To run Linux containers from a WSL distribution, install Docker Desktop for Windows, use its WSL 2 backend, and enable WSL integration for the distribution you plan to use. Then run Docker CLI commands in that distribution’s Linux terminal; Docker Desktop supplies the container engine.
Check Windows and WSL requirements
Docker’s Windows installation documentation lists these requirements as of October 4, 2026. Supported Windows editions and builds can change, so confirm them on Docker’s Windows installation page before installing.
- Windows 10 64-bit Enterprise, Pro, or Education, version 22H2 (build 19045), or Windows 11 64-bit Enterprise, Pro, or Education, version 23H2 (build 22631) or higher. Docker says supported Windows versions must remain within Microsoft’s servicing timeline.
- WSL 2 version 2.1.5 or later; Docker recommends keeping WSL up to date.
- The Windows Subsystem for Linux and Virtual Machine Platform features, a 64-bit processor with SLAT support, at least 8 GB of system RAM, and hardware virtualization enabled in BIOS or UEFI.
In PowerShell or Command Prompt, list installed distributions and their WSL versions:
wsl.exe -l -vIn the output, check that the distribution you intend to use shows version 2. To convert a distribution that shows version 1, run this in PowerShell or Command Prompt, replacing the example name with the exact name shown by the list:
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- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
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wsl.exe --set-version <distribution name> 2To choose which distribution launches when you run WSL without specifying one, use:
wsl.exe --set-default <distribution name>Install Docker Desktop and choose the WSL 2 backend
- Download and install Docker Desktop for Windows using Docker’s Windows installation instructions. Choose the WSL 2 option if the installer offers a backend choice. Docker documents per-user and all-users installation modes: per-user is recommended for most people and does not require administrator rights to install or update; all-users installation requires elevation and supports additional backend and container features.
- Launch Docker Desktop and wait for it to start.
- Open Settings > General. If the Use WSL 2 based engine option is shown, select it and apply the change. Docker says it is enabled by default on systems that support WSL 2, so the control may not appear.
- Open Settings > Resources > WSL Integration. Turn on the switch for the Linux distribution where you want to use Docker, then apply the change. The default WSL distribution is integrated by default; enable any other distributions you use explicitly.
If WSL Integration is missing, Docker may be in Windows-container mode. Use Docker’s taskbar menu to switch to Linux containers; the WSL integration setting is for the Linux-container workflow.
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Verify Docker from your Linux terminal
Open the integrated distribution’s terminal and check that the CLI can reach the engine:
docker versionThe output should include both client and server information. To verify with a small sample container, run:
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- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
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docker run hello-worldThese are standard Docker CLI checks; the commands may download the image if it is not already available locally and require a working network connection. If the server details are absent or a command reports that it cannot connect, use the troubleshooting checks below.
Use a WSL-friendly development workflow
Keep project files in the Linux filesystem inside your WSL distribution rather than working from a Windows-mounted directory for this workflow. Docker recommends this approach for WSL development; see its WSL guidance and WSL best practices for details, including bind mounts.
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- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
For Docker’s documented Visual Studio Code workflow, install the WSL extension, open a WSL terminal, navigate to the project directory, and start VS Code from there:
cd ~/your-project
code .The editor interface runs on Windows, while the remote development context is the Linux distribution.
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- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
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Troubleshoot common setup failures
Docker Desktop cannot start its WSL environment
Check that hardware virtualization is enabled in BIOS or UEFI and that both the Windows Subsystem for Linux and Virtual Machine Platform Windows features are enabled. Docker associates missing Windows components or disabled virtualization with WSL startup failures, including HCS errors. Its troubleshooting guide covers these startup issues.
Docker works in Windows but not in the Linux shell
Run wsl.exe -l -v and confirm the affected distribution is version 2. In Docker Desktop, revisit Settings > Resources > WSL Integration and enable that exact distribution. Integration is selected per distribution, so enabling one does not automatically enable every installed Linux environment.
WSL Integration settings are absent
Check whether Docker Desktop is using Windows containers. Switch to Linux containers from Docker’s taskbar menu, then look again under Settings > Resources > WSL Integration.
WSL hangs, uses excessive memory, or behaves unreliably
Update WSL to a current version; Docker notes that older versions have been associated with hangs, memory use by vmmem.exe, deployment failures, network-filter behavior, and GPU failures. Docker also documents autoMemoryReclaim as an experimental WSL setting available since WSL 1.3.10. It is optional, not a prerequisite for Docker Desktop; consult the WSL best-practices documentation before changing WSL configuration.
Check Docker Desktop licensing for your use
Docker’s Windows installation page says commercial use of Docker Desktop in larger enterprises—more than 250 employees or more than US$10 million in annual revenue—requires a paid subscription. This is an either-threshold test, not a requirement to meet both. Check Docker’s current installation and terms information for the licensing terms that apply to your organization. Docker’s installation guidance does not require membership in the docker-users group for ordinary Linux containers using WSL 2.
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