Initially, Docker It was a technology developed for Linux, although over time it has also reached platforms developed by the Microsoft operating system. In this post we are going to see How to install Docker on Windows 10 and what are the main benefits that this can bring us.
First, let's remember what Docker is and how it works. Then, we'll explain the method to follow to install it on Windows 10 and enjoy its services.
What is Docker and what is it used for?
Docker is a open source software created in 2013 by Solomon Hykes which is used to deploy applications inside virtual containers. This allows multiple applications to run in different complex environments.
Explained very simply, we will say that a Docker container is a software package that contains all the elements necessary to run a particular applicationThe Docker image is what provides us with the instructions and configuration and the instructions necessary to start or stop each container.
The management of each of these containers is relatively simple thanks to the help of the Docker API or via the command line interface (CLI). And when it comes to managing multiple containers, there is the option of using the tool Docker Compose.
How can Docker help us? There are many cases, although one of the most common is being able to Test new software without having to install it manuallyIts main advantages include portability, the ability to automate and the large community of users around the world, always willing to answer questions and lend a hand.
On the other hand, it must be said that Docker does not offer the same speed as a virtual machineIt should also be noted that its handling may be somewhat complex for some users.
In any case, if we take into account that developing an application is quite a challenge, using Docker containers is one of the best ways we have to ensure that it works in all possible environments.
Install Docker on Windows 10 step by step
Installing Docker on Windows 10 is not a complicated process. What you need to take into account most is that our operating system meets all the requirements. prerequisites. Once we have verified this point, it is best to use a reliable application, such as Docker Desktop.
Installation requirements
To install Docker on Windows 10 using Docker Desktop you need to have one of the following: versions of the operating system: Windows 10 Pro, Windows 10 Enterprise o Windows 10 Education (with support for Hyper-V and WSL 2). It is also possible with Windows 10 Home, as long as we are using the May 2020 update or later.
Apart from this, we must make sure virtualization is enabled in our BIOS/UEFI. This is required for Docker Desktop to use Hyper-V or WSL 2.
First: Enable the required Windows features
Once we have verified that the required system requirements are met, the following features must be enabled one by one:
Enabling Hyper-V and Containers
- From the Control Panel we go to Programs.
- We selected «Turn Windows features on or off».
- There we activate the following boxes: Hyper-V and Virtual Machine Platform.
- Finally, we click on "Accept" and we restarted the computer.
Enable WSL 2 (Windows Subsystem for Linux)
We open PowerShell as Administrator and run the following commands before rebooting:
dism.exe /online /enable-feature /featurename:Microsoft-Windows-Subsystem-Linux /all /norestart
dism.exe /online /enable-feature /featurename:VirtualMachinePlatform /all /norestart
Updating WSL 2 Linux Kernel
We download the kernel update «WSL 2 Linux kernel update package for x64 machines» from the Microsoft official website and we execute the downloaded installer to update the WSL kernel.
Set WSL 2 as default
Finally, in PowerShell, we run the following command to set WSL 2 as the default version:
wsl –set-default-version 2
Second: Download, install and configure Docker Desktop
The last step to have Docker on Windows 10 is to download Docker Desktop from the official link and run it on our computer. During the installation process, it is necessary to select the option to use WSL 2 as backend and follow the rest of the instructions that appear on the screen.
Next, we open Docker Desktop from the start menu (the first time it may take a few minutes). Before we start using the application, we need to configure some of its parameters:
- Configure WSL: In the main interface of Docker Desktop, we will Settings, then to the menu General and we activate the option «Use the WSL 2 based engine».
- Setting up WSL Integration: again we are going to Settings, from there to Resources and we select WSL Integration with the Linux distributions we want to use.
Finally, for verify that the installation has been successful, we can open PowerShell and run this command to check it:
docker –version
If everything is correct, you will see a welcome message. After this, Docker should be working without any problems on Windows 10.
Editor specialized in technology and internet issues with more than ten years of experience in different digital media. I have worked as an editor and content creator for e-commerce, communication, online marketing and advertising companies. I have also written on economics, finance and other sectors websites. My work is also my passion. Now, through my articles in Tecnobits, I try to explore all the news and new opportunities that the world of technology offers us every day to improve our lives.