How to Setup Docker Desktop on Windows Server 2019

Installing/configuring Docker for an environment that is not explicitly mentioned on the Docker Desktop website.

Due to the fact that the CM-Connect is native to the Linux environment, it will need help with running outside of it. This is the reason that we utilize Docker containers. Docker allows for our software to run as expected in any operating system. Windows has many OS versions and you will find that the Docker Desktop website only offers instructions on the latest. However, Docker is compatible with Windows Server 2019. There are just a few requirements needed from the server.

First, you will need to make sure that Nested Virtualization is enabled. this will allow you to run Hyper-V inside of the server. Hyper-V also needs to be enabled.

After this process is completed, the server must be restarted.

Now you can download and install Docker Desktop for windows. You can find it here: Docker for Windows. 

Once Docker is installed, be sure to open Docker, navigate to the settings, and complete the following:

1. In the General tab, select Hyper-V from the Use the WSL 2 based engine dropdown.
2. Click Apply & Restart to apply the changes and restart Docker Desktop.

After restart and the bottom left corner of Docker Desktop is green, Docker is ready to use.