• Install Docker on Windows – Step-by-Step Guide with Screenshots (2025)

    Install Docker on Windows – Complete Step-by-Step Setup (2025)

    If you want to run containers locally, the fastest path is to install Docker on Windows with Docker Desktop. This expanded guide starts directly with installation and explains why each step matters. Whether you use Windows 10 or Windows 11, you will enable virtualization, prepare Windows features for WSL 2, install Docker Desktop on Windows, and verify the setup with a quick test. Every stage below includes a screenshot placeholder and SEO-friendly alt text that contains the focus keyword.

    Step 1: Enable Virtualization to Install Docker on Windows

    Docker relies on hardware virtualization to run Linux containers efficiently. Restart your PC, enter BIOS/UEFI (commonly F2, Del, or F10), and enable Intel VT-x or AMD-V. Save changes and boot into Windows. If virtualization remains disabled, Docker Desktop will fail to start or display warnings during setup.

    Enable virtualization in BIOS to install Docker on Windows successfully

    Step 2: Turn On Windows Features to Install Docker on Windows

    Open the Start menu and search for Windows Features. Choose Turn Windows features on or off, then tick these options and restart if prompted:

    • Windows Subsystem for Linux — provides a real Linux kernel inside Windows.
    • Virtual Machine Platform — supplies lightweight virtualization required by WSL 2.
    Windows Features required to install Docker on Windows with WSL 2 enabled

    Step 3: Install WSL 2 (Required to Install Docker on Windows)

    Docker Desktop uses WSL 2 as its default backend. Open PowerShell or Windows Terminal as Administrator and install or update WSL 2 so containers run with native-like performance on Windows.

    Why WSL 2 Is Required to Install Docker on Windows

    WSL 2 provides a lightweight Linux kernel that integrates with Windows file systems and networking. This makes Docker image pulls, builds, and container I/O significantly faster than legacy approaches, and it avoids the overhead of full virtual machines. In short, enabling WSL 2 is the most reliable way to install Docker on Windows for modern development workflows.

    Installing WSL 2 to install Docker on Windows and run Linux containers

    Step 4: Install Docker Desktop on Windows

    Go to the official download page for Docker Desktop for Windows and run the installer. Keep the recommended option Use WSL 2 instead of Hyper-V selected. After the wizard completes, restart if requested. This step installs the Docker Engine, CLI, and UI components needed to manage images, containers, and volumes on Windows.

    Docker Desktop installer used to install Docker on Windows 10 and Windows 11

    Step 5: First Run and Settings After You Install Docker on Windows

    Launch Docker Desktop from the Start menu. On first run, Docker finalizes its WSL 2 integration. Visit Settings → Resources to confirm CPU/RAM limits that match your workloads. Under Settings → Resources → WSL Integration, enable your Linux distribution so Docker can access it. If you work behind a corporate proxy, configure it under Settings → Resources → Proxies to prevent image pull failures.

    Docker Desktop settings after you install Docker on Windows with WSL integration

    Step 6: Run Hello-World After You Install Docker on Windows

    Open PowerShell and run a simple test to ensure images can be pulled and containers can start. A successful message confirms the Docker Engine, networking, and registry access are configured correctly on your Windows setup.

    Docker hello-world verification after you install Docker on Windows

    Troubleshooting

    • Virtualization error: Re-enable VT-x/AMD-V in BIOS/UEFI and confirm Windows Features from Step 2 are checked.
    • WSL kernel outdated: Update WSL from Microsoft’s documentation, restart Docker Desktop, and retry.
    • Slow performance: Increase resources under Settings → Resources, keep volumes on SSD, and stop unused containers.
    • Network/proxy issues: Configure a proxy in Settings → Resources → Proxies; then test by pulling a small image.

    Related Resources

    Final Thoughts

    With virtualization enabled, WSL 2 configured, and Docker Desktop installed, your system is ready for modern container workflows. You can build, test, and run applications consistently in a Linux-like environment—right from Windows 10 or Windows 11. Following these steps to install Docker on Windows ensures a reliable setup and minimizes common errors. Once the installation is complete, you can explore Docker Compose files, volumes, and resource configurations to confidently scale your projects.