Run Windows in Docker: A Practical Guide

Unlock Windows Anywhere: Running Windows in a Docker Container

Have you ever needed a Windows environment but preferred the flexibility and isolation of Docker? The popular open-source project 'dockur/windows' makes this a reality, allowing you to run various Windows versions directly within a Docker container. This guide will walk you through its capabilities, setup, and customization options, empowering you to harness the power of Windows in a containerized world.

What is dockur/windows?

'dockur/windows' is a remarkable open-source project that brings Windows operating systems into the Docker ecosystem. It simplifies the process of setting up a Windows virtual machine that can be managed and deployed like any other Docker container. Key features include:

• ISO Downloader: Automatically downloads specified Windows ISOs.
• KVM Acceleration: Leverages KVM for improved performance on Linux hosts.
• Web-based Viewer: Provides an accessible web interface to interact with your Windows desktop.
• RDP Support: Seamlessly connect using Microsoft Remote Desktop clients for a richer experience.

Getting Started: Deployment Options

Deploying Windows in Docker is straightforward, with multiple options available:

• Docker Compose: The recommended method for ease of use and configuration management. Simply define your Windows service in a docker-compose.yml file, specifying image, ports, devices, and volumes.
• Docker CLI: For quick deployments, use the docker run command, mapping necessary ports and devices.
• Kubernetes: Deploy your Windows container across a Kubernetes cluster using the provided kubernetes.yml manifest.
• GitHub Codespaces: Launch directly within a GitHub Codespace for instant, cloud-based access.

Customizing Your Windows Container

The 'dockur/windows' project offers extensive customization to tailor the Windows environment to your needs:

• Windows Version: Easily select from a wide range of Windows editions (e.g., Windows 11 Pro, Windows 10 LTSC, Windows Server 2022) via the VERSION environment variable.
• Disk Size: Expand the default disk capacity by setting the DISK_SIZE environment variable.
• Storage Location: Define custom storage paths using Docker volumes.
• Hardware Resources: Allocate specific amounts of RAM (RAM_SIZE) and CPU cores (CPU_CORES) to the container.
• User Credentials: Set custom usernames and passwords before installation using USERNAME and PASSWORD variables.
• Language & Keyboard: Specify your preferred language and keyboard layout using LANGUAGE, KEYBOARD, and REGION variables.
• Custom ISOs & Scripts: Install unsupported ISOs or run custom scripts post-installation by mounting them as volumes.

Advanced Configurations and Tips

For more advanced use cases, consider these configurations:

• RDP Access: For a superior experience over the web viewer, connect using Microsoft Remote Desktop to the container’s IP address with your configured credentials.
• Individual IP Address: Assign a unique IP address to the container using Docker's macvlan network driver for better network integration.
• File Sharing: Leverage Docker volumes to easily share files between your host machine and the Windows container.
• Device Passthrough: Pass through USB devices or entire disks directly to the container for hardware-level access.

The 'dockur/windows' project is a testament to the power of open-source collaboration, providing a robust and flexible solution for running Windows in Docker. Whether for development, testing, or exploration, it offers an unparalleled way to integrate Windows into your containerized workflows.