How to Install Docker

Last Updated: 2nd February, 2024

Welcome to our detailed tutorial on installing Docker, where we guide you through the step-by-step process of how to install Docker on Mac, Windows, and Ubuntu. Whether you're a beginner starting with Docker or an experienced developer looking to streamline your workflow, this lesson will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to install and use Docker effectively.

Overview of Docker Desktop

Docker Desktop is a comprehensive application designed to simplify the process of developing, deploying, and running applications using Docker. It provides a GUI that allows users to manage Docker containers, images, and networks directly from their local machine. Docker Desktop is compatible with multiple operating systems including Windows, Mac, and Linux, making it accessible to a wide range of users.

Docker Desktop

One of the standout features of Docker Desktop is its ability to automatically handle complex configurations, saving user's time and efforts of manual setup. This includes managing port mappings, file system concerns, and other default settings. Docker Desktop also ensures regular updates with bug fixes and security patches, thereby providing a reliable and secure environment for developers.

Another notable aspect of Docker Desktop is its support for Docker Compose, a tool that allows developers to define and manage multi-container Docker applications. With Docker Desktop, users can easily install Docker Compose, enhancing their productivity and efficiency.

Moreover, Docker Desktop integrates seamlessly with popular development tools and languages, offering users a vast library of certified images and templates in Docker Hub. This integration makes it easier for development teams to extend their environment, enabling rapid auto-building, continuous integration, and collaboration using a secure repository.

Install Docker Desktop on Mac

System Requirements:

1. At least 4 GB of RAM.

2. A supported version of macOS. Docker supports Docker Desktop on the most recent versions of macOS. That is, the current release of macOS and the previous two releases.

Download and Install Docker Desktop on Mac

Click on one of the two given Download links according to your System Configuration to start downloading Docker Desktop on your Mac:

• Docker Desktop for Mac with Apple silicon
• Docker Desktop for Mac with Intel chip

Double-click Docker.dmg to open the installer, then drag the Docker icon to the Applications folder.

Double-click Docker.app in the Applications folder to start Docker.

The Docker menu displays the Docker Subscription Service Agreement. Select Accept to continue.

Note: Docker Desktop won't run if you do not agree to the terms. You can choose to accept the terms at a later date by opening Docker Desktop.

From the installation window, select either:

• Use recommended settings (Requires password): This let's Docker Desktop automatically set the necessary configuration settings.
• Use advanced settings: You can then set the location of the Docker CLI tools either in the system or user directory, enable the default Docker socket, and enable privileged port mapping.

Select Finish. If you have applied any of the above configurations that require a password in step 5, enter your password to confirm your choice.

For more info: https://docs.docker.com/desktop/install/mac-install/

Install Docker Desktop on Windows

System Requirements:

1. Windows 10/11 64-bit: Home or Pro version 21H2 or higher.

2. WSL version 1.1.3.0 or later.

3. Turn on the WSL 2 feature on Windows. For detailed instructions, refer to the Microsoft documentation.

4. The following hardware prerequisites are required to successfully run WSL 2 on Windows 10 or Windows 11:

• 64-bit processor.
• 4GB system RAM
• Enable hardware virtualization in BIOS.

Download and Install Docker Desktop on Windows

1. Click on the given Download link to start downloading Docker Desktop on your Windows:

• Docker Desktop for Windows

2. Double-click Docker Desktop Installer.exe to run the installer.

3. When prompted, ensure the Use WSL 2 instead of Hyper-V option on the Configuration page is selected or not depending on your choice of backend.

4. Follow the instructions on the installation wizard to authorize the installer and proceed with the install.

5. When the installation is successful, select Close to complete the installation process.

6. If your admin account is different to your user account, you must add the user to the docker-users group. Run Computer Management as an administrator and navigate to Local Users and Groups > Groups > docker-users. Right-click to add the user to the group. Sign out and sign back in for the changes to take effect.

7. To start Docker Desktop, Search for Docker, and select Docker Desktop in the search results.

Docker Desktop in Search Menu

8. The Docker menu displays the Docker Subscription Service Agreement. Select Accept to continue. Docker Desktop starts after you accept the terms.

For more info: https://docs.docker.com/desktop/install/windows-install/

Install Docker Desktop on Ubuntu (Linux)

System Requirements:

1. 64-bit kernel and CPU support for virtualization.

2. KVM virtualization support.

3. QEMU must be version 5.2 or later.

4. Gnome, KDE, or MATE Desktop environment.

5. At least 4 GB of RAM.

6. Enable configuring ID mapping in user namespaces.

Download and Install Docker Desktop on Ubuntu

1. Click on the given Download link to start downloading Docker Desktop on your Ubuntu:

• DEB package

2. Set up Docker's package repository.

3. Install the package with apt as follows:

sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install ./docker-desktop-<version>-<arch>.deb

4. At the end of the installation process, apt might display an error due to installing a downloaded package. You can ignore this error message.

5. To start Docker Desktop for Linux, search Docker Desktop on the Applications menu and open it. This launches the Docker menu icon and opens the Docker Dashboard.

For more info: https://docs.docker.com/desktop/install/ubuntu/

Conclusion

In conclusion, Docker Desktop is a robust application that provides a simplified experience for developers working with Docker. It supports various operating systems including Windows, Mac, and Linux, and comes with a suite of features that make it a powerful tool for managing Docker containers, images, and networks. Its automatic handling of complex configurations, support for Docker Compose, and integration with popular development tools and languages make it a versatile solution for developers. Additionally, the detailed installation guides provided for Docker Desktop on different platforms further emphasize its ease of use and accessibility.

Key Takeaways

1. Docker Desktop Overview: Docker Desktop is a comprehensive application that simplifies the process of developing, deploying, and running applications using Docker. It provides a GUI that allows users to manage Docker containers, images, and networks directly from their local machine. Docker Desktop is compatible with multiple operating systems including Windows, Mac, and Linux.

2. Features of Docker Desktop: Docker Desktop can automatically handle complex configurations, saving users' time and efforts of manual setup. This includes managing port mappings, file system concerns, and other default settings. Docker Desktop also ensures regular updates with bug fixes and security patches, providing a reliable and secure environment for developers. Docker Desktop supports Docker Compose, a tool that allows developers to define and manage multi-container Docker applications.

3. Integration of Docker Desktop: Docker Desktop integrates seamlessly with popular development tools and languages, offering users a vast library of certified images and templates in Docker Hub. This integration makes it easier for development teams to extend their environment, enabling rapid auto-building, continuous integration, and collaboration using a secure repository.

4. Installation of Docker Desktop on Mac: Docker Desktop can be installed on Mac by downloading the appropriate Docker Desktop for Mac file, opening the installer, and dragging the Docker icon to the Applications folder. After accepting the Docker Subscription Service Agreement, users can either use recommended settings or advanced settings to configure Docker Desktop.

5. Installation of Docker Desktop on Windows: Docker Desktop can be installed on Windows by downloading the Docker Desktop Installer, running the installer, and following the instructions on the installation wizard. After the installation is successful, users can start Docker Desktop by searching for Docker in the search results.

6. Installation of Docker Desktop on Ubuntu: Docker Desktop can be installed on Ubuntu by downloading the DEB package, setting up Docker's package repository, and installing the package with apt. After the installation process, users can start Docker Desktop for Linux by searching Docker Desktop on the Applications menu.