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dockerdocker-for-windowsdocker-desktop

Docker failed to initialize | Docker Desktop is shutting down


I am facing an issue with Docker for Windows application. This is happening after updating to newer version of 4.3.2. Previous version was running without any issues. After downloading and updating to new version, whenever I launch Docker Desktop I get error message " Docker failed to initialize. Docker Desktop is shutting down. ".

I have tried many solutions like:

  1. Closed docker and restarted laptop after update.
  2. Deleting log files in C:\Users\{...}\AppData\Local\Docker
  3. Deleting files in C:\Users\{...}\AppData\Roaming\Docker
  4. Tried to bump to previous release but unsuccessful with the message
    Docker Docker launch

Can anyone please help me resolve this issue as I have already wasted few hours to resolve this.

I am not sure if I should completely uninstall docker and install freshly. If doing so, may remove all existing volumes and containers. I don't want to lose existing containers and data. BTW, I didn't sign-in while working with containers.

Your help will be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance

P.S: I am working with Docker for Windows on Windows 10 machine with WSL2 enabled. I have also enabled Containers and Virtual Machine Platform in Windows Features.


Solution

  • I re-installed Docker Desktop 4.3.2 for Windows. But before installing I took the backup of ext4.vhdx file present in C:\Users\{...}\AppData\Local\Docker\wsl\data. But fortunately any of the volumes and containers were removed and everything is restored and working fine.

    To be on safer side, if anyone is facing similar situation please have the backup of ext4.vhdx and you can restore your data from it.