In this blog post, I’ll show you how to install the Docker Enterprise Preview Edition on Windows Server 2016 version 1709 Container Host.
My configuration consists of a Hyper-V virtual machine acting as a Container Host running Windows Server 2016 Version 1709.
Windows Server 2016 1709
First announced a five months ago, Windows Server 2016 version 1709 released a Semi-Annual Channel with 18 months support (more details below).
Long and Semi-Annual Channel
As Announced a few months ago, Windows Server will be available in two release modules.
- Long-Term Servicing channel – This Is the current and most familiar module where a new operating system version is released every 2-3 years with 5 years support cycle.
-
Semi-Annual Channel – This new module will offer two new releases every year with new features and roles, support will be available for 18 months.
The Semi-Annual Channel will only be available for Volume Licensing Customers with Software Assurance.
If you don’t have Software Assurance you can use Microsoft Azure where it’s available.
Docker Enterprise Preview Edition
The Enterprise preview Edition brings Linux Containers to Windows Container host and allows us to run Linux Containers the same we run Windows Containers on the host.
Requirements
To install the Preview edition your Container Host must run Windows Server 2016 version 1709, any version below will not work
Host as a Virtual Machine
If your host is a virtual Machine like mine, please run the two cmdlets below on your Hyper-V host to enable nested Virtualization
Set-VMProcessor -VMName 2016rtm -ExposeVirtualizationExtensions $true
Get-VMNetworkAdapter -VMName 2016rtm | Set-VMNetworkAdapter -MacAddressSpoofing On
Installation
The installation is the same as any other docker editions except that we need to specify the Enterprise Preview edition.
Install-module dockerprovider
Install-Package Docker -ProviderName DockerProvider -RequiredVersion preview -force
Once complete, I’ll restart my Container Host and as you can see below, my Docker version is 17.10.0.ee-preview-3
Docker Version
Now that I have my Preview edition up and running I can create Linux Containers on my Windows Container host.