Flywheel Local Not Starting

Flywheel Local Not Starting: Troubleshooting Guide

Encountering issues with Flywheel Local not starting is a common frustration for WordPress developers. Don't panic! This guide provides practical steps to diagnose and resolve the problem, getting you back to your development workflow.

Common Causes and Solutions

Several factors can prevent Flywheel Local from starting correctly. Let's address the most likely culprits:

• Resource Constraints: Flywheel Local relies on virtualization (usually Docker). If your system is low on memory (RAM) or CPU resources, it might fail. Try closing unnecessary applications and restarting your computer. Aim for at least 8GB of RAM available for optimal performance.
• Conflicting Software: Certain applications, especially those that also use virtualization or manage network ports (e.g., other development environments, VPNs, antivirus programs), can interfere. Temporarily disable these programs to see if Local starts.
• Docker Issues: Flywheel Local depends on Docker Desktop. Ensure Docker Desktop is running *before* launching Local. Check Docker's status in your system tray. If Docker isn't running, start it manually. If Docker is running but has errors, try restarting it. Also, verify that Docker Desktop is updated to the latest version.
• Corrupted Local Files: Sometimes, the local configuration files used by Flywheel Local can become corrupted. Try deleting the ~/Library/Application Support/Local by Flywheel directory (on macOS) or the equivalent on Windows (usually in %AppData% or %LocalAppData%). Warning: This will reset your Local settings. Back up any important data first.
• Port Conflicts: Flywheel Local needs to use specific ports (e.g., port 80 for HTTP, port 443 for HTTPS). If another application is already using these ports, Local won't start. Check your system's port usage and identify any conflicting processes. You can often reconfigure the conflicting application or change Local's ports in its settings.

Advanced Troubleshooting Steps

If the basic solutions haven't worked, consider these more advanced troubleshooting techniques:

1. Check the Local Log Files: Flywheel Local keeps detailed logs that can provide clues about the problem. These logs are usually located in the ~/Library/Application Support/Local by Flywheel/logs directory (macOS) or the equivalent on Windows. Examine the logs for error messages.
2. Reinstall Flywheel Local: A clean reinstall can resolve issues caused by corrupted installations. Uninstall Flywheel Local, delete the application support directory (as mentioned above), and then reinstall the latest version from the Flywheel website.
3. Update Your Operating System: Ensure that your operating system is up to date. Outdated operating systems can sometimes have compatibility issues with Flywheel Local and Docker.
4. Consult the Flywheel Local Forums: The Flywheel Local community forums are a valuable resource for finding solutions to common problems. Search for your specific error message or issue to see if others have encountered and resolved it.

By systematically working through these steps, you should be able to diagnose and resolve most "Flywheel Local not starting" issues. Remember to restart your computer after making significant changes.