Skip to main content

This-Computer Environment: Windows

The current Soln Windows installer is x64, for Intel and AMD computers. Use a Windows version supported by Docker Desktop. Node.js, Cosign, and OpenSSL do not need to be installed beforehand.

1. Prepare virtualization and WSL2​

Docker Desktop's WSL2 backend requires hardware virtualization, the Virtual Machine Platform Windows feature, and WSL. These are separate prerequisites.

  • Hardware virtualization: open Task Manager → Performance → CPU and check that virtualization is enabled. If disabled, enable it in BIOS/UEFI according to the computer manufacturer's instructions.
  • Windows features: enable Virtual Machine Platform and Windows Subsystem for Linux in Turn Windows features on or off. Administrator authorization may be required.
  • Restart Windows when prompted. Restarting Docker Desktop alone does not apply Windows feature changes.
  • Install WSL if it is missing. Run the following in an administrator PowerShell:
wsl --install --no-distribution

If downloading WSL is slow, use the official MSI files distributed through the Soln GitCode WSL release. Intel/AMD computers use wsl.3.0.3.0.x64.msi. Install the MSI and restart if requested. You do not need a separate Ubuntu installation for Docker Desktop.

Check WSL after installation:

wsl --version

This should display the WSL and kernel versions. An ARM64 WSL file on the download page does not mean that the current Soln Windows installer supports ARM64.

2. Install and start Docker Desktop​

Download Docker Desktop for Windows and use the WSL2 backend with Linux containers. Start it and wait for Engine running.

If Docker says Virtual Machine Platform is not enabled, check the feature state and whether you restarted Windows. If it says WSL is not installed, complete the WSL installation above.

3. Prepare encrypted storage​

Enable BitLocker or device encryption for the volume containing your deployment folder. It must be fully encrypted with protection on; an ongoing encryption operation or suspended protection is not sufficient.

Keep the deployment folder under your own user profile or another protected folder on the encrypted volume. Soln checks the selected volume; a confirmation alone does not enable encryption.

4. Open Soln and install​

Continue with This-Computer Installation. Approve administrator or certificate prompts when shown. The installation flow downloads and verifies Node.js and Cosign and generates the local HTTPS certificate.