DOCKER - 4 Options for Windows

This lesson covers Docker on Windows. We'll go through the two container flavours you can run, which Docker edition you need depending on your Windows version, and the differences between Windows 10 and Windows Server 2016 — they handle Docker slightly differently.

Two container types, two installers

On Windows there are now two kinds of containers: Linux containers (the original, the default, and what the whole ecosystem is built on) and Windows containers. This course uses Linux containers by default — the concepts apply identically to both.

The recommended package is Docker for Windows, but it only runs on Windows 10 Pro or Enterprise. On Windows 10 Home or older Windows versions, you fall back to Docker Toolbox. Windows Server 2016 supports Windows containers natively without needing Hyper-V, and can also run Docker for Windows for local development. Earlier Windows Server versions have no real native support; the only workaround is a Linux VM under Hyper-V.

  • Docker for Windows — Win 10 Pro/Enterprise. Uses Hyper-V with a small built-in Linux VM, integrates with PowerShell, available from store.docker.com
  • Docker Toolbox — Win 10 Home / older Windows. Uses VirtualBox through docker-machine, comes with a Bash shell named the Docker QuickStart Terminal
  • Windows Server 2016 — native Windows containers without Hyper-V, plus optional Docker for Windows for local testing

One trade-off to be aware of: enabling Hyper-V for Docker for Windows can break VirtualBox or VMware on the same machine. If you need both, you'll have to research a workaround or fully commit to Hyper-V. Docker Toolbox sidesteps this by relying on VirtualBox directly, but it only supports Linux containers — Windows containers require a recent Windows host with Hyper-V or Windows Server 2016.

Summary

This lesson introduces Docker options for Windows users, explaining how two container types—Linux and Windows containers—can run on Windows depending on your system edition. It covers Docker for Windows (Hyper-V based, for Windows 10 Pro/Enterprise), Docker Toolbox (VirtualBox based, for older Windows versions), and native Windows container support on Windows Server 2016. The video highlights key differences in architecture, capabilities, and compatibility across Windows editions.

Key points

  • Windows supports two container types: Linux containers (historically the default option) and Windows containers, with the same core containerization concepts applying to both
  • Docker for Windows is the recommended solution for Windows 10 Pro and Enterprise users, running a lightweight Linux VM via Hyper-V behind the scenes
  • Docker Toolbox is the alternative for Windows 10 Home/Family and older versions, using VirtualBox to manage a Linux VM with Docker Machine CLI
  • Docker Toolbox and Docker for Windows both require running Linux VMs because older Windows versions lack native container support
  • Windows Server 2016 uniquely supports native Windows containers without requiring a hypervisor, alongside support for Docker for Windows
  • Hyper-V and VirtualBox may conflict; users needing both must find alternative solutions or fully switch to Hyper-V

FAQ

What's the difference between Docker for Windows and Docker Toolbox?

Docker for Windows uses Hyper-V and is only available for Windows 10 Pro/Enterprise, offering more features and native integration. Docker Toolbox uses VirtualBox instead and works on older Windows versions and Windows 10 Home, though it's less sophisticated. Both run a Linux VM in the background to support Linux containers.

Can I use both Hyper-V and VirtualBox with Docker on Windows?

No, Hyper-V and VirtualBox may conflict. If you need to use both, you must find a custom solution online or switch completely to Hyper-V. Docker for Windows requires Hyper-V enabled, which may prevent VirtualBox from functioning properly.

Does Windows Server 2016 require Docker for Windows to run containers?

No, Windows Server 2016 uniquely supports native Windows containers without Hyper-V, though Docker for Windows can still be installed there. It is primarily used for development and testing locally, while older Windows Server versions don't natively support Docker.