Install Docker: Windows

Install Docker on Windows

Docker Desktop for Windows requires either WSL2 or Hyper-V.

Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) 2

WSL allows you to run full Linux environments directly on Windows 10.

📌 You cannot install the Linux edition of Docker within a WSL-powered Linux distro. You must install Docker Desktop for Windows, which allows Docker commands to be run in all Windows and Linux terminals.

WSL2 is the recommended default option for Docker on Windows. It is faster than Hyper-V and available in all editions of Windows from the May 2020 update (version 2004, OS build 19041).

Windows 10 S is not supported but you can normally upgrade to Home in the Settings.

You may be able to trigger the 2004 update: click “Check for updates” in the “Update & Security” panel of “Settings”. If your PC reports that 2004 is not yet available, you must either wait until Microsoft releases a fix for your device or use Hyper-V and switch to WSL2 later.

To install WSL2:

1. Enable hardware virtualization support in your BIOS. This will be active on most devices, but check by rebooting and accessing your PC’s BIOS panels, typically by hitting DEL, F2, or F10 as your system starts. Look for Virtualization Technology, VTx, or similar options. Ensure they are enabled, save, and reboot.

WARNING❗️ Be careful when changing BIOS settings. One wrong move could trash your PC.