How to fix Docker Desktop's unexpected WSL error?

[Author Anshul]

I installed Docker Desktop yesterday and today I am get error a new error. It says - Unexpected WSL. What's this and how can I fix?

 

[alifaiz]

To fix Docker Desktop’s unexpected WSL error, try the following steps:

1. Restart Docker Desktop – Right-click the Docker icon in the system tray and select "Restart Docker."
2. Check WSL Installation – Make sure WSL is properly installed: run wsl --list --verbose in Command Prompt to confirm.
3. Update WSL Kernel – Download and install the latest WSL kernel update from Microsoft.
4. Set Default WSL Version – Run wsl --set-default-version 2 if using WSL 2.
5. Reset Docker WSL Integration – In Docker Desktop settings under “Resources > WSL Integration,” disable and re-enable your distribution.
6. Reboot Your System – A full restart can often clear residual issues.
7. Reinstall Docker – If problems persist, uninstall and reinstall Docker Desktop.

These steps usually resolve WSL-related Docker issues efficiently.

 

[Christopher]

To fix Docker Desktop’s unexpected WSL error, restart your computer and ensure WSL is properly installed. Open PowerShell as administrator and run wsl --update. Make sure the default WSL version is 2. Reinstall Docker Desktop if the issue persists. Also, check Windows Features to confirm “Virtual Machine Platform” and “WSL” are enabled, then restart Docker Desktop.