Docker for Windows and macOS: Installation Guide and Basic Usage

1. Introduction

Docker recently released a stable version that runs on Windows 10 and macOS, making it easier for developers to use Docker on their development machines. The main goals are faster, more reliable local development using hypervisors, tighter tool integration, improved workflow, VPN support, and automatic updates.

Faster and more reliable – local development environments can use hypervisors without needing VirtualBox.

Improved Docker tool integration – all Docker tools can be bound to local applications.

Enhanced development workflow – extensive tooling for code and data, easier access to containers on the local network, and IDEs support online debugging for quicker iteration.

Enterprise network support – easy access to corporate VPN on both Mac and Windows.

All new features are available on Docker 1.12 engine.

Automatic updates for both stable and test releases.

2. Installation Preparation

Requirements: 64‑bit Windows 10 with Hyper‑V enabled.

2.1 Download Docker for Windows

Download the installer from the official site:

https://download.docker.com/win/stable/InstallDocker.msi

2.2 Enable Hyper‑V on Windows 10

Control Panel → Programs → Turn Windows features on or off → check Hyper‑V.

After enabling, the system will restart automatically.

3. Install Docker

Run the downloaded MSI to install Docker, then start the Docker application. If Hyper‑V was not enabled, Docker will prompt you to enable it.

If you encounter a memory‑insufficient error during startup, adjust the VM memory size in Docker's settings.

4. Using Docker

4.1 View version and system information

docker info

4.2 Run hello‑world

docker run hello-world

4.3 Launch an Ubuntu container

docker run -it ubuntu bash

4.4 List all containers

docker ps -a

4.5 Launch an Nginx container

docker run -d -p 81:80 --name webserver nginx

View running containers:

docker ps

Confirm access via a browser:

5. Conclusion

Docker now offers a stable version that runs on Windows 10 and macOS, allowing you to try it in production environments.

Related articles:

docker4dotnet #1 – History & Hello World

docker4dotnet #2 Container Host

Docker – 10 Things You Should Know

docker4dotnet #3 Using VSC and Docker on macOS for ASP.NET Core + MySQL

Original source: http://www.cnblogs.com/ee900222/p/docker_4.html

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