WSL 2+Docker

WSL 2: Linux That Lives Inside Windows (for Real This Time)

Let’s be honest — WSL 1 was clever, but limited. It felt like Linux, but under the hood, it just translated system calls.
WSL 2 changed that.

Now there’s a real Linux kernel running inside a lightweight VM, and it behaves like the real thing — because it is the real thing. Systemd? Works. SSH server? Sure. Bash scripts, Python tools, rsync, even package managers — no tricks, just native behavior.

It boots fast, uses minimal memory, and doesn’t feel like a clunky VM from 2010. For folks working in mixed environments or deploying cross-platform software, it quietly solves a lot of daily friction.

Docker: The Classic Container Engine Gets an Upgrade on Windows

Docker has been the go-to for containers for years. But let’s face it — Docker on Windows has always been a bit… heavy. Hyper-V layers, weird networking, inconsistent file paths — not great.

Now with WSL 2 in the picture, Docker gets to behave like it’s on Linux again. No more extra VMs or slow startups. It plugs directly into WSL’s environment, so containers run inside Linux, not next to it.

That means lower CPU load, faster builds, and fewer surprises. And yeah — mounting volumes and editing files actually works the way you’d expect.

What They Bring to the Table

WSL 2

Docker with WSL 2 backend

Kernel

Real Linux kernel inside a micro-VM

Uses that same kernel to run Linux containers

Start Time

Less than a second to boot

Containers launch instantly from shell or VS Code

File Access

Read/write ext4 disk transparently

Shares filesystem with host for quick mounts

Resources

Light on RAM and CPU, no full VM bloat

Doesn’t require Hyper-V or VirtualBox anymore

Use Cases

Bash scripting, dev tools, Git, Python

Build/test containers, run services locally

Licensing

Free (part of Windows 10/11)

Free for personal/small orgs, licensed for business

Why Use the Combo?

Here’s the deal: WSL 2 by itself is powerful, and Docker is powerful. But together?
They make Windows a viable platform for full-stack Linux development.
Want to build a containerized Go app? You can. Need to debug a Python script in Linux but prefer VS Code on Windows? No problem. Docker and WSL share the environment, so it just works.

It’s also great for DevOps folks who bounce between environments. No dual boot. No SSH into a VM. One laptop, one setup.

Bonus? It supports GPU access, so containers can now run CUDA or ML workloads — directly from your Windows box. Not bad.

This Makes Sense If…

– You’re tired of rebooting into Linux just to test a container
– You build cross-platform apps and need real Linux CLI tools
– You work with CI pipelines and want to test them locally
– You run containers daily and want fewer moving parts
– You’re teaching or learning Linux and want something fast and simple

WSL 2+Docker enterprise guide: snapshots, logs | Adminboxpro

What is WSL 2+Docker?

WSL 2+Docker is a powerful combination of Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) 2 and Docker, which allows users to run a Linux environment directly within Windows, while also taking advantage of Docker’s containerization capabilities. This integration provides a seamless experience for developers and IT administrators, enabling them to work on complex projects without worrying about compatibility issues or the need for multiple operating systems.

By combining WSL 2 and Docker, users can leverage the strengths of both technologies. WSL 2 provides a robust and efficient way to run Linux on Windows, while Docker enables users to create, manage, and deploy containers with ease. This combination is particularly beneficial for enterprise environments, where multiple applications and services often need to be managed and maintained.

Main Features of WSL 2+Docker

Some of the key features of WSL 2+Docker include:

Fully integrated Linux environment with Windows
Support for Docker containers and images
Improved performance and efficiency compared to traditional virtual machines
Seamless integration with Windows tools and services
Robust security features, including kernel-mode isolation and secure boot

Installation Guide

Prerequisites

Before installing WSL 2+Docker, ensure that your system meets the following requirements:

Windows 10 or later (64-bit)
WSL 2 enabled
Hyper-V enabled
Docker Desktop installed

Step-by-Step Installation Process

To install WSL 2+Docker, follow these steps:

Enable WSL 2 by opening the Command Prompt as an administrator and running the command: wsl --install
Enable Hyper-V by opening the Command Prompt as an administrator and running the command: Enable-WindowsOptionalFeature -Online -FeatureName Microsoft-Hyper-V -All
Download and install Docker Desktop from the official Docker website
Launch Docker Desktop and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup process
Verify that WSL 2 and Docker are working correctly by running the command: wsl --list --verbose and checking for the Docker container in the list

Technical Specifications

System Requirements

Component	Minimum Requirements	Recommended Requirements
Processor	64-bit, 1.4 GHz or higher	64-bit, 2.5 GHz or higher
Memory	4 GB RAM or higher	8 GB RAM or higher
Storage	20 GB free disk space or higher	50 GB free disk space or higher
Operating System	Windows 10 or later (64-bit)	Windows 10 or later (64-bit)

Resource Utilization

WSL 2+Docker can utilize significant system resources, depending on the number of containers and applications running. Here are some estimated resource utilization guidelines:

CPU: 2-5% utilization per container
Memory: 500 MB-2 GB per container
Storage: 1-5 GB per container

Pros and Cons

Advantages of WSL 2+Docker

Some of the key advantages of using WSL 2+Docker include:

Seamless integration with Windows and Linux environments
Improved performance and efficiency compared to traditional virtual machines
Robust security features and isolation capabilities
Easy container management and deployment

Disadvantages of WSL 2+Docker

Some of the key disadvantages of using WSL 2+Docker include:

Steep learning curve for beginners
Resource-intensive, depending on the number of containers and applications running
Compatibility issues with certain Linux distributions or applications

FAQ

Q: Is WSL 2+Docker suitable for production environments?

A: Yes, WSL 2+Docker is suitable for production environments, as it provides a robust and efficient way to run Linux on Windows, while also enabling containerization and isolation capabilities.

Q: Can I use WSL 2+Docker for development and testing purposes?

A: Yes, WSL 2+Docker is an excellent choice for development and testing purposes, as it allows developers to work on complex projects without worrying about compatibility issues or the need for multiple operating systems.

Q: Is WSL 2+Docker compatible with all Linux distributions?

A: No, WSL 2+Docker is not compatible with all Linux distributions. It is recommended to check the compatibility of the Linux distribution with WSL 2 and Docker before using it.