Fixing "Docker Desktop Starting..." Forever on Windows

When Docker Desktop gets stuck on "Starting..." on Windows, it's often related to underlying WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux) components or system services. This article provides comprehensive solutions for resolving this common issue.

Problem Overview

Docker Desktop for Windows relies on WSL2 as its backend on modern Windows systems. When the "Docker Desktop Starting..." message persists indefinitely, it typically indicates one of these underlying issues:

• WSL2 kernel not properly installed or outdated
• LxssManager service problems
• Trusted Installer (TiWorker.exe) conflicts
• System virtualization features not enabled
• Corrupted Docker or WSL distributions

Recommended Solutions

1. Update WSL Kernel (Most Common Fix)

The WSL2 kernel sometimes doesn't install automatically during Docker setup. This is the most reliable first step:

wsl --update

After running this command, restart Docker Desktop and wait 1-2 minutes for initialization.

INFO

As of Docker Desktop v4.22+, this issue should be detected automatically, but manual intervention may still be required.

2. Reset Docker WSL Distributions

If updating doesn't work, try resetting the Docker-specific WSL distributions:

wsl --unregister docker-desktop
wsl --unregister docker-desktop-data

Then restart Docker Desktop. This will reset Docker's WSL environment but preserve your images and containers.

3. Install a WSL Distribution

Sometimes Docker needs a full Linux distribution to function properly:

wsl --install -d Ubuntu

Alternatively, specify a specific version:

wsl.exe --install Ubuntu-20.04

After installation, update the distribution:

sudo apt update

4. Address LxssManager Service Issues

The LxssManager service can sometimes hang, preventing both WSL and Docker from starting:

# Find LxssManager PID
sc queryex LxssManager

# Force terminate the process (replace XXXXX with actual PID)
wmic process where ProcessID=XXXXX delete

# Restart the service
net start LxssManager

You may need to repeat this process if the service doesn't start correctly on the first attempt.

5. Check Trusted Installer Service

Some users report that the Trusted Installer Worker (TiWorker.exe) can interfere with Docker startup:

1. Open Task Manager
2. Stop TiWorker in the Processes tab
3. Restart "Trusted Installer" in the Services tab
4. Try starting Docker Desktop again

Additional Troubleshooting Steps

Enable Required Windows Features

Ensure these features are enabled in "Turn Windows features on or off":

• Windows Hypervisor Platform
• Virtual Machine Platform
• Windows Subsystem for Linux

Check BIOS Virtualization Settings

Enable virtualization support in your BIOS/UEFI settings:

• Look for SVM (Support Vector Machine) or VT-x/VT-d options
• Ensure hardware virtualization is enabled

Clean Temporary Files

Clear system temp files that might be causing conflicts:

1. C:\Windows\Temp
2. C:\Users\{yourAccountName}\AppData\Local\Temp
3. C:\Windows\Prefetch

Complete Reinstallation Process

If other methods fail, perform a clean reinstall:

1. Uninstall Docker Desktop
2. Remove remaining folders:
   • AppData/Roaming/Docker Desktop
   • AppData/Local/Docker
3. Restart your computer
4. Install the latest Docker Desktop version
5. Run as Administrator if issues persist

WARNING

When reinstalling, consider not selecting the WSL option during installation if you've experienced recurring issues, then manually configure WSL afterward.

Prevention and Best Practices

1. Wait for full startup: Don't launch other development tools (like VS Code) until Docker has completely started
2. Regular updates: Keep both Docker Desktop and WSL updated
3. Adequate resources: Ensure your system has sufficient RAM (at least 8GB recommended)
4. Check firewall settings: Allow Docker-related executables through Windows Firewall

When to Seek Further Help

If none of these solutions work, consider:

• Checking Docker logs at %USERPROFILE%\AppData\Local\Docker
• Searching for specific error messages in Event Viewer
• Consulting Docker's official Windows troubleshooting documentation

Most "Docker Desktop Starting..." forever issues can be resolved through WSL management and system service troubleshooting. The wsl --update command resolves the majority of cases, with the other solutions addressing less common underlying issues.