When an app behaves differently across development and test machines, packaging it with its runtime dependencies gives those environments a more consistent starting point. Docker for Windows provides Docker Desktop tools for building images, running containers, and managing that workflow locally.
Build an image from a Dockerfile
A Dockerfile records the steps for assembling an image, such as choosing a base image, copying application files, and installing dependencies. From a project folder, the Docker CLI can build that recipe into an image; docker run then starts a container from it. Images can also be pulled from registries such as Docker Hub.
Manage containers in Docker Desktop
Docker Desktop brings local container work into a single interface. Its dashboard shows running containers and provides access to images, volumes, and networks. Start or stop a container there, or use the Docker CLI for the same day-to-day tasks from a terminal.
- Images hold the packaged application and its dependencies.
- Containers are running instances created from images.
- Volumes keep application data outside a container’s writable layer.
Run a multi-container app with Compose
For projects that need several services, define them in a Compose YAML file. The docker compose up command starts the configured services together, while docker compose down stops and removes the project’s containers and network. This keeps the service setup in a file that can be shared with the project.
Pros
- Build and run images from the Docker command line
- Use Docker Compose to define multi-container applications
- Manage containers, images, volumes, and networks in Docker Desktop
Cons
- Requires a WSL 2 or Hyper-V backend on Windows
System requirements: Windows 10, Windows 11 · 64-bit only · Hyper-V backend: Enterprise, Pro, or Education edition (the WSL 2 backend also runs on Home) · Windows 10 version 22H2 (build 19045) · Windows 11 version 23H2 (build 22631) or higher · 8 GB system RAM · Hardware virtualization enabled in BIOS/UEFI
What is the difference between a Docker image and a container?
An image is a packaged template; a container is a running instance created from that image.
Can Docker Compose start multiple services together?
Yes. A Compose YAML file defines the services, and docker compose up starts them as a project.
Where does container data go when a container is removed?
Data stored in a Docker volume can remain separate from the container and be reused by another container.