> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://nginxle.onepub.dev/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://nginxle.onepub.dev/cli-commands/start.md). # 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. --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://nginxle.onepub.dev/cli-commands/start.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.