Fix Docker Engine Stopped Error on Windows 11: 6-Step Troubleshooting Guide

After installing Docker Desktop on Windows 11, the UI may continuously show "Docker Engine stopped." This article summarizes a six-step troubleshooting process adapted from a Zhihu post (https://zhuanlan.zhihu.com/p/663821762). All commands should be run with administrator privileges (Command Prompt, PowerShell, or Docker Desktop).

1. Verify Built-in Virtual Machine (Hyper-V)

Windows 11 typically includes Hyper-V. If missing, refer to the source link for installation instructions.

2. Enable CPU Virtualization in BIOS

Open Task Manager → Performance tab → CPU. Check the "Virtualization" field. If disabled, enter BIOS/UEFI to enable it. The author uses an ASUS motherboard with AMD CPU; the BIOS entry key is F2. ASUS provides a guide at https://rog.asus.com.cn/support/faq/1045141/. After enabling, reboot and confirm via Control Panel → Turn Windows features on or off that Hyper-V and Windows Hypervisor Platform are checked. A reboot is required for changes to take effect.

3. Start Docker Desktop Service

In an elevated Command Prompt or PowerShell, run: net start com.docker.service This starts the Docker Desktop Service. A screenshot shows the command succeeding.

4. Install or Update WSL

In PowerShell (admin), run: wsl --update This installs WSL if absent or updates to the latest version. The command may time out; retry a few times.

5. Switch Docker Daemon

Navigate to the Docker Desktop installation directory and invoke the CLI switch:

cd "C:\Program Files\Docker\Docker"

.\DockerCli.exe -SwitchDaemon

The command may return an error such as "cannot find"; the author notes this is acceptable and does not prevent the fix.

6. Launch Docker Desktop as Administrator

Right-click the Docker Desktop shortcut and select "Run as administrator." The Docker Engine should now start successfully.

The author mentions that the original Zhihu post also described a persistent "Starting the Docker Engine" message, which they did not encounter.