Also, some have reported Hyper-V and container features not enabled error while installing Docker Desktop on 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:

System requirements issues – The minimum and recommended requirements help determine the PCs that can run it. So, if your system doesn’t meet the minimum requirements, you may have difficulty accessing the tool smoothly. Issues with the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) – If the WSL isn’t running correctly, it can impede the running of the Linux environment directly on Windows devices. Hence, Docker Desktop taking a long time to load can be due to the system component being unable to run the tool environment. Corrupt app installation files – If the installation files are not intact, the app won’t have any base to boot from, and it can occur due to corrupt system files impacting the Docker Desktop environment.

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:

Turn off background apps running on your PC. Temporarily disabling third-party antivirus software. Restart Windows in Safe Mode and check if the problem persists. Check system requirements  – Go to the official Docker Desktop page and compare your PC with the stipulated minimum requirements.

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 about removing Startup programs on Windows PC. SPONSORED

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 fix PowerShell not showing the full output on 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.

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 fixing Windows Subsystem for Linux not enabled on Windows 11. If you have further questions or suggestions on this guide, kindly drop them in the comments section.

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