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Docker Desktop reported an unexpected WSL error because Hyper-V support was unavailable

Docker Desktop - Unexpected WSL error: Wsl/Service/RegisterDistro/CreateVm/HCS/HCS_E_HYPERV_NOT_INSTALLED

Docker Desktop could not start its WSL 2 environment because required virtualization or Hyper-V related components were disabled or unavailable on the host system.

HCS_E_HYPERV_NOT_INSTALLEDstartup

Observed message

Docker Desktop - Unexpected WSL error: Wsl/Service/RegisterDistro/CreateVm/HCS/HCS_E_HYPERV_NOT_INSTALLED

Why it happens

  • Virtualization is disabled in the BIOS or firmware settings.
  • Required Windows features such as Virtual Machine Platform or WSL are not enabled.
  • The Windows hypervisor is disabled at startup.
  • A third-party tool changed virtualization or Hyper-V related settings.

How to fix it

  1. Enable virtualization in the BIOS or firmware settings.
  2. Turn on the required Windows features for WSL 2 or Hyper-V.
  3. Ensure the Windows hypervisor is enabled at startup.
  4. If running inside a VM, enable nested virtualization.

Official reference

Docker Docs: Common topics - Docker Desktop fails due to Virtualization not working

Related errors

Docker Desktop Access DeniedDocker Desktop failed to start with Access DeniedThe media is write protectedDocker Desktop with Windows Containers failed because the media is write protectedfailed to solveDocker build failed to solveLoading the build result for multi-platform images is not supportedDocker Buildx could not load a multi-platform build result locally

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Docker Desktop Unexpected WSL error HCS_E_HYPERV_NOT_INSTALLED: fixes | Error Atlas