How to Run Your First Docker Container on Windows Server: A Step-by-Step Guide

Running your first Docker container on Windows Server might sound like a daunting task, but with a few simple steps and a dash of curiosity, you’ll have your containerized application up and running in no time. In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of setting up Docker on Windows Server, share detailed instructions, and explore the advantages of using Windows containers for isolating applications.

Introduction​

Docker Windows Server containers allow you to run applications in lightweight, isolated environments. Unlike full-blown virtual machines, these containers bundle your application code with its dependencies—libraries, system tools, and everything in between—yet they remain efficient, quick to deploy, and friendly on your system resources. Whether you’re a developer or an IT professional managing production systems, these containers can streamline application deployment without the overhead of full virtualization.

Preparing Your Environment​

Before diving into container deployment, it’s important to ensure your Windows Server is ready for Docker. The process begins with two key configurations: enabling the Hyper‑V Role and the Containers feature, and installing the Docker module.

1. Installing the Hyper-V Role and Containers Feature​

Hyper‑V is Microsoft’s virtualization technology, which is essential for running containers on Windows Server. The Containers feature further prepares your system to host Docker containers efficiently.
Follow these steps to enable both features:

• Open Server Manager and select “Add roles and features.”
• Choose the “Role-based or feature-based installation” option.
• Pick the server you wish to configure, then click through to the “Roles” section.
• Check the box for Hyper‑V. If prompted, click “Add features.”
• Proceed to the “Features” tab, tick the “Containers” feature, and advance.
• On the Virtual Switches page, select your ethernet connection.
• Continue clicking “Next” until you reach the installation summary.
• Click “Install” and let the process complete.
• Finally, reboot your server to apply the changes.

This series of steps ensures your server runs the required virtualization technology, laying the foundation for Docker containers to operate smoothly.
Summary: By installing Hyper‑V and the Containers feature, you prepare your Windows Server to host Docker containers, making your system ready for the software module installations to follow.

2. Installing the Docker Module​

With the prerequisites complete, the next step is to install the Docker module using PowerShell. This module provides the necessary commands to manage containers on your server.
Perform the following actions in an elevated PowerShell prompt (running as Administrator):

• Execute the command:
  Install-Module -Name DockerMsftProvider -Repository PSGallery -Force
  This command downloads the Docker provider module.
• Once the module is installed, initiate the installation of the Docker package by running:
  Install-Package -Name docker -ProviderName DockerMsftProvider

Be patient—installation might take a few minutes as your system fetches and installs the package.
Summary: Installing the Docker module introduces the commands necessary for managing Docker containers. This setup step is crucial for synchronizing container commands with Windows Server’s features.

3. Rebooting Your Server​

After installing the necessary modules, a system restart is recommended to complete the setup. Use either PowerShell’s Restart-Computer command or reboot through the Start Menu. This familiar step ensures that all configurations are properly loaded and your server is in a pristine state for container operations.
Summary: A system reboot is often a simple, yet essential, step in many Windows updates. Restarting confirms that newly installed features and updates are correctly initialized.

Pulling and Running Your Docker Windows Image​

Now that your server is prepped and Docker is installed, it’s time to pull a container image and run it. Docker images for Windows typically come from official repositories, such as those for Windows Server Core or Nano Server.

4. Pulling the Docker Image​

1. Open an elevated PowerShell window.
2. To download a Windows Server Core image (for example, the long-term servicing channel release), enter:
   docker pull mcr.microsoft.com/windows/servercore:ltsc2022
3. Confirm the download by listing the available Docker images using:
   docker image ls

Once you run these commands, Docker will fetch the image and you should see it listed locally on your system. The image represents a self-contained Windows environment with core functionalities mirrored inside the container.
Summary: Pulling the image downloads a snapshot of the Windows ecosystem that Docker will run as a container. This image is the building block for running isolated applications.

5. Running the Docker Container​

You now have the image ready, and the next step is to run a container based on an image like Nano Server. Nano Server images are optimized for running Windows containers with minimal overhead.

• To run a container as a background process, simply use:
  docker run mcr.microsoft.com/windows/nanoserver:ltsc2022
• However, for an interactive session, which is typically more useful when you’re testing or running commands, use:
  docker run -it mcr.microsoft.com/windows/nanoserver:ltsc2022

After inputting the interactive command, you’ll notice the prompt change, indicating that you’re now “inside” the container. A quick test can be running the command hostname to confirm the container’s identity.
Summary: Starting the container allows you to interact with the Windows environment encapsulated in the Docker image. The interactive mode is ideal when you need direct access for configuration or testing.

Additional Considerations and Best Practices​

Starting and Stopping Docker Containers on Windows​

Running containers on Windows doesn’t just stop at launching them. Managing container lifecycle is equally important:

• To start a container from an image, use the familiar sequence of:
  • docker pull [image_name]
  • docker run [image_name] (adding options like -it for interactivity or --name for a custom container name)
• Stopping a running container is as simple as:
  docker stop [container_name]

These commands form the backbone of Docker container management on Windows, allowing for flexible deployment strategies.
Summary: Understanding basic container management commands ensures that your containerized environments remain agile and controlled, facilitating smooth operations even in dynamic or production settings.

Can You Run Docker Containers on Windows Server?​

Absolutely. Windows Server supports containers out-of-the-box with the right feature configurations. As long as you have enabled the Containers feature and installed Docker properly, running Windows containers becomes a streamlined process. This native support differentiates Windows Server from other operating systems that might require additional layers of virtualization or configuration tweaks.
Summary: Windows Server is container-ready once the necessary features are enabled. This native capability is essential for developers and IT professionals who rely on Docker for deploying applications efficiently.

Troubleshooting and Tips​

• If your Docker installation isn’t working as expected, double-check that Hyper‑V and Containers features are enabled.
• Always ensure you are using an elevated PowerShell prompt when executing installation commands.
• Verify that your downloaded images appear in the Docker image list by running docker image ls.
• For interactive sessions, confirming your container’s hostname is an easy way to verify that you are working inside the correct environment.
• Consider familiarizing yourself with Docker's extensive documentation and community resources for additional troubleshooting tips and advanced configurations.

Summary: Troubleshooting common pitfalls ensures a smoother experience when getting started with Docker on Windows Server. Consistency in following commands and verifying outputs builds confidence in managing your container ecosystem.

Conclusion​

Docker Windows Server containers empower you to run applications in isolated environments with minimal overhead, bridging the gap between traditional virtualization and modern, lightweight containerization. By preparing your server with Hyper‑V and Containers features, installing the Docker module, rebooting, and finally pulling and running your desired Docker images, you set the stage for a dynamic, scalable application deployment environment.
Whether testing new software or deploying production applications, these steps provide a solid foundation for leveraging modern containerization technologies on Windows Server. Engagement with Docker not only simplifies development and administrative tasks but also paves the way for efficient resource management, faster deployment cycles, and enhanced overall system stability.
Ready to dive into the world of Docker on Windows Server? Get started today by executing these steps and explore the powerful benefits of containerized applications.
Happy containerizing!

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Source: The Windows Club How to run your first Docker Windows Server container