The standard way to run Docker locally on Windows 11 is Docker Desktop. Docker’s current Windows documentation supports multiple backends, with WSL 2 as the default for most users. Before installing it, check Docker’s current system requirements because supported Windows releases, WSL versions, processor architectures, and virtualization requirements can change.
Before You Install Docker Desktop
- Confirm that your Windows 11 edition and build meet Docker’s current requirements.
- Confirm that hardware virtualization is enabled in UEFI/BIOS.
- If you plan to use the WSL 2 backend, install or update WSL and verify that WSL 2 works.
- Review Docker Desktop’s license terms if you will use it for work or an organization.
Docker’s current documentation lists WSL 2 as the default backend for most Windows users. Hyper-V and other backend choices have different requirements, so follow Docker’s current requirements page rather than an old version-specific tutorial.
How to Install Docker Desktop
- Download Docker Desktop for Windows from Docker’s official website.
- Run Docker Desktop Installer.exe.
- Choose the installation mode and backend offered for your system.
- Follow the installer prompts.
- Close the installer when setup completes.
- Open Docker Desktop from Windows Search or the Start menu.
- Review and accept Docker’s subscription agreement if you agree to its terms.
Docker now offers per-user and all-users installation modes. Permission requirements differ between them. Features such as Hyper-V and Windows containers can require elevated components even when ordinary Docker Desktop use does not.
Verify Docker Is Working
- Wait for Docker Desktop to finish starting.
- Open Windows Terminal, PowerShell, or Command Prompt.
- Run docker version.
- Optionally run Docker’s documented test container to confirm that the engine can pull and start a container.
What If WSL 2 Is Not Ready?
Docker Desktop cannot use the WSL 2 backend until WSL 2 is enabled and working. Docker’s requirements can specify a minimum WSL release, so check your WSL version against the current Docker documentation instead of assuming that any old WSL 2 installation is sufficient.
Docker Desktop Licensing
Docker Desktop is not universally free for every professional use case. Docker’s current terms allow free use in specified situations such as personal use, education, non-commercial open-source work, and qualifying small businesses, while some organizations and professional uses require a paid subscription. Check the current Docker Subscription Service Agreement for your situation.
Summary
Check Docker’s current Windows requirements, prepare WSL 2 and virtualization when using the WSL backend, download Docker Desktop from Docker, run the installer, and verify the installation with the Docker command line. Avoid relying on old fixed build numbers because Docker’s supported-platform requirements change over time.