Simple Docker Install on Windows (2025) – What You Need to Know

If you want to run containers reliably, the fastest method is to install Docker on Windows using Docker Desktop. This guide starts with the essential steps and explains why each action matters. As a result, you will enable virtualization, prepare Windows features for WSL 2, install Docker on Windows safely, and verify everything with a quick test.

Table of Contents

Step 1 — Enable Virtualization to Install Docker on Windows

To run containers efficiently, Docker relies on hardware virtualization. Restart your PC, open BIOS or UEFI (usually F2, Del, or F10), and enable Intel VT-x or AMD-V. Once enabled, Docker Desktop can start properly and avoid boot warnings.

Quick check: Run this PowerShell command:

systeminfo | find "Virtualization"

Step 2 — Turn On Required Windows Features

Next, open the Start menu and search for Windows Features. Then enable:

• Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL)
• Virtual Machine Platform (VMP)

Step 3 — Install WSL 2

WSL 2 provides a lightweight Linux kernel with near-native performance. Therefore, it is required before you install Docker on Windows.

wsl --install
wsl --set-default-version 2
wsl --install -d Ubuntu

Step 4 — Install Docker Desktop on Windows

Download Docker Desktop and keep the WSL 2 option enabled:

• Official Docker Install Guide

Alternatively, install via Winget:

winget install --id Docker.DockerDesktop -e

Step 5 — First Run & Settings

After installation, open Docker Desktop and review:

• Resources → CPU/RAM for container performance
• WSL Integration to enable Ubuntu or other distros
• Proxies if you use a corporate network

Step 6 — Verify Installation

Run a quick test to confirm everything works:

docker run --rm hello-world
docker run -it --rm alpine sh

Troubleshooting

• Virtualization error: Enable VT-x/AMD-V in BIOS.
• WSL kernel outdated: Use wsl --update.
• Slow performance: Prefer SSD paths and WSL-based directories.
• Pull failures: Configure proxy settings if necessary.
• Last resort: Reset Docker Desktop to defaults.

FAQ: Install Docker on Windows

Related Resources

• Docker Docs
• Check Virtualization Support

Final Thoughts

By enabling virtualization, configuring WSL 2, and installing Docker Desktop, you now have a stable environment for running containers. Following these steps to install Docker on Windows ensures smooth performance and fewer errors. You can now explore Docker Compose, volumes, multi-container setups, and advanced networking.