Docker has become the industry standard for building, testing, and deploying containerized applications. While many developers use Docker with Linux containers, Docker Desktop also supports Windows containers, allowing you to develop and run applications that depend on the Windows operating system and its APIs.
Installing Docker Desktop for Windows containers is a straightforward process, but it requires meeting specific system requirements and configuring Docker correctly. Whether you're developing .NET Framework applications, testing Windows Server-based workloads, or working in a Windows-centric development environment, enabling Windows container support is an essential first step.
In this guide, you'll learn how to install Docker Desktop for Windows containers on Windows 10 and Windows 11. We'll walk through the prerequisites, download and installation process, switching Docker Desktop to Windows container mode, verifying the installation, and running your first Windows container. By the end of this tutorial, you'll have a fully configured Docker Desktop environment ready to build, run, and manage Windows containers efficiently.
How to Install Docker Desktop for Windows Containers
Prerequisites for Docker Desktop
Before installing Docker Desktop for Windows containers, ensure that your system meets the necessary hardware, software, and virtualization requirements. Verifying these prerequisites beforehand helps prevent installation errors and ensures Docker runs efficiently.
1. Supported Operating System
Docker Desktop supports the following Windows editions:- Windows 11 (64-bit): Pro, Enterprise, or Education
- Windows 10 (64-bit): Pro, Enterprise, or Education (version 22H2 or later)
Note: Windows Home edition can run Linux containers using WSL 2, but Windows containers require the Pro, Enterprise, or Education editions because they depend on Microsoft's Hyper-V virtualization technology.
2. Enable Hardware Virtualization
Docker Desktop requires hardware virtualization to be enabled in your system's BIOS or UEFI firmware. Most modern computers support virtualization technologies such as:
- Intel VT-x
- AMD-V
If virtualization is disabled, Docker Desktop may fail to start or display errors during installation.
3. Enable Hyper-V and Windows Features
Windows containers rely on several built-in Windows features. Before installing Docker Desktop, enable the following optional features:
- Hyper-V
- Containers
- Windows Hypervisor Platform (recommended)
You can enable these features from Control Panel > Programs > Turn Windows features on or off, or by using PowerShell.
4. Sufficient Hardware Resources
For a smooth experience, your system should have:- 64-bit processor with virtualization support
- Minimum 4 GB RAM (8 GB or more recommended)
- At least 10 GB of available disk space
- SSD storage recommended for better container performance
Download Docker Desktop
Once you've verified that your system meets the prerequisites, the next step is to download the latest version of Docker Desktop. Installing the most recent release ensures you have access to the latest features, performance improvements, bug fixes, and security updates.
Open your preferred web browser and navigate to the official Docker Desktop download page. Select Docker Desktop for Windows to download the installer (Docker Desktop Installer.exe).
Tip: Always download Docker Desktop from the official Docker website to ensure you're using a trusted and up-to-date installer.
Docker automatically provides the correct installer for supported Windows operating systems. Before downloading, verify that your computer is running one of the supported editions:
- Windows 11 (64-bit): Pro, Enterprise, or Education
- Windows 10 (64-bit): Pro, Enterprise, or Education
After downloading the installer, you're ready to install Docker Desktop. In the next section, you'll learn how to run the installer, configure the required options, and complete the installation process for Windows containers.
Install Docker Desktop on Windows(Step-by-Step Guide)
After downloading the Docker Desktop installer, you can begin the installation process. Docker Desktop automatically installs the required components and configures your system for running containers.
- Double-click Docker Desktop Installer.exe to launch the installer.
- If prompted by User Account Control (UAC), click Yes.
- The Setup wizard will be initiated.
- Click “Next” to proceed further and accept the End-User license agreement
- Review the installation options and ensure Use WSL 2 instead of Hyper-V is selected.
- Click Next to proceed with the installation.
- Wait while Docker Desktop installs the required files and configures your system.
- Restart your computer if the installer prompts you to do so.
- After the restart, launch Docker Desktop from the Start menu or desktop shortcut.
- Accept the Docker Subscription Service Agreement when prompted.
- Wait for Docker Desktop to complete its initial setup and start the Docker Engine.
Verify the Installation
After installing Docker Desktop and switching to Windows container mode, verify that Docker is installed and functioning correctly.
- Open Command Prompt, PowerShell, or Windows Terminal.
- Run the following command to check the installed Docker version:
docker --version - Verify that the command returns the installed Docker version, similar to:
Docker version 28.x.x, build xxxxxxx - Run the following command to display detailed Docker information:
docker info - Confirm that the output includes information about the Docker Engine and indicates that the server is running.
- Pull a Windows container image by running:
docker pull mcr.microsoft.com/windows/nanoserver:ltsc2022 - Run a test Windows container:
docker run --rm mcr.microsoft.com/windows/nanoserver:ltsc2022 cmd /c echo Docker is working! - If the command displays Docker is working!, your Docker Desktop installation is complete and ready to run Windows containers.
At this point, Docker Desktop is successfully installed. By default, it starts in Linux container mode. If you plan to work with Windows containers, the next step is to switch Docker Desktop to Windows container mode before running your first Windows container.
Switch to Windows Containers
- In the Windows system tray (notification area), locate the Docker whale icon.
- Right-click the Docker icon.
- Select Switch to Windows containers...
- Confirm the prompt by clicking Switch.
- Docker Desktop will restart and switch to Windows container mode.
Verify the Container Mode
Open Command Prompt or PowerShell and run:
docker version
Under Server, the operating system should indicate Windows, for example:
OS/Arch: windows/amd64
Summary
Installing Docker Desktop for Windows containers is a straightforward process when your system meets the required prerequisites. By downloading and installing Docker Desktop, switching from Linux to Windows containers, and verifying the installation, you can prepare your Windows environment for building and running Windows-based containerized applications.
Following these steps ensures a reliable Docker setup for development, testing, and deployment workflows.
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