[Fixed] Docker – Windows 10 – An unexpected error was encountered while executing a WSL command – Docker

by
Ali Hasan
boot2docker docker-desktop

Quick Fix: Install Ubuntu Distribution and set it as the Default for Windows Subsystem.

The Problem:

After installing a new version of Docker Desktop in Windows 10, users are encountering an error: "An unexpected error was encountered while executing a WSL command."

The Solutions:

Solution

This error occurs due to access rights issues that can happen after waking up the computer or not being connected to your domain/active directory. To resolve this issue, try the following steps:

  1. Shut down WSL by running the command wsl --shutdown.
  2. Restart your computer.
  3. If the issue persists, reinstall WSL completely.
  4. As a last resort, try uninstalling and reinstalling Docker Desktop.

If the problem still exists, collect diagnostics and submit an issue (https://docs.docker.com/desktop/troubleshoot/overview/#diagnose-from-the-terminal).

Solution 2: Enable Virtualization

This error can occur if virtualization is not enabled on your Windows 10 machine. To address this, follow these steps:

  1. Restart your computer and enter BIOS mode: The method for entering BIOS mode varies depending on your computer’s manufacturer. Typically, you can access BIOS by pressing a specific key (e.g., F1, F2, or Del) during the initial startup process.

  2. Locate the virtualization setting: Once in BIOS mode, navigate to the CPU/Security or Intel CPU setting section. Look for an option labeled "Virtualization Technology" or "Intel Virtualization Technology."

  3. Enable virtualization: Make sure this option is set to "Enabled."

  4. Save changes and exit BIOS: After enabling virtualization, save the changes to your BIOS settings and exit.

  5. Restart your computer: Restart your computer to apply the changes.

  6. Reinstall Docker Desktop: If enabling virtualization resolves the issue, it’s recommended to reinstall Docker Desktop to ensure a clean installation.

  7. Re-run the Docker command: After reinstalling Docker Desktop, re-run the command you were previously trying to execute within WSL.

Q&A

How to resolve this error message?

Access rights issues, wake the computer or not connected to domain/active directory. Shutdown WSL or reboot. Uninstall/reinstall Docker Desktop.

How to set Ubuntu as default distribution on Windows Subsystem?

Install Ubuntu Distribution, Open Ubuntu command prompt and type wsl –set-default Ubuntu.

BIOS mode default setting for virtualization?

Go into BIOS mode, find enable virtualization under CPU/Security or Intel CPU setting.

Video Explanation:

The following video, titled "How To Fix An Unexpected Error Was Encountered While Executing ...", provides additional insights and in-depth exploration related to the topics discussed in this post.

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