Docker API Version Error When Pulling Images

Problem Statement

When attempting to pull a Docker image (like AndroPyTool) on Windows 10, you may encounter this error:

request returned Internal Server Error for API route and version http://%2F%2F.%2Fpipe%2Fdocker_engine/v1.24/images/create?fromImage=alexmyg%2Fandropytool&tag=latest, check if the server supports the requested API version

This error typically indicates that the Docker daemon is either unresponsive or has become unstable. Common causes include:

1. The Docker daemon has crashed or become unresponsive
2. WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux) integration issues
3. Network configuration problems
4. Docker service instability after updates

The error message mentioning API version often misleads users to think they need to downgrade Docker, but in most cases, simpler solutions exist.

Recommended Solutions

Solution 1: Restart Docker Desktop

The most straightforward fix for API version errors is restarting Docker Desktop. This resolves about 80% of cases:

Quick Fix

1. Right-click the Docker whale icon in your system tray
2. Select Restart Docker Desktop
3. Wait for Docker to fully restart (status should show "Docker Desktop is running")
4. Try pulling your image again

Solution 2: Restart Docker with WLS Reset (For Persistent Cases)

If a simple restart doesn't work, perform a full Docker reset with WSL shutdown:

1. Open PowerShell as Administrator:

   wsl --shutdown

2. Fully exit Docker Desktop:

   • Right-click Docker tray icon → Exit

3. Restart Docker Desktop:

   • Launch Docker Desktop from the Start menu
   • Wait for the "Docker Desktop is running" status

4. Attempt your docker pull command again

Solution 3: Verify Network Configuration

If errors persist after restarting, check your network settings:

1. Open Docker Desktop Settings (gear icon)

2. Go to Network section

3. Ensure:

   • DNS server is set to 8.8.8.8 (Google DNS) for testing
   • HTTP/HTTPS proxy settings are correct if using corporate network
   • VPN software isn't blocking Docker connections

4. Click Apply & Restart

Solution 4: Reset Docker to Factory Defaults

WARNING

This will remove all containers and images

In Docker Desktop Settings → Troubleshoot → Reset to factory defaults. Use this when:

• Restarts don't resolve the issue
• You've recently updated Docker or Windows
• Switching between WSL2 and Hyper-V backends

Why These Solutions Work

The API version error typically indicates:

• Docker's client/server communication has broken
• The dockerd background process has crashed
• Network tunnels between Windows and WSL have become unstable

Restarting Docker Desktop:

1. Kills all Docker-related processes
2. Resets network interfaces
3. Re-establishes WSL integration
4. Clears temporary connection errors

Prevention Tips

• Keep Docker Desktop updated (Settings → Software Updates)
• Reset Docker monthly via Clean / Purge Data menu
• Avoid force-closing Docker processes

Most Docker API version errors resolve with these restart procedures without needing Docker version changes. If issues persist, investigate Windows event logs (Get-EventLog -LogName Application -Source Docker in PowerShell) for deeper diagnostic information.