Docker for Windows is a Docker Community Edition (CE) application. The Docker for Windows installation package includes everything necessary to run Docker on a Windows system. This topic introduces pre installation considerations and how to download and install Docker for Windows.
What to know before installation
If your system does not meet the requirements for running Docker for Windows, you can install the Docker Toolbox, which uses Oracle Virtual Box instead of Hyper-V.
Docker Toolbox and Docker Machine users must read: Docker for Windows requires running Microsoft Hyper-V. If necessary, the Docker for Windows installation program will enable Hyper-V for you and restart your computer. After enabling Hyper-V, VirtualBox will no longer function, but any VirtualBox VM images will be preserved. The VirtualBox VM created using docker machine (including the default virtual machine typically created during toolbox installation) will no longer start. These virtual machines cannot be used in parallel with Docker for Windows. However, you can still use docker machine to manage remote VMs.
Virtualization must be enabled. Typically, virtualization is enabled by default. (Please note that this is different from enabling Hyper-V.).
The current version of Docker for Windows runs on 64 bit Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise and Education (1607 Anniversary Edition, Build 14393 or higher). In the future, we will support more versions of Windows 10.
Containers and images created using Docker for Windows are shared among all user accounts on the installed machine. This is because all Windows accounts will use the same virtual machine to build and run the container. In the future, Docker for Windows will better isolate user content.
Nested virtualization scenarios, such as running Docker for Windows on VMWare or Parallels instances, may work, but cannot be guaranteed (i.e. not officially supported).
Docker for Windows installation includes: providing Docker Engine, Docker CLI client, Docker Composite, Docker Machine, and Kitematic.
Installing Docker for Windows
1. Double click Docker for Windows Installer.exe to run the installation program.
If you have not yet downloaded the installation program (Docker for Windows Installer. exe), you can obtain it from download.docker.com..
2. Follow the installation wizard to accept the license, authorize the installation program, and then continue with the installation.
You will be required to use the system password to authorize Docker.app during the installation process. Requires privileged access to install network components, link to Docker applications, and manage Hyper-V virtual machines.
3. Click Finish on the installation completion dialog box to launch Docker.
Starting Docker for Windows
Docker cannot start automatically. To click Start, search for Docker, select the application in the search results, and then click it (or press Return).
When the whale in the status bar remains stable, Docker can run normally and be accessed from any terminal window.
If the whale is hidden in the Notification area, click the up arrow on the taskbar to display.
If you have just installed the application, you can also receive a pop-up success message, provide subsequent steps, and provide a link to this document.
After initialization, select 'About Docker' from the notification area icon to verify if you have the latest version.
congratulations! You are running Docker for Windows.