When setting up Docker Desktop on Windows Server 2022, you’ll need Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) working properly first. However, you might encounter the error “An error occurred in the secure channel support” when running wsl --update
. This prevents WSL from updating and consequently blocks Docker Desktop from functioning correctly.
The Problem
- WSL update fails with a secure channel error
- Without proper WSL installation, Docker Desktop cannot run
- The error occurs due to disabled TLS protocols needed for secure communication
The Solution
- Open Control Panel
- Navigate to Internet Options
- Click the Advanced tab
- Scroll down to the Security section
- Enable both checkboxes:
- Use TLS 1.2
- Use TLS 1.3
- Click Apply, then OK
- Try running
wsl --update
again - Once WSL is updated, Docker Desktop can be installed and run properly
Why This Works
Windows Server 2022 requires TLS 1.2 or higher for secure communications. When these protocols are disabled, WSL update commands fail because they can’t establish a secure connection to Microsoft’s servers. Enabling these protocols allows the secure channel to be established properly, letting you update WSL and subsequently run Docker Desktop.
Additional Notes
- This fix is specifically for Windows Server 2022 21H2
- The error message “An error occurred in the secure channel support” is a common indicator of TLS protocol issues
- This solution is simpler than many other suggested fixes that involve registry edits or PowerShell commands
- Always ensure your server’s security settings align with your organization’s security policies when enabling TLS protocols
- Docker Desktop requires WSL 2 for its backend, making this fix essential for Docker functionality