Docker Container Start Fails with OCI Runtime Create Failed: Unable to Apply Cgroup Configuration

What this error means

failed to create task for container: failed to create shim task: OCI runtime create failed: runc create failed: unable to start container process: unable to apply cgroup configuration is a Docker failure pattern reported for developers trying to fix docker container start failure with oci runtime cgroup configuration error, unable to start unit docker-*.scope. Based on the imported evidence, treat this as a tool-specific troubleshooting page rather than a generic API error.

Why this happens

Stack Overflow Q79941996: Docker start fails with OCI runtime create failed + cgroup configuration error. Distinct from existing Docker errors (daemon, bind address, no space, permission denied). New error signature. Category: Docker.

Common causes

• Stack Overflow Q79941996: Docker start fails with OCI runtime create failed + cgroup configuration error. Distinct from existing Docker errors (daemon, bind address, no space, permission denied). New error signature. Category: Docker.

Quick fixes

1. Confirm the exact error signature matches failed to create task for container: failed to create shim task: OCI runtime create failed: runc create failed: unable to start container process: unable to apply cgroup configuration.
2. Check the Docker account, local tool state, and provider configuration involved in the failing workflow.
3. Compare the failing environment with a known working setup, then change one configuration value at a time.

Platform/tool-specific checks

• Verify the command, editor, extension, or API client that produced the error.
• Compare local settings with CI, deployment, or editor-level settings when the error appears in only one environment.
• Avoid deleting credentials, local model data, or project settings until the failing scope is clear.

Step-by-step troubleshooting

1. Capture the exact error message and the command, editor action, or request that triggered it.
2. Check whether the failure is account/auth, quota/rate, model/provider, local runtime, or deployment configuration.
3. Review the source evidence below and compare it with your environment.
4. Apply one change at a time and rerun the smallest failing action.
5. Keep the working fix documented for the team or deployment environment.

How to prevent it

• Keep provider/tool configuration documented.
• Record non-secret diagnostics such as tool version, provider name, model name, and command path.
• Add a lightweight check before CI or production workflows depend on the tool.

Sources checked

• https://stackoverflow.com/q/79941996

Evidence note: Stack Overflow Q79941996: Docker start fails with OCI runtime create failed + cgroup configuration error. Distinct from existing Docker errors (daemon, bind address, no space, permission denied). New error signature. Category: Docker.

Related errors

• Docker

FAQ

What should I check first?

Start with the exact failed to create task for container: failed to create shim task: OCI runtime create failed: runc create failed: unable to start container process: unable to apply cgroup configuration text and the smallest action that reproduces it.

Can I ignore this error?

No. Treat it as a failed Docker workflow until the root cause is understood.

Is this guaranteed to have one fix?

No. The imported evidence supports the troubleshooting path above, but tool behavior can vary by account, plan, version, provider, and local configuration.

How do I know the fix worked?

Rerun the same command, editor action, or request. The fix is working when that action completes without failed to create task for container: failed to create shim task: OCI runtime create failed: runc create failed: unable to start container process: unable to apply cgroup configuration.