# Using Docker with WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux)

Source: https://docs.openwebui.com/getting-started/quick-start/install-methods/windows-wsl

This guide provides instructions for setting up Docker and running Open WebUI in a Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) environment.

## Step 1: Install WSL

If you haven't already, install WSL by following the official Microsoft documentation:

[Install WSL](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wsl/install)

## Step 2: Install Docker Desktop

Docker Desktop is the easiest way to get Docker running in a WSL environment. It handles the integration between Windows and WSL automatically.

1. **Download Docker Desktop:** [https://www.docker.com/products/docker-desktop/](https://www.docker.com/products/docker-desktop/)
2. **Install Docker Desktop:** Follow the installation instructions, making sure to select the "WSL 2" backend during the setup process.

## Step 3: Configure Docker Desktop for WSL

1. **Open Docker Desktop:** Start the Docker Desktop application.
2. **Enable WSL Integration:**

- Go to **Settings > Resources > WSL Integration**.
- Make sure the "Enable integration with my default WSL distro" checkbox is selected.
- If you are using a non-default WSL distribution, select it from the list.

## Step 4: Run Open WebUI

Now you can run Open WebUI by following the standard Docker instructions from within your WSL terminal.

```
docker run -d -p 3000:8080 --add-host=host.docker.internal:host-gateway -v open-webui:/app/backend/data -e WEBUI_SECRET_KEY=your-secret-key --name open-webui --restart always ghcr.io/open-webui/open-webui:main
```

## Important Notes

- **Run Docker Commands in WSL:** Always run `docker` commands from your WSL terminal, not from PowerShell or Command Prompt.
- **File System Access:** When using volume mounts (`-v`), make sure the paths are accessible from your WSL distribution.