---
tags:
  - docker
  - windows
  - wsl
  - guide
  - setup
---

# Docker Desktop Setup Guide

Docker Desktop brings containerization to Windows, leveraging the power of WSL 2 for high-performance Linux containers. This allows you to run the same containers on your Windows machine as you would on a Linux server.

## 1. Prerequisites

Docker Desktop relies on the WSL 2 backend for optimal performance. Before installing, ensure you have completed the WSL setup.

*   **Requirement:** A functional WSL 2 environment.
*   **Reference:** [[linux/WSL-Setup-Guide|WSL Setup Guide]]

## 2. Installation

1.  **Download:** Get the installer from [Docker Hub](https://www.docker.com/products/docker-desktop/).
2.  **Install:** Run the installer (`Docker Desktop Installer.exe`).
    *   **Important:** Ensure **"Use WSL 2 based engine"** is selected during the configuration step.
3.  **Finish:** You may be prompted to log out of Windows and log back in to complete the installation.

## 3. WSL Integration

To use Docker commands (like `docker ps` or `docker compose`) directly inside your Ubuntu/Linux terminal, you must enable integration.

1.  Open the **Docker Desktop Dashboard**.
2.  Navigate to **Settings** (Gear icon) -> **Resources** -> **WSL Integration**.
3.  Check **"Enable integration with my default WSL distro"**.
4.  Toggle **ON** for your specific installed distros (e.g., `Ubuntu`).
5.  Click **Apply & Restart**.

## 4. Verification

1.  Open your **WSL Terminal** (e.g., Ubuntu).
2.  Run the "Hello World" container to verify the connection to the Docker Daemon:
    ```bash
    docker run hello-world
    ```
3.  **Success:** If you see the message *"Hello from Docker!"*, your environment is fully integrated.

## 5. Next Steps

Now that Docker is running, you can proceed to setting up specific containers or environments within your Linux distribution.