In this article, we will discuss a common issue faced by many users – Docker Desktop not starting on Ubuntu 20.04 when run through VirtualBox. We will provide a step-by-step guide on how to resolve this issue.
To fix the issue of Docker Desktop not starting on Ubuntu 20.04 through VirtualBox, you need to enable nested virtualization in VirtualBox and ensure that virtualization is enabled in your system’s BIOS settings. Restart your system after making these changes and Docker Desktop should start without any issues.
Understanding the Issue
Before we delve into the solution, it’s important to understand the problem. Docker Desktop may not start on Ubuntu 20.04 in VirtualBox due to a configuration issue with VirtualBox and the host system. This is not a Docker Desktop issue but is related to the nested virtualization settings in VirtualBox.
Prerequisites
Before we proceed, ensure that you have the following:
- Docker installed on your Ubuntu 20.04 system.
- VirtualBox installed on your host system.
- Access to the system BIOS settings to check if virtualization is enabled.
Enabling Nested Virtualization in VirtualBox
The first step to resolve this issue is to enable nested virtualization in VirtualBox. Here’s how you can do this:
- Ensure that VirtualBox is not currently running. Close it if it is.
- Open a terminal. You can do this by pressing
Ctrl + Alt + T. - Execute the following command:
VBoxManage modifyvm <VirtualMachineName> --nested-hw-virt onIn the above command, replace <VirtualMachineName> with the name of your virtual machine. The modifyvm parameter is used to modify the properties of a registered virtual machine, which is identified by its name or UUID. The --nested-hw-virt on flag is used to enable nested hardware virtualization.
Enabling Virtualization in BIOS
The next step is to ensure that virtualization is enabled in your system’s BIOS settings. The process to enable virtualization varies depending on your system’s manufacturer. Consult your system’s documentation or support resources to find out how to enable virtualization.
Verifying the Solution
After you have enabled nested virtualization in VirtualBox and ensured that virtualization is enabled in your system’s BIOS settings, restart your system and open Docker Desktop on Ubuntu 20.04 in VirtualBox. If the issue was due to nested virtualization, Docker Desktop should now start without any issues.
Conclusion
In this article, we discussed a common issue faced by many users – Docker Desktop not starting on Ubuntu 20.04 in VirtualBox. We provided a step-by-step guide on how to resolve this issue by enabling nested virtualization in VirtualBox and ensuring that virtualization is enabled in the system’s BIOS settings. If the issue persists even after following these steps, further troubleshooting may be required.
If Docker Desktop still doesn’t start after following the steps mentioned, you can try reinstalling Docker Desktop and VirtualBox. Make sure to uninstall them completely before reinstalling. Additionally, ensure that you have the latest versions of both Docker Desktop and VirtualBox installed.
Yes, Docker can be run directly on Ubuntu 20.04 without using VirtualBox. VirtualBox is only necessary if you want to run Docker Desktop, which provides a user-friendly interface and additional features. If you prefer, you can install and run Docker Engine directly on Ubuntu 20.04 without the need for a virtualization tool.
Enabling nested virtualization is generally safe, but it can have performance implications and may not be supported on all hardware. Ensure that your system meets the requirements and consult your system’s documentation or support resources for any specific considerations. It’s also recommended to backup important data before making any changes to your system’s settings.
Yes, there are alternatives to VirtualBox for running Docker Desktop on Ubuntu 20.04. One popular alternative is VMware Workstation, which also supports nested virtualization. However, keep in mind that the specific steps and settings may vary when using a different virtualization tool, so make sure to consult the relevant documentation or support resources for that tool.
Yes, you can run Docker on Ubuntu 20.04 without a virtualization tool by installing and using Docker Engine directly. Docker Engine allows you to run Docker containers natively on your host operating system, without the need for a virtualization layer. This can provide better performance and resource utilization compared to running Docker within a virtual machine.
