Docker has revolutionized how developers deploy and manage applications by providing a containerization platform that ensures consistency across various environments. In this guide, we will walk you through how to install Docker on multiple platforms, such as Ubuntu, Windows, macOS, and other operating systems, while also covering advanced tools like Docker Compose and Docker Buildx.
What is Docker?
Docker is an open-source platform that allows you to automate the deployment of applications inside lightweight, portable containers. Containers bundle all necessary components, such as libraries and dependencies, ensuring that the application runs seamlessly regardless of the underlying environment. You can read more our Docker VPS hosting here.
Prerequisites for Installing Docker
Before proceeding with Docker installation, make sure your system meets the following requirements:
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Operating System: Docker can run on Linux (Ubuntu, CentOS, Debian), Windows, and macOS.
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Administrative Privileges: You need root (Linux) or administrator (Windows/macOS) access to install Docker.
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Internet Connection: An active internet connection is required for downloading Docker packages.
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Hardware Requirements: Docker can run on machines with at least 4GB of RAM, though more is recommended for larger applications.
How to Install Docker on Linux Mint?
1. Update Your System
First, update your system packages:
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
2. Install Dependencies
Install the required dependencies for Docker:
sudo apt install apt-transport-https ca-certificates curl software-properties-common -y
3. Add Docker’s GPG Key and Repository
Add Docker’s official GPG key and repository:
curl -fsSL https://download.docker.com/linux/ubuntu/gpg | sudo gpg --dearmor -o /usr/share/keyrings/docker-archive-keyring.gpg
echo "deb [arch=amd64 signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/docker-archive-keyring.gpg] https://download.docker.com/linux/ubuntu $(lsb_release -cs) stable" | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/docker.list > /dev/null
4. Install Docker
Install Docker using the following command:
sudo apt update
sudo apt install docker-ce docker-ce-cli containerd.io -y
5. Verify Docker Installation
Check if Docker is installed:
docker --version
6. Start Docker Service
Enable and start the Docker service:
sudo systemctl enable docker
sudo systemctl start docker
7. Test Docker
Run a test container to verify everything is working:
docker run hello-world
How to Install Docker on Ubuntu
Step 1: Update the System
Before installing Docker, ensure that your system packages are up-to-date:
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade
Step 2: Install Required Dependencies
Docker requires some additional packages to run efficiently. Install them using:
sudo apt install apt-transport-https ca-certificates curl software-properties-common
Step 3: Add Docker’s Official GPG Key
curl -fsSL https://download.docker.com/linux/ubuntu/gpg | sudo gpg --dearmor -o /usr/share/keyrings/docker-archive-keyring.gpg
Step 4: Add Docker Repository
echo "deb [arch=$(dpkg --print-architecture) signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/docker-archive-keyring.gpg] https://download.docker.com/linux/ubuntu $(lsb_release -cs) stable" | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/docker.list > /dev/null
Step 5: Install Docker Engine
sudo apt update
sudo apt install docker-ce docker-ce-cli containerd.io
Step 6: Verify Docker Installation
Ensure Docker is installed correctly by running:
docker –version
For more information, you can check our How to install docker on Ubuntu guide.
How to Install Docker on Windows
Step 1: Download Docker Desktop
Go to the Docker Desktop for Windows download page and download the installer.
Step 2: Run the Installer
Double-click the downloaded file and follow the installation prompts. Ensure that the required WSL 2 feature is enabled during installation.
Step 3: Start Docker Desktop
After installation, open Docker Desktop from the Start Menu.
Step 4: Verify Installation
Open PowerShell and run:
docker –version
How to Install Docker on macOS
Step 1: Download Docker Desktop
Visit the Docker Desktop for Mac page and download the appropriate version.
Step 2: Install Docker Desktop
Double-click the downloaded .dmg file and drag the Docker icon into the Applications folder.
Step 3: Start Docker
Open Docker from the Applications folder. Ensure that Docker Desktop is running by checking the menu bar icon.
Step 4: Verify Installation
Open a terminal and run:
docker –version
How to Install Docker Compose
Docker Compose is a tool that simplifies the management of multi-container applications.
