Can You Use Docker on Windows Without Being a Developer? Installation Guide with WSL 2

You hear the name Docker frequently, especially in the software world.

But many people:

“Do you need a Linux computer to use Docker?”

thinks.

Not required.

Current Docker Desktop for Windows for running Linux containers on Windows WSL 2 infrastructure. Docker's current documentation lists WSL 2 as the default and recommended backend for most users.

What does Docker do?

Simply put, Docker isolates an application together with the environment it needs container.

For example:

“It works on my computer but not on yours.”

problem.

Which system is required on Windows?

According to Docker's current Windows documentation, in supported scenarios:

• Windows 11 64-bit, 23H2 or later

• Windows 10 64-bit 22H2

• WSL 2

• Hardware virtualization

• At least 8 GB RAM

.

Check WSL 2 first

Open PowerShell or Command Prompt:

wsl --version

command.

According to Docker's current documentation, the WSL version 2.1.5 or newer.

If WSL is not installed

In the terminal opened as administrator:

wsl --install

command can be used.

Docker documentation also where needed:

wsl --update

command.

You may need to restart the computer after installation.

Install Docker Desktop

Download Docker Desktop from Docker's official site.

During installation:

WSL 2

based option.

According to Docker's current documentation, per-user installation is recommended for most users and no administrator privileges are required to install/update in this mode.

After opening Docker Desktop

In Docker Desktop:

Settings → General

from:

Use WSL 2 based engine

option.

Docker connection with Linux distribution

If you are using a Linux distribution such as Ubuntu on WSL, on Docker Desktop:

Settings → Resources → WSL Integration

section.

Working with VS Code

Docker + WSL 2 + VS Code trio is especially useful for software development.

Docker's current documentation explains that you can work on Linux distribution projects from the Windows interface with VS Code's WSL extension.

In terminal:

wsl

then in the project folder:

code .

.

Where is it better to keep codes?

Docker's current WSL development documentation recommends keeping the code within the default Linux distribution.

Especially in WSL + Docker development scenarios, this approach can provide a better development experience.

Very important: Do not install Docker's own engine separately in WSL

Docker's WSL documentation states that installing Docker Engine or Docker CLI separately within the WSL Linux distribution when using Docker Desktop may cause conflicts.

So:

Docker Desktop + WSL integration

, do not try to install the same structure in WSL.