# How to install and set up Docker on Windows 10 Although [Docker](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/server/know-how/what-is-docker/ "What is Docker?") was originally developed for Linux, the development environment Docker Desktop has since become available on **Windows platforms**. We will introduce you to the requirements and provide you with a step-by-step installation guide for Docker on Windows 10 so that you can develop and test applications in isolated containers. ## System requirements for Docker Desktop for Windows 10 Docker Desktop contains all the necessary tools to run Docker applications on your desktop including the **Docker engine, the Docker CLI tools and the Docker compose feature**. It also offers you the option to download images, share containers via the cloud and integrate IDEs and build tools. Furthermore, **Docker Desktop is free for non-commercial use** and can be downloaded from the official Docker website. It’s a powerful and flexible platform to help developers quickly and effectively create applications. To use Docker you need to activate Virtualization in Windows since the **container technology needs a Linux core** which is made available by the virtual machine (VM). It’s important to note that Windows Pro as well as Hyper-V also supports the Windows subsystem for Linux 2 (WSL 2) as a virtualization system. On the other hand, for Windows Home WSL 2 is the only option you have to run Docker Desktop. Your Windows 10 system should meet the following minimum requirements to successfully install Docker on your Windows 10 system: - **Processer (CPU)**: 64 bit with Second Level Address Translation (SLAT) - **Memory (RAM)**: 4 GB - **Operating system**: Windows 10 Home, Professional or Enterprise - **Virtualization**: Hardware virtualization must be activated in the computer BIOS - **Hyper-V**: is optional for Windows Professional or Enterprise - **Windows Subsystem for Linux 2 (WSL 2)**: must be activated for Windows Home - **Hard-disk drive**: min. 20 GB - **Internet connection**: to download packages Do you have a newer version of Windows? Use our guide “[Install Docker Desktop on Windows 11](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/server/configuration/docker-windows-11/)” to find out all you need to know. Tip You can adapt a [cloud server](https://www.ionos.com/cloud/cloud-servers "Cloud servers from IONOS") from IONOS to your needs. The IONOS Cloud guarantees you powerful computing, unmatched in terms of reliability for all your needs. ## Step by step guide to installing Docker on Windows 10 You have two options if you want to install Docker on Windows 10. You can either use the **installation assistant with a graphical user interface or the command bar**. We will introduce you to both methods for all Windows 10 editions below. ### Step 1: Download and run Docker Desktop You can download the official Docker Desktop version from the Docker Hub. Once you’ve downloaded it you can run the file **Docker Desktop Installer.exe**. If your system supports Hyper-V and WSL 2 you will need to choose one of the two versions. If either Hyper-V or SWL 2 is active then you will only have one option. Furthermore, you can create a desktop shortcut. [![Image: Configuration options in Docker installation assistants](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/fileadmin/_processed_/2/e/csm_docker-desktop-installer-configuration_10b64ac31f.webp "Configuration options in Docker installation assistants")](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/fileadmin/DigitalGuide/Screenshots_2023/docker-desktop-installer-configuration.png) In the installation assistant you can choose between Hyper-V or WSL 2 to configure Docker. This will begin the initialization process. [![Image: Docker Desktop: Installation process](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/fileadmin/_processed_/f/5/csm_docker-desktop-installation-process_4f03a2887c.webp "Docker Desktop: Installation process")](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/fileadmin/DigitalGuide/Screenshots_2023/docker-desktop-installation-process.png) Docker Desktop installation process Alternatively, you can use the command bar to install Docker on Windows 10. To do so, enter the following command in the **terminal**: ```shell $ "Docker Desktop Installer.exe" install ``` It’s also possible to install it via **PowerShell**: ```powershell Start-Process 'Docker Desktop Installer.exe' -Wait install ``` The installation will be carried out the same via the **Windows command bar (cmd)**: ```cmd start /w "" "Docker Desktop Installer.exe" install ``` Tip A [VPS](https://www.ionos.com/servers/vps "vServer (VPS) from IONOS") from IONOS gives you good-priced performance in a completely virtual environment. The server is designed for maximum security and supports both Linux and Windows operating systems. Start your online project with VPS hosting from IONOS. ### Step 2: Restart Windows [![Image: Notification: Restart Windows after installing](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/fileadmin/_processed_/2/b/csm_windows-restart-after-docker-installation_49c5cfe4ff.webp "Notification: Restart Windows after installing")](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/fileadmin/DigitalGuide/Screenshots_2023/windows-restart-after-docker-installation.png) Windows restart after Docker installation. If you’re using an account different to the administrator account, the user needs to be added to the **docker-users** group. To do this, open “Computer Management” from an admin account and go to *Local Users and Groups/Groups/docker-users*. Right click on the user and you’ll be able to add them to a group. Log in again to save the changes. Via the terminal you can do the same. Replace `` with the username you wish to add to the group: ```shell $ net localgroup docker-users /add ``` ### Step 3: Start Docker Desktop After restarting your system, you can run Docker Desktop and **run your first container**. In the open window you will see the [Docker tutorial](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/server/configuration/docker-tutorial-installation-and-first-steps/ "Docker tutorial: Installation and first steps"). [![Image: Docker Desktop tutorial](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/fileadmin/_processed_/d/5/csm_docker-desktop-tutorial_1cde7e3df9.webp "Docker Desktop tutorial")](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/fileadmin/DigitalGuide/Screenshots_2023/docker-desktop-tutorial.png) Docker Desktop tutorial After installation you will see the [Docker commands](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/server/know-how/docker-commands/ "Docker commands") in the command bar. [![Image: Docker commands in the terminal](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/fileadmin/_processed_/4/1/csm_docker-command-terminal_763d4a9b59.webp "Docker commands in the terminal")](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/fileadmin/DigitalGuide/Screenshots_2023/docker-command-terminal.png) The Docker commands can be run in the terminal after installation. From the Docker Desktop user interface you can directly download and start **Docker Images**. Enter the name of the application in the search bar and click on “run”. In our example, we’ve chosen the HTTP server **Nginx**. [![Image: Run Nginx container](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/fileadmin/_processed_/a/f/csm_docker-container-nginx-run_d5632ce456.webp "Run Nginx container")](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/fileadmin/DigitalGuide/Screenshots_2023/docker-container-nginx-run.png) In Docker Desktop you can run the Nginx container. Enter *http://localhost:80/* in your browser and you will see that the Linux container “nginx” is running on your Windows 10 system. [![Image: Start Nginx in your browser](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/fileadmin/_processed_/c/2/csm_nginx-docker-container_4d5e15d38b.webp "Start Nginx in your browser")](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/fileadmin/DigitalGuide/Screenshots_2023/nginx-docker-container.png) Start Nginx in your browser Tip With a [dedicated server](https://www.ionos.com/servers/dedicated-servers "Dedicated server from IONOS") from IONOS you can run ambitious websites with a high-performing GPU and cloud integration. Benefit from completely dedicated hardware with minute-by-minute billing. If you’d prefer to use Linux, you can read our guide on how to [install Docker on Ubuntu 22.04](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/server/configuration/install-docker-on-ubuntu-2204/) or [install Docker on Debian 11](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/server/configuration/install-docker-on-debian-11/). This is a markdown version of: [https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/server/configuration/docker-on-windows-10/](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/server/configuration/docker-on-windows-10/) for AI/LLM consumption.