Table of contents

1. What is Docker?
2. Install Docker on macOS
   1. Download Docker Desktop for Mac
   2. Choose the right installation package
   3. Install
3. Launch Docker
4. Install Docker on Windows
   1. Download Docker Desktop for Windows
   2. Install

What is Docker?

Docker is a platform that enables software to run in its own isolated environment. SQL Server (from 2017) can be run on Docker in its own isolated container. Once Docker is installed, you simply download — or “pull” — the SQL Server on Linux Docker Image to your Mac, then run it as a Docker container. This container is an isolated environment that contains everything SQL Server needs to run.

Install Docker on macOS

Download Docker Desktop for Mac

This enables you to run SQL Server from within a Docker container.

Choose the right installation package

To download, visit the Docker CE for Mac download page and click Get Docker.

There are two types of installation packages provided. If you’re using Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3), check your chip here and select the Apple Silicon build.

Install

Double-click the .dmg file and drag the Docker.app icon to your Applications folder.

Launch Docker

1. Launch Docker the same way you’d launch any other application (eg, via the Applications folder, the Launchpad, etc).

2. When you open Docker, you might be prompted for your password so that Docker can install its networking components and links to the Docker apps. Go ahead and provide your password, as Docker needs this to run.

Install Docker on Windows

Download Docker Desktop for Windows

Visit the Docker Desktop for Windows download page and click Get Docker.

Install

1. Double-click Docker Desktop Installer.exe to run the installer.
2. When prompted, choose your backend:
   • Use WSL 2 (recommended) or Hyper-V, depending on system support.
3. Follow the installation wizard to authorize and proceed.
4. When the installation is successful, click Close.
5. If your admin account is different from your user account, add the user to the docker-users group:
   • Open Computer Management (as administrator) → Local Users and Groups → Groups → docker-users.
   • Right-click to add your user. Log out and log back in for changes to take effect.