How To Install Docker On Windows 7 or 8
Docker is an open-source software platform used to generate, use and run containers. A container is an executable unit of software in which application code is packaged, along with its libraries and dependencies, in ordinary procedures to run anywhere. Then, containers solved the compatibility and configuration issues occurring due to different operating systems by packaging all the required dependencies and configurations within the application. Therefore, to install any application, one command is sufficient!
Containers are made of images stacked on top of each other. A Linux base image is usually at the bottom, which is the initial step for the upcoming images. After comes the in-between images that carry all the metadata required to run the application, which is the top image.
Getting back to Docker, Docker builds an image based on a Dockerfile (a text document carrying all needed commands). Then, this image is used to create a Docker container. Even if Docker is Linux-based, it is available on Windows and macOS. Installing Docker on Windows 10 or 11 is straightforward since both OS contains a Lightweight Linux virtual machine that the Docker engine will rely on. In Contrast, the Earlier version of Windows does not include this feature, which means installing Docker requires more prerequisites.
To facilitate the Docker installation on those Windows versions, Docker Toolbox was released. It is an installation package that contains all prerequisites needed to run Docker on Windows 7 or 8. Docker Toolbox will install a lightweight virtual machine where the Docker engine will be installed.
Downloading Docker Toolbox
In mid-2020, Docker deprecated Docker Toolbox and denied access to the installer on their website. Besides, the project is archived on GitHub.
To download the installer, we should navigate to the Docker Toolbox GitHub repository and download the installer from the latest project release as illustrated below:
- Open your web browser and navigate to the Docker Toolbox GitHub repository.
2. Go to the releases section and choose the latest version (v19.03.1).
3. Download the installer file: DockerToolbox-19.03.1.exe
Installing Docker Toolbox
After Docker Toolbox is successfully installed, you should run the installer application.
Once the installation wizard is open, click on the “Next” button.
Choose the path where you would like to install Docker Toolbox.
Next, you should select the Docker Toolbox component you need to install. There are two kinds of components; required and optional.
- Docker Client for Windows (required): This component is used to control Windows server containers.
- Docker Machine for Windows (required): This component allows you to generate a deployment environment for your application and control all the micro-services running on it.
- Docker Compose for Windows (optional): This component is a tool that was developed to help define and share multi-container applications. With Compose, you can create a YAML file to define the services, and with a single command, you can spin everything up or tear it all down.
- VirtualBox (required): This component is used to create a Linux virtual machine where Docker Toolbox will use to run.
- Kitematic for Windows (optional): This component automates the Docker installation and setup activity and supplies an intuitive graphical user interface (GUI) for running Docker containers. It merges with Docker Machine to supply a VirtualBox VM and install the Docker Engine locally on your machine.
- Git for Windows(optional): This component is the major version control system for software development.
After selecting the components, click on “Next”. You should now select some additional tasks to be performed after installation. As shown in the screenshot below, it is recommended to add Docker binaries to the PATH environment variable and to Upgrade the Boot2Docker VM.
Side Note: Boot2Docker is a minimalist Linux distribution with the sole purpose of running Docker containers.
Now, the installation configuration is done, and we should click on “Install” to start the installation process.
During the installation, you will be asked to install the Oracle Serial Bus driver, which VirtualBox requires.
Once the installation succeeds, three new shortcuts are added to the Desktop: Oracle VM VirtualBox, Kitematic, and Docker Quickstart terminal.
Running Docker
There are two ways to start the Docker engine. Using Kitematic graphical user interface or Docker Quickstart terminal.
Starting the Docker Quickstart Terminal, boot2docker ISO image will be downloaded.
Once this ISO image is installed, the Docker engine is started.
Type the following command to download and start the “hello-world” container:
docker run hello-worldDocker will download and run the “Hello world” container. A confirmation message will be displayed in the terminal. This indicates that your Docker installation is successful.
The other approach is to use the Kitematic user interface.
Side note: Kitematic was acquired by Docker and is currently deprecated.
Summary
This article explained how to install and run Docker Toolbox, which is required to run the Docker engine on Windows 7 or 8 operating systems. While those operating systems are still used by some users/companies, it is highly recommended to upgrade to a newer version of Windows and to use the Docker Desktop application.
