Running Docker on Windows 10 Home
Table of Contents
I have recently purchased a new laptop with Windows 10 home edition, after some research I found out that Docker will now run on Windows 10 home.
Requirements #
- Windows 10 build 19041 (AKA version 2004)
- Windows Subsystem for Windows 2 (WSL 2)
- Docker Desktop (19.03+)
Upgrading Windows 10 Home #
First verify the version of Windows 10. Press the Windows key and type winver or system inforamtion. Either will
give the windows build. Windows 10 build 19041 (also known as SDK version 2004) is required.
To upgrade type upgrade and follow the upgrade instructions, or if there are any problems download the latest upgrade
package https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/software-download/windows10 and choose Upgrade now
Install WSL #
For the full documentation see: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wsl/install-win10
TD&DR; Install #
From a PowerShell terminal:
dism.exe /online /enable-feature /featurename:Microsoft-Windows-Subsystem-Linux /all /norestart
dism.exe /online /enable-feature /featurename:VirtualMachinePlatform /all /norestart
wsl --set-default-version 2
WSL 2 Kernel #
Next install the WSL 2 Kernel, which can be download from here: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wsl/wsl2-kernel
Install Docker #
Download and install Docker for desktop from https://hub.docker.com/editions/community/docker-ce-desktop-windows/
Ignore the text that it requires Microsoft Windows 10 Professional or Enterprise 64-bit. For previous versions get Docker Toolbox. This documentation is incorrect, Docker is now compatible with Windows 10 home with WSL 2.
Confirm Docker Installation #
To check the default distributions of WSL, with their state and version:
From a PowerShell terminal:
wsl --list --verbose
The output should look similar to this:
| NAME | STATE | VERSION |
|---|---|---|
| docker-desktop-data | Running | 2 |
| docker-desktop | Running | 2 |
If they are not running: Press the Windows key and type Docker and select Docker Desktop, wait a few seconds for
it to start. There will be an icon in the bottom right, as well as notifications.
The current version of Docker can be verified:
From a PowerShell terminal:
docker --version
The version will be displayed, which should be the same or greater than:
Docker version 19.03.1,....
Docker commands can be run as required. Enjoy!