Docker can be installed on Windows 10 by meeting system requirements and following three main steps: 1) Enable WSL 2 and virtualization by running wsl --install in PowerShell as Administrator, enabling Hyper-V and WSL features if needed, entering BIOS/UEFI to enable virtualization, and setting WSL 2 as default with wsl --set-default-version 2; 2) Download Docker Desktop from docker.com, run the installer, follow the setup wizard, and enable WSL 2 integration; 3) Verify installation by running docker --version and testing with docker run hello-world to confirm functionality, ensuring your system meets prerequisites like Windows 10 Pro/Enterprise/Education 64-bit with at least 4GB RAM and virtualization enabled.
Installing Docker on Windows 10 is straightforward, but it requires a few prerequisites and steps. Here’s a clear guide to get Docker up and running on your machine.

? Check System Requirements
Before installing Docker, make sure your Windows 10 setup meets the requirements:
- Windows 10 64-bit: Pro, Enterprise, or Education (Build 19041 or higher)
- Hyper-V and WSL 2 enabled
- Virtualization enabled in BIOS/UEFI
- At least 4GB RAM
? Note: Docker Desktop doesn't run on Windows 10 Home by default unless you manually install WSL 2 and configure it.
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? Step 1: Enable WSL 2 and Virtualization
-
Enable WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux):
- Open PowerShell as Administrator and run:
wsl --install
- This command installs WSL and sets up a default Linux distribution (like Ubuntu).
If you get an error, you may need to enable features manually:
dism.exe /online /enable-feature /featurename:Microsoft-Windows-Subsystem-Linux /all /norestart dism.exe /online /enable-feature /featurename:Microsoft-Hyper-V /all /norestart
- Open PowerShell as Administrator and run:
Enable Virtualization:
- Restart your PC and enter BIOS/UEFI (usually by pressing F2, F10, or Del during boot).
- Look for settings like Intel VT-x, AMD-V, or Virtualization Technology and enable them.
Set WSL 2 as Default:
- After WSL is installed, run:
wsl --set-default-version 2
- After WSL is installed, run:
? Step 2: Download and Install Docker Desktop
Go to the official Docker website:
http://ipnx.cn/link/58f170c366f582dba770b94119f6099aDownload the Docker Desktop Installer for Windows.
Run the installer (double-click the
.exe
file).Follow the setup wizard. When prompted:
- Use the recommended settings.
- Check "Use WSL 2 instead of Hyper-V" if available.
- Allow changes when prompted by User Account Control (UAC).
After installation, Docker will start automatically.
? Step 3: Verify Installation
Once Docker Desktop is running:
Open a PowerShell or Command Prompt and run:
docker --version
You should see output like:
Docker version 24.0.7, build ...
Test with a simple container:
docker run hello-world
If you see a "Hello from Docker!" message, everything is working.
?? Tips & Troubleshooting
-
Docker won’t start? Make sure:
- Your user is in the docker-users group.
- WSL 2 is updated:
wsl --update
- Antivirus or firewall isn’t blocking Docker.
Using Windows 10 Home? The above steps still work as long as WSL 2 is installed.
Switch between Linux and Windows containers: Right-click the Docker icon in the system tray and choose “Switch to Linux containers” (recommended for most use cases).
That’s it! Docker is now installed and ready to use on your Windows 10 machine. You can start pulling images, building containers, and developing apps with ease.
The above is the detailed content of How to install Docker on Windows 10?. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!

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