How to Install Docker on Windows 10 and Windows 11

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Docker is a powerful tool for developers and organizations to build, manage, and deploy applications efficiently. It enables you to encapsulate an application and its dependencies into a single container, ensuring portability and consistency.

If you’re using Windows 10 or 11, this guide will walk you through the step-by-step installation process in a simple and clear way. Let’s dive in!

Prerequisites

Before installing Docker, ensure you meet the following requirements:

  1. Windows 10 (version 1903 or later) or Windows 11: Make sure your operating system is up-to-date.
  2. Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL 2): Docker Desktop requires WSL 2 for optimal performance.
  3. Hardware Virtualization Enabled: Check if virtualization is enabled in your BIOS.
  4. Administrator Account: Needed to install and configure Docker.

Step 1: Enable WSL 2

Docker Desktop for Windows relies on the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL 2). Follow these steps to enable it:

  1. Open PowerShell as Administrator:
    Search for “PowerShell” in the Start menu, right-click, and select “Run as administrator.“
  2. Enable WSL:
    Run the following command:
    dism.exe /online /enable-feature /featurename:Microsoft-Windows-Subsystem-Linux /all /norestart
  3. Enable Virtualization:
    Run the following command:
    dism.exe /online /enable-feature /featurename:VirtualMachinePlatform /all /norestart
  4. Restart Your Computer:
    Restart your computer to apply the changes.
  5. Set WSL 2 as Default:
    After the restart, open PowerShell again and run:
    wsl --set-default-version 2

Step 2: Download Docker Desktop

  1. Visit the official Docker website: Docker Desktop for Windows.
  2. Click the “Download for Windows” button to download the installer.

Step 3: Install Docker Desktop

  1. Run the Installer:
    Once downloaded, double-click the .exe file to begin the installation.
  2. Accept the Terms:
    Tick the box to accept the terms and click “Next.”
  3. Select Components:
    Ensure the options for installing WSL 2 and Hyper-V are selected.
  4. Complete Installation:
    Click “Install” and wait for the process to complete.
  5. Restart Your Computer:
    If prompted, restart your computer to finalize the installation.

Step 4: Set Up Docker Desktop

  1. Open Docker Desktop from the Start menu.
  2. On the first launch, Docker will ask you to log in with your Docker account.
    • If you don’t have an account, you can create one for free at Docker Hub.
  3. Once logged in, Docker will initialize and be ready to use.

Step 5: Verify the Installation

To confirm Docker is installed and working correctly:

  1. Open Command Prompt or PowerShell.
  2. Run the following command:
    docker --version
    This should display the installed Docker version.
  3. Test the installation by running:
    docker run hello-world
    This will download and run a test container, showing the message “Hello from Docker!” if everything is set up correctly.

Tips for Using Docker on Windows

  • Regular Updates: Keep Docker Desktop updated to access the latest features and security fixes.
  • Resource Management: Configure CPU, memory, and disk allocation in Docker Desktop settings for optimal performance.
  • Explore Docker Hub: Use pre-built images available at Docker Hub to get started quickly.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You’ve successfully installed Docker on your Windows 10 or 11 system. Now you can explore the possibilities of Docker to create and manage applications in containers efficiently.

Have any questions or suggestions? Drop a comment below! Your feedback helps us improve and create more helpful content. Happy coding! 🚀