FAQ

How is this different from Docker Desktop?

WSLc Desktop Manager manages WSLc, the container runtime built into WSL, rather than a VM and daemon. It uses familiar terms (containers, images, volumes, networks, stacks) but doesn't imitate features WSLc lacks. Where it can fill a gap safely it does so in the app, for example restart policies, which only run while the app is running.

Does it replace the wslc CLI?

No. It's a graphical front end. It runs its own WslcDesktop session, and you can use the CLI against it with --session WslcDesktop.

Where is my data stored?

In the WSLc storage for the WslcDesktop session. App preferences are in %LOCALAPPDATA%\WslcDesktop\settings.json; wslc's own settings are in %LOCALAPPDATA%\wslc\settings.yaml.

Does the app store my registry credentials?

No. They're passed to wslc and kept in its credential store. The app only remembers server names you signed in to.

Can I use my Docker Compose files?

Mostly. See the Compose guide for supported keys and warnings.

Why do I only see some of my containers?

The app shows its own session. See Environment.

Can I run two copies of the app?

No, run one at a time. See Troubleshooting.