Installing Docker Compose on Ubuntu
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Download Docker Compose Binary:
sudo curl -L "https://github.com/docker/compose/releases/latest/download/docker-compose-$(uname -s)-$(uname -m)" -o /usr/local/bin/docker-compose
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Set Permissions:
sudo chmod +x /usr/local/bin/docker-compose
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Verify Installation:
docker-compose --version
Installing Docker Compose on Windows
Docker Compose is included with Docker Desktop for Windows. To verify:
```bash
docker-compose –version
How to Install Docker on Other Platforms
Install Docker on Debian
The process for Debian is similar to Ubuntu, but ensure you use Debian-specific repositories:
echo "deb [arch=$(dpkg --print-architecture) signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/docker-archive-keyring.gpg] https://download.docker.com/linux/debian $(lsb_release -cs) stable" | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/docker.list > /dev/null
Follow the same steps as Ubuntu for installing Docker Engine.
Also, if you’re interested to install Docker Debian, check our guide on this topic.
Install Docker on Raspberry Pi
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Update your Raspberry Pi OS:
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade
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Install Docker:
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curl -fsSL https://get.docker.com -o get-docker.sh
sudo sh get-docker.sh
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Add your user to the Docker group:
sudo usermod -aG docker $USER
Install Docker on Arch Linux
Arch Linux uses the community repository:
sudo pacman -S docker
Enable and start Docker:
sudo systemctl enable docker
sudo systemctl start docker
Install Docker on Amazon Linux 2023
Use the following commands to set up Docker on Amazon Linux:
sudo yum update
sudo yum install docker
sudo service docker start
Advanced Tools: Docker Buildx and Portainer
Install Docker Buildx on macOS
Docker Buildx extends Docker's capabilities for building multi-platform images:
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Enable experimental features in Docker Desktop.
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Use Buildx commands like:
docker buildx create --use
Install Docker and Portainer on Ubuntu
Portainer simplifies Docker management through a web UI. To install:
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Pull the Portainer image:
docker pull portainer/portainer-ce
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Run the container:
docker run -d -p 9000:9000 --name portainer -v /var/run/docker.sock:/var/run/docker.sock portainer/portainer-ce
Post-Installation Configuration
After installing Docker, it’s essential to configure it properly for optimal usage. Here are some key configurations:
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Enable Docker to Start on Boot:
sudo systemctl enable docker
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Manage Docker Permissions:
Add your user to the Docker group to avoid using sudo with Docker commands:
sudo usermod -aG docker $USER
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Configure Docker Daemon Settings:
Customize the Docker daemon settings by editing the /etc/docker/daemon.json file.
By the way, if you’re interested to compare Docker with its alternatives, you can check our articles about Docker vs Kubernetes and Docker vs Podman.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting Tips
While Docker is generally straightforward to install, users may face some common issues. Here’s how to solve them:
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GPG Key Issues: If you encounter problems with Docker’s GPG key, run the following command again to ensure it’s added correctly:
curl -fsSL https://download.docker.com/linux/ubuntu/gpg | sudo gpg --dearmor -o /usr/share/keyrings/docker-archive-keyring.gpg
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Docker Daemon Not Starting: If Docker fails to start, check the logs and restart the service:
sudo systemctl restart docker
sudo systemctl status docker
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Permission Denied Errors: Ensure your user is added to the Docker group. Log out and log back in after running the usermod command.
Upgrading Docker
Docker frequently releases updates to improve performance and security. To upgrade Docker to the latest version on Ubuntu, run:
sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade docker-ce docker-ce-cli containerd.io
For Windows and macOS, Docker Desktop will notify you when updates are available. Simply follow the on-screen instructions to update to the latest version.
Security Best Practices for Docker
To secure your install Docker CLI process, follow these best practices:
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Use Non-Root Users: Avoid running containers as the root user.
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Sign Images: Docker provides a Content Trust feature to ensure that images are signed and verified.
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Scan Images for Vulnerabilities: Use Docker’s built-in scanning tools or third-party tools to scan for vulnerabilities in your images.
