Docker Desktop: Containers on Windows and Mac, Licence Rules
Docker Desktop · for Windows, macOS and Linux
Developer: Docker, Inc. (opens in a new tab)
- Windows
- macOS
- Linux
The download link points to the program’s official source; the file is not hosted on this site. Link address: docker.com
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Docker Desktop is Docker's app for building and running containers on Windows, macOS and Linux. It is free for personal use, education, non-commercial open source and businesses with fewer than 250 employees and under $10 million revenue.
Containers let you run a web stack (a database, a cache, the app itself) in isolated pieces that behave the same on every machine. Docker Desktop is the official way to use Docker on a Windows or Mac workstation.
Who uses it
Developers use Docker Desktop to mirror production on their laptops. Site owners and freelancers use it to try self-hosted software, from analytics tools to CMS platforms, without installing each one directly on their system.
Licence terms
Docker’s licence page lists who may use Docker Desktop for free:
- Small businesses with fewer than 250 employees and less than $10 million in annual revenue (both conditions)
- Personal use
- Education: students and educational institutions
- Non-commercial open-source projects
Professional use in larger organisations, government entities and commercial use beyond those limits need a paid Pro, Team or Business subscription.
Windows requirements and installation
- Windows 10 22H2 (build 19045) or Windows 11 23H2 (build 22631) or later, Enterprise, Pro or Education editions; Windows Server is not supported
- The WSL 2 backend (WSL 2.1.5 or later) or Hyper-V, with hardware virtualisation enabled in BIOS/UEFI
- 8 GB of system RAM
- The Download button opens the official Docker Desktop page.
- Run Docker Desktop Installer.exe; choose WSL 2 or Hyper-V on the configuration page.
- Start Docker Desktop manually after installation and accept the subscription agreement.
Docker works well with Visual Studio Code and Git for day-to-day development.
Pros
- Official Docker experience on Windows and Mac
- Free for personal use, education and small businesses
- Per-user install without admin rights on Windows
Cons
- Larger companies need a paid subscription
- Needs virtualisation and a fair amount of RAM
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Docker Desktop free for companies?
Only for small businesses with fewer than 250 employees and less than $10 million in annual revenue. Larger organisations and government entities need a paid Pro, Team or Business subscription.
Does Docker Desktop work on Windows Server?
No. Docker's documentation says Docker Desktop is not supported on server versions of Windows such as Windows Server 2019 or 2022.
Docker DesktopFreemium
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