# start

## Starting Nginx-LE

If you are using the Nginx-LE cli tools then before starting Nginx-LE you must first run `nginx-le config`.

If you are not using the Nginx-LE cli tools then follow the standard docker, docker-compose processes.

To start the Nginx-LE container run:

```
nginx-le start
```

However you start Nginx-LE, when you first start the Nginx-LE container it won't have a certificate.

If you have set AUTO\_ACQUIRE=true then Nginx-Le will automatically acquire a certificate.

If you have set AUTO\_ACQUIRE=false then when Nginx-LE detects that it doesn't have a valid certificate it will enter certificate acquisition mode.

In this mode it will display a default 'Certificate Acquisition Required' home page with instructions on obtaining a certificate.

You then need to run the `nginx-le acquire` command.