How to Install Docker on WSL2

Here is how to install Docker in WSL2 without Docker Desktop in 2026.

Step 1: Install WSL2

wsl --install -d Ubuntu-24.04

Step 2: Install Docker

curl -fsSL https://get.docker.com | sh
sudo usermod -aG docker $USER
sudo service docker start

Auto-Start Docker

Add to ~/.bashrc:

if service docker status 2>&1 | grep -q "is not running"; then
    sudo service docker start
fi

Verify

docker --version
docker run hello-world

Related Resources

• Docker Cheat Sheet
• Install Docker on Windows 11