How to Install Docker In Windows server 2016 for Win & Linux Containers

In this article, we are going to focus on How to Install Docker In Windows server 2016 Container.

Install Docker In Windows server 2016 Container

In Windows Server 2016 Microsoft introduced Windows containers. Though containers are not a new concept for developers, the integration of containers as a feature of the Windows server environment is a big leap for developers, security, and network operations.

Deploying a container is a matter of seconds or minutes with no overhead or cost. Developers will be assigned to their protected space, and when the application is ready to move from staging stage to final deployment, it can be deployed as a container to the production server, as efficient and portable, but consistent with the environment where it was created.

Managing and securing the containerized Windows applications is one of the features you would need quite frequently on your Windows Server installation. The compatibility would ensure that you would be able to build,  ship and run the native Windows applications in containers. This will help in running the apps both in Windows Server 2016 and Windows 10. How would you install Docker in Windows Server 2016? The instructions here should be helpful in meeting your needs.

How to Install Docker In Windows server 2016 Container?

Running your native Windows applications in a containerized Docker application has its own set of advantages. Your apps would tend to be more portable. They would be easier to work with and more straightforward to run on your system.

You can run the complex legacy apps by containerizing them with the help of Docker for Windows Server 2016. Containerised running will ensure that there is less use of infrastructure and impact on your workload. Deploying Docker for your Windows Ecosystem would be dependent upon the operating system you are using and the host system.

The Steps involved in Installing Docker on Your Windows Server 2016

Installing Docker for your Windows Server 2016 would need you to install the Containers feature first. Once that done, you can easily install and configure Docker your server.

Install Container Feature

Ideally, the Container feature should come pre-packaged with your Windows installation. However, it would not be installed on your device by default. You can install it through the following steps.

• Start You can do this through different means. You can use the search option and type in Powershell. Choose the Advanced Powershell from among the search result. Please note that you need the elevated Powershell for installing the Container feature.
• In the Powershell option, enter the following command

Install-Module -Name DockerMsftProvider -Repository PSGallery–Force

• You should be asked to confirm the installation of the container feature. Confirm by typing in Y.

Install  Docker

Once you have enabled the container feature, next step would be to install the latest version of the Docker. You can do it through the Powershell option itself.

Here are the steps you can use to install Docker.

• Type in the following command in Powershell.

Install-Package -Name docker -ProviderNameDockerMsftProvider

• You may get a confirmation request to confirm whether you want to install the Docker version. It may also suggest that the release is untrusted.
• Type in A to accept installation to all further prompts.
• Docker version would now be installed on your system.

Reboot Your System

You will need to reboot your system for the changes made through the installation in the previous steps to take effect. You can restart your system within the Powershell option by executing the following command.

Restart-Computer –Force

That should complete the task of installing Docker on your Windows Server 2016.

Check the Docker Installation on Your Server

Having installed Docker Service on your Windows Server 2016, it would be essential to check the functionality of your Docker installation. This can be achieved by running a test container from within the Docker Hub.

Here is how it can be done. Please note that this is just a simple step to test the functionality of Docker installation.

Type in the following command in Powershell.

docker run Microsoft/sample-dotnet

The pre-created .NET sample image from the Docker registry will run on running that command. It will run the .NET Hello application and then shut down. If your system runs the app, it will ensure that you have installed Docker on your Windows Server successfully.

You can check the Docker version you have installed through the following command –

Docker version

While working with the Docker Engine, you may need help with some of the controls and other essential commands. If you need help, you may check out the help commands available on Docker through the following command –

Docker –help

The help commands are available for a varied number of purposes. Some of the essential commands would be helpful in creating a new container, attaching a new container, copying or pasting files and folders between a file system and a container or building an image. Having Help commands handy would be helpful in making well-informed decisions.

Why Use Docker with Windows Server 2016?

Docker is the Container management Engine that offers excellent functionality. You can make use of the engine to create, delete, stop and start the containers. This can be done quickly using a set of commands.

Docker Official fully supports the version we installed on the Windows Server 2016. In fact, Docker has an agreement with Microsoft as part of the commercial support agreement.

The Benefits of Docker on Windows Server 2016

If you have installed Docker on your Windows Server 2016 installation, you will witness the following benefits –

• The Docker version for Windows Server is available at no cost.
• You can be assured of the same level of container management features you would have observed on Linux based systems. Some worthy mentions can be image scanning, Secrets management, and overlay networking.
• Additional isolation properties with Hyper V.
• You can make use of the base images like Nano Server and Windows Server Core.
• Docker would help you overcome conflicts between the multiple versions of IIS and .NET. This is achieved through container isolation.

The Concluding Thoughts

Docker is your best option for your needs in recording and running your native Windows apps securely enough. You may also use it with Nano servers so that you may be able to modernize the existing apps. Docker can also be used to create micro-services based on the current apps as well.

Running Docker on your Windows Server 2016 should be similar to doing it on our Linux based devices. Docker CLI, API, Image Format and Docker registry services remain identical to Windows and Linux. In fact, this can be a much practical option if you are using virtual machines with both Windows and Linux on your computer. Enjoy the standard Docker experience across the platforms and enjoy it to the fullest.

Foot Notes – https://docs.docker.com/install/windows/docker-ee/

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