How to Install Docker Desktop on Windows

Edited 3 days ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

Docker DesktopWindowsInstallationSoftwareSetupBeginnersSoftware DevelopmentDevOpsCloud ComputingVirtualization

Docker is a platform that allows developers to build, deploy, and manage containerized applications. It simplifies the process of moving software reliably from one computing environment to another. Docker Desktop is the preferred choice for Windows users who want to develop on Docker using a simple interface and straightforward installation process. To install Docker Desktop on Windows, follow the detailed instructions below.

Understanding Docker

Before we proceed with the installation process, it is important to understand what Docker is and why it is important. Docker uses containers to create consistent and isolated development environments. Unlike virtual machines, containers are lightweight and share the OS's kernel, making them more efficient while using fewer system resources.

Prerequisites

Before installing Docker Desktop, make sure your Windows PC meets the following requirements:

• Windows 10 64-bit: Pro, Enterprise, or Education (build 15063 and later)
• WSL 2 Installation (Windows Subsystem for Linux)
• Hardware: The computer must support Hyper-V and containers
• Enable Virtualization via BIOS/UEFI Settings

Downloading Docker Desktop

The first step in the installation process is to download the Docker desktop application. You can do it like this:

1. Go to the official Docker website: Docker Website.
2. Click the "Get Started" button or visit the specific Docker Desktop download page.
3. Select the option for Windows to begin downloading the installer file.

Installation Steps

Once the download is complete, it's time to install Docker Desktop on your Windows machine. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Run the installer

Go to the location where the downloaded Docker Desktop installer file is saved and double-click on it. This action will launch the installer.

Step 2: Follow the installation instructions

The Docker Desktop installer wizard will guide you through the installation process. Participate in:

• Accepting the License Agreement: Be sure to read and agree to the Terms of Service.
• Choosing configuration options: You will have options such as enabling WSL 2 or choosing the installation path. Unless specific customizations are required, proceed with the recommended settings. Settings can significantly impact performance and compatibility.

Step 3: Start the installation

Once all the selections are made, click on the “Install” button to proceed. The installation process may take a few minutes depending on your system specifications and the configuration chosen.

Post-installation steps

After the installation is complete, Docker Desktop will ask you to log in with your Docker ID. If you don't have a Docker ID, create one by visiting the Docker Hub login page. Logging in makes it possible to pull images from Docker Hub.

Verify the installation

To confirm that Docker is installed correctly, open a Command Prompt or PowerShell and run the command:

docker --version

This command will return the version of Docker you have installed, indicating that Docker is running.

Configuring Docker Desktop

Now that Docker Desktop is installed, you may need to configure it for optimized performance:

• Resource allocation: From the Docker desktop, go to Settings > Resources and allocate CPU, memory, and disk space as needed. This adjustment ensures that your Docker containers are running efficiently.
• Enable WSL 2 integration: If your projects require Linux-based containers, make sure WSL 2 integration is enabled from “Settings” under the “General” tab.

Running a Docker container

With Docker Desktop now working, you can start creating and managing containers. Here's a brief example to run a sample container:

docker run hello-world

This command downloads a sample "hello-world" image from Docker Hub, creates a container, and runs it. A successful run returns a message confirming the correct installation and operation of Docker.

Troubleshooting common problems

Installing Docker Desktop can sometimes pose challenges. Below are simple troubleshooting tips for common problems:

• Hyper-V issues: Make sure Hyper-V is enabled in your system's BIOS settings.
• WSL Installation: Follow the detailed Microsoft documentation to ensure WSL is installed and integrated correctly.
• Network issues: If downloads are failing, check your network connectivity and proxy settings in Docker Desktop.

Advanced operations: building your own Docker image

In addition to running pre-built images, Docker also enables you to create your own images tailored to your needs. Here's a very basic example:

Create a simple Dockerfile

Create a new directory on your hard drive, for example, labeled "docker_project" and inside it create a file named Dockerfile with no file extension. Type the following content into the Dockerfile:

FROM alpine CMD ["echo", "Hello, World from Docker!"]

This Dockerfile tells Docker to build an image based on the minimal Alpine Linux distribution and run the `echo` command when the container is started.

Building the Docker image

Inside the Command Prompt or PowerShell terminal, navigate to the new folder you created. Then build the Docker image using the following:

docker build -t my-simple-image .

`my-simple-image` is the name you are giving to your Docker image, and the point refers to the current directory where your Dockerfile is located.

Running a custom image

To run your newly created Docker image, use:

docker run my-simple-image

After execution, you will see the message "Hello, World from Docker!" on your terminal, indicating that your custom Docker image ran successfully.

Enhancements and utilities

Docker Desktop provides utilities that make it easier to manage and organize containerized applications. Some notable features include:

• Kubernetes Integration: Enabled within Docker Desktop to seamlessly develop and deploy Kubernetes-powered applications.
• Docker Compose: Use YAML files to define multi-container Docker applications.

Conclusion

Installing Docker Desktop on Windows helps developers harness the power of containers to create robust, efficient, and isolated environments for testing and deploying applications. By following the detailed instructions shared in this document, anyone can quickly set up Docker Desktop and start exploring the vast possibilities that containerization offers for modern software development.

  Share This Article

If you find anything wrong with the article content, you can request an update