start docker daemon windows

In this tutorial, you’ll learn a straightforward process to start the Docker daemon in Windows.

Understanding Docker Daemon

The Docker Daemon, also known as Docker Engine, provides a powerful tool for developing, shipping, and running applications using containerization technology. It operates in the background of your system and manages all Docker objects like images, containers, networks, and volumes. Now, let’s delve into the steps to launch the Docker daemon in the Windows environment.

Step 1: Install Docker Desktop

Begin by downloading the Docker Desktop for Windows. Docker Desktop is an application for MacOS and Windows machines for the building and sharing of containerized applications. Visit the Docker official website and download the compatible Docker Desktop version. Install the Docker Desktop by following the on-screen prompts and select the components that suit your needs.

Step 2: Verify Docker Desktop Installation

After installation, verify whether Docker is installed correctly by running a command in the Docker console. Open the Docker Desktop and then the command prompt. Input the following command in the terminal:

docker run hello-world

This command should display a message which confirms your successful installation of Docker.

Step 3: Start Docker Daemon

The Docker daemon starts automatically upon booting your computer once Docker Desktop is installed successfully. However, should you need to stop the Docker service for any reason, restart it by clicking on the Docker Desktop icon present on your system tray. Choose the ‘Restart’ option from the popup menu.

Step 4: Test Docker Daemon

To ensure the Docker daemon is working as intended, open the Docker terminal and type the following command:

docker info

This command should present information related to the Docker daemon such as the number of containers and images on your system.

Conclusion

By successfully following these steps, you should now have a functional Docker daemon on your Windows machine. Keep in mind that understanding how the Docker daemon operates can greatly streamline your development and operational processes. Remember, practice makes perfect, so keep experimenting with different Docker commands to get a strong grip on its usage and potential.