You can create a Linux container on Windows 10 with Docker Desktop, provided your PC meets Docker’s current requirements and Windows is still within Microsoft’s support timeline. Docker uses WSL 2 or another supported virtualization backend to provide the Linux environment; Windows does not supply a Linux kernel for containers on its own.
Check whether your Windows 10 PC is eligible
Before downloading Docker Desktop, check your edition and build and compare them with Docker’s current Windows installation requirements. Docker lists Windows 10 64-bit version 22H2 (build 19045), Enterprise, Pro, or Education, and supports Windows only while that version remains within Microsoft’s servicing timeline. That means not every Windows 10 computer or edition qualifies.
- Run
winverto check your Windows version and build. - Confirm that Windows is 64-bit and identify your processor architecture.
- Check that the processor supports Second Level Address Translation (SLAT), system memory is at least 8 GB, and hardware virtualization is enabled in BIOS or UEFI.
- Confirm that WSL 2 is installed and is version 2.1.5 or later if you plan to use Docker’s WSL 2 backend.
The 8 GB memory figure is a stated Docker requirement for the WSL 2 route, not a guarantee of performance for every workload. Requirements can differ by backend and installation mode, so use Docker’s page as the final compatibility check.
Enable or update WSL 2
For most Windows 10 users, WSL 2 is the practical backend for Linux containers. Microsoft’s WSL setup guide says the straightforward wsl --install method requires Windows 10 version 2004 (build 19041) or later, or Windows 11. Docker recommends keeping WSL current and requires at least version 2.1.5 for its WSL backend.
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- Open PowerShell as an administrator and run
wsl --installif your Windows build supports it. - Restart Windows if prompted, then follow the prompts to finish setting up a Linux distribution.
- Check the installed WSL version with
wsl --version. Update WSL if needed withwsl --update, then check the version again.
If the standard installation command is unavailable, Microsoft’s manual WSL installation instructions for older Windows versions list WSL 2 floors of x64 Windows 10 version 1903, build 18362.1049 or later, and ARM64 Windows 10 version 2004, build 19041 or later. Those are minimums for WSL 2, not proof that a current Docker Desktop release supports those older Windows builds.
Install Docker Desktop with the WSL 2 backend
Download Docker Desktop from Docker’s official Windows installation page. During setup, select the WSL 2 backend when offered. After installation, you can confirm the setting in Docker Desktop under Settings > General.
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Docker documents per-user installation as the recommended mode and describes a separate all-users mode. The choice can affect available backends and features; follow the current installer guidance for the mode you select. Start Docker Desktop and wait for it to finish starting before running container commands.
Select Linux containers and run a test
Linux containers need a Linux kernel environment. Microsoft explains that containers share a kernel with their host, so Linux containers cannot run directly on Windows without virtualization. Docker Desktop supplies the supported environment through its selected backend.
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- Find Docker Desktop in the Windows notification-area tray menu.
- If the menu offers Switch to Linux Containers, select it. If it instead offers Switch to Windows Containers, Linux containers are already selected.
- Open PowerShell or another terminal and run:
docker run --rm busybox echo hello_world
Docker will download the BusyBox image if it is not already present, run a temporary container, print hello_world, and remove the container when it exits. To check that the image was downloaded, run docker images. Microsoft documents this test in its Linux containers on Windows tutorial.
Use WSL integration for development projects
If you build Linux-oriented projects with WSL, keep the repository in the WSL filesystem—for example, under /home/<user>/projects—rather than working across the Windows filesystem. Microsoft notes that Linux tools and file watching can be significantly slower when they access project files stored on the Windows side.
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To make a distribution available to Docker, open Docker Desktop and go to Settings > Resources > WSL integration, then enable integration for the installed distribution. Microsoft’s Dev Containers setup guide covers this setting and the file-location guidance.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Troubleshoot common setup problems
- Docker says the engine or daemon is unavailable: Start Docker Desktop, wait for it to finish initializing, and check that Linux containers are selected.
- Your WSL distribution does not appear in Docker: Open Settings > Resources > WSL integration and enable the distribution. Confirm that WSL 2 is installed and current.
- Builds or file watching are unexpectedly slow: Move the project into the WSL filesystem and work from the WSL environment.
- Docker Desktop rejects the PC: Recheck the Windows edition and build, WSL version, processor architecture and SLAT support, memory, firmware virtualization, and servicing eligibility against Docker’s current requirements.
Another Microsoft-documented option
Microsoft also documents wslc.exe, a WSL-included command-line option for building and running Linux containers. That workflow requires WSL 2.9.3 or higher and uses commands such as wslc run --rm hello-world and wslc build. See Microsoft’s WSL container tutorial for its instructions; it is a separate workflow from the Docker Desktop steps above.
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- Enhanced Functionality: Packed with handy features, including a 5x9" precision tracking mouse pad and a built-in phone slot for seamless work or video calls. Plus, enjoy laptop support with the integrated device ledge.
- Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
- Durable Surface: Work with confidence on our lap desk's solid surface, featuring a blush pink color, ensuring optimal air circulation to prevent your laptop from overheating.
- On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.14 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.
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