enter appwiz.cpl > OK.

   

2. Uninstall Docker: Look for Docker > Right-click on it > Uninstall.

   

3. Reinstall Docker: Head to Docker’s website > Download it > Run the installer.

   

Switch To Windows Containers

During installation, the Docker engine sometimes ignores the OS and goes automatically for Linux containers. In this case, the glitch arises, which you can quickly fix by switching the containers from Linus to Windows. You can use the following instructions to get it done:

1. Open Docker Menu: Go to the bottom-right of the Taskbar > Expand the System icon > Right-click on the Docker app.
2. Switch Windows Containers: Select to switch to Windows Containers > Switch > Relaunch it.

Re-enable The Windows Subsystem For Linux (WSL) Feature

Windows Subsystem for Linux or WSL enables your system to run the Linux environment on the Windows systems, as mentioned on their forums by multiple users. By re-enabling this feature, I fixed the persisting Docker startup issue. Here are the steps that can be utilized to reenable this feature quickly:

1. Open Run: Access Run > Type Optional Features > Enter.
2. Disable Windows Subsystem: Look for Windows Subsystem for Linux > Uncheck the box against it > OK.

   

3. Re-enable Windows Subsystem: Close the dialog box > Repeat the above steps > Mark the box against Windows Subsystem for Linux.

Final Thoughts

During my research, it came to my attention that multiple users were facing Docker Engine Starting error, as can be seen on Reddit and the official Docker forum. The issue can seem frustrating, but the methods I mentioned above shouldn’t take long to fix it. I was personally able to fix the Docker stuck-on starting issue in a few minutes, so you can expect to spend the same amount of time. But if you’re unable to fix the issue, it would be better to get in touch with the support team at Docker. 

Similar Articles:

Dayan Shahid

[How-To Guides Expert]

Laiba, our tech guru at HI Digital, simplifies and crafts How-To Guides with a Google IT Support Certificate. Beyond tech, she captures the city’s aesthetics through her lens. Join her journey where tech meets creativity!

Get In Touch: Laiba@hidgt.com