How to Install Docker on Windows

To install Docker on Windows, ensure your system meets the requirements. You need a compatible 64-bit Windows 10 or 11, administrator access, virtualization enabled, and sufficient memory and storage. Verify your Windows version by pressing Windows + R, typing winver, and hitting Enter. Enable virtualization to allow Docker Desktop to run Linux containers.

Open Task Manager, go to Performance, click CPU, and check if Virtualization is enabled. If not, enable it via BIOS/UEFI settings. Next, install WSL 2, which enables Windows to run a Linux environment. Open PowerShell as Administrator and type wsl –install. Press Enter, wait for installation, and restart your computer if prompted.

Update WSL by running wsl –update in PowerShell. Download Docker Desktop for Windows from the official Docker website. Choose the installer matching your processor architecture and save it. After the download finishes, double-click the installer and follow the steps. Choose the WSL 2 backend when asked. Restart your computer if needed.

To begin using Docker, open the Start menu, search for Docker Desktop, and launch it. Accept terms and conditions and wait for the initial setup. Verify Docker installation by opening PowerShell or Command Prompt and entering docker –version. Press Enter to see the installed Docker version. Test Docker by typing docker run hello-world.

If successful, Docker will download and run a small test container, displaying a confirmation message.