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Run Windows inside a Docker container

softwareVirtualizationContainerizationWindowsDocker
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Our Verdict

Best for

Developers needing a disposable Windows desktop on a Linux host

Skip if

Anyone without a Linux host that exposes /dev/kvm

What is windows?

dockur/windows runs a full Windows desktop inside a Docker container, using KVM acceleration on a Linux host. It automates the Windows installation and exposes the running desktop through a browser-based viewer on port 8006 or any RDP client, with USB passthrough and configurable CPU, RAM, and disk. It needs Docker or Podman on a Linux host with /dev/kvm available - Docker Desktop on macOS or Windows does not provide KVM access to containers and is not supported.

SpecificationsAI-estimated

deploymentSelf-hosted
open source✅ Yes
github stars52,617
api available❌ No
support optionsGitHub Issues
key integrationsDocker, Kubernetes
primary languageShell

Key Features of windows

Runs a full Windows desktop inside a Docker or Podman container
Automatic download and hands-free, fully automated Windows installation
Supports both modern and legacy Windows releases, selectable by version
Near-native performance through KVM acceleration
Customizable CPU, memory, and storage allocation, with memory ballooning
USB passthrough and host folder sharing via a Shared folder mapped to drive Z:
Supports NAT, user-mode, and macvlan networking modes
Access the desktop from a web browser on port 8006 or over RDP on port 3389

Use Cases for windows

1

Testing on a Real Windows Desktop

Spin up a disposable Windows desktop in a container to run or test Windows-only software from a Linux host.

2

Development

Use Windows to develop and test Windows-based applications in a containerized environment.

3

CI/CD Pipelines

Use Windows to integrate with CI/CD pipelines and automate testing and deployment of Windows-based applications.

4

Legacy Application Support

Use Windows to support legacy Windows applications in a containerized environment.

Pros & Cons of windows

Pros

  • Automatic download and hands-free Windows installation
  • Near-native performance with KVM acceleration
  • Customizable CPU, memory, and storage allocation, with USB passthrough and host folder sharing
  • Easy integration with other Docker containers and services

Cons

  • Limited support for certain Windows applications and services
  • Requires Docker and containerization knowledge
  • May require additional configuration and setup

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Windows?

Windows is a software that allows users to run Windows inside a Docker container.

What are the benefits of using Windows?

It gives you a disposable, fully functional Windows desktop on a Linux host - installed automatically and reachable from a browser or any RDP client - so you can run or test Windows-only software without dedicating a physical machine or building a VM by hand.

What are the system requirements for Windows?

Docker or Podman on a Linux host with KVM support (/dev/kvm), plus enough RAM and disk for the Windows version you pick (the defaults are 4 GB RAM and 64 GB disk). Docker Desktop on macOS or Windows does not expose KVM to containers and is not supported.

How do I get started with Windows?

You can get started with Windows by downloading the software from the official GitHub repository and following the installation instructions.

Pricing Overview

View full pricing →
Free

Detailed plans are not listed. Visit the official website for pricing information.

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About the Tool

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Target AudienceDevelopers and DevOps teams

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ContainerizationWindowsDockerDevelopmentTesting

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