How to Install Docker on Windows 10/11 – Complete Guide

Hey fellow devs! 👋 If you’re looking to get started with Docker on Windows, you’ve come to the right place. I remember how confusing it was when I first tried to set everything up, so I’ve created this guide to help you avoid the headaches I encountered.

📋 Table of Contents

• Before We Begin
• Preparing Windows
• Checking Virtualization
• Quick WSL Version Check
• Installing Docker Desktop
• Setting Up Ubuntu with WSL
• Final Step: Connect Docker with WSL
• Testing Your Setup
• Troubleshooting Tips
• Conclusion

🛠️ Before We Begin

Let’s ensure your Windows PC is ready for Docker. Here are a few things to check and enable.

System Requirements:

• Windows 10/11 Pro, Enterprise, or Education (64-bit)
• 4GB RAM minimum (8GB recommended)
• UEFI firmware with Secure Boot capability
• Virtualization support in your CPU
• Administrator access to your Windows machine

1. Preparing Windows

Search for Turn Windows features on or off in the Start Menu, and enable the following:

• ✅ Hyper-V
• ✅ Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL)

🔄 Restart your computer after enabling these features.

2. Checking Virtualization

To verify virtualization is enabled:

1. Open Task Manager → go to the Performance tab.
2. Look at the bottom right for Virtualization.

If it says “Disabled”:

• Restart and enter BIOS (usually F2 or Del).
• Enable virtualization (Intel VT-x or AMD-V).
• Save and exit.

🔍 Quick WSL Version Check

Open PowerShell and run:

wsl --status

If it shows Version 1, upgrade with:

wsl --set-default-version 2

📦 Installing Docker Desktop

1. Download Docker Desktop for Windows from the official site.
2. Use AMD64 version (works for both Intel & AMD CPUs).
3. Install with default settings and agree to the license.

✅ Once installed, open PowerShell and run:

docker run hello-world

If you see Hello from Docker! — you’re all set!

🐧 Setting Up Ubuntu with WSL

1. Open Microsoft Store.
2. Search Ubuntu.
3. Install any LTS version (I recommend Ubuntu 22.04 LTS).
4. Launch Ubuntu → Set a username and password.

To check WSL version:

wsl -l -v

✅ Ensure it says VERSION 2 next to Ubuntu.

🔗 Final Step: Connect Docker with WSL

1. Open Docker Desktop.
2. Go to: Settings > Resources > WSL Integration.
3. Enable integration with your Ubuntu version.

✅ Testing Your Setup (From Ubuntu)

In your Ubuntu terminal, run:

docker run hello-world

You should see the Docker success message.

🧯 Troubleshooting Tips

• Restart your PC after enabling WSL and Hyper-V.
• Check BIOS virtualization settings.
• Upgrade to the latest WSL 2 version.

🙌 You’re Ready!

That’s it! Docker is now running on your Windows system with WSL2 integration. If you run into any issues, feel free to comment below.

Happy containerizing 🐳