How to Fix Docker Desktop Starting Forever on Windows 11

Often, this issue occur when the system requirement isn’t met

4 min. read

Updated onFebruary 29, 2024

updated onFebruary 29, 2024

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Key notes

Launching the Docker Desktop tool on the PC can be challenging and time-consuming for some users. It is because they reported an issue with Docker Desktop starting forever on Windows 11. However, this guide contains some tips for fixing the problem and improving the app speed.

Also, some have reportedHyper-V and container features not enabled error while installing Docker Desktopon their PCs.

Why is Docker Desktop stuck on starting?

Many factors may be responsible for the Docker Desktop tool taking forever to start. Notable ones are:

Nonetheless, we’ll take you through some basic steps to fix the problem and get the tool working again.

What can I do if Docker Desktop is starting forever on Windows 11?

Before proceeding with any advanced troubleshooting steps, go through the following:

If you can’t fix the problem, try the solutions below:

1. Perform a clean boot

A clean boot prevents some programs from running on startup, leaving more resources and stopping any interference on the Docker Desktop tool.

You can read aboutremoving Startup programs on WindowsPC.

2. Restart Docker Service

Restarting the service can help fix Docker startup errors and refresh the Docker host’s processing.

3. Unregister Docker Desktop

Unregistering the Docker Desktop terminates any connection between the app and your PC, allowing it to re-establish new connections. Check ways to fixPowerShell not showing the full outputon Windows 11.

4. Re-enable the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) feature

The above steps will force restart the Windows Subsystem for Linux feature and allow it to run the Linux environment smoothly on Windows 11. This will also help with theUnexpected WSL error.

5. Uninstall and perform a fresh install of Docker

Reinstalling Docker Desktop will fix corrupt installation files liable to cause the issue.

In addition, our readers may be interested in fixingWindows Subsystem for Linux not enabledon Windows 11.

We also have a guide on how toinstall Docker on Windows Server, so don’t miss it.

If you have further questions or suggestions on this guide, kindly drop them in the comments section.

How to Fix Docker Desktop Starting Forever on Windows 11#

What can I do if Docker Desktop is starting forever on Windows 11?#

1. Perform a clean boot#

2. Restart Docker Service#

3. Unregister Docker Desktop#

4. Re-enable the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) feature#

5. Uninstall and perform a fresh install of Docker#