Xedant Code > Windows Docker Desktop

Windows Docker Desktop

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Docker Desktop provides a graphical interface for managing Docker containers on Windows. This guide covers using Docker Desktop with WSL 2 backend to run Xedant Code — combining the ease of a GUI with full container isolation.

Installing Docker Desktop

Download Docker Desktop for Windows from docker.com. Run the installer and follow the prompts:

  • Enable WSL 2 during installation (required for optimal performance)
  • Restart your computer when prompted
  • After restart, Docker Desktop starts automatically

Configuring Docker Desktop

Open Docker Desktop settings (gear icon) and ensure WSL 2 is enabled:

  • General — ensure “Use the WSL 2 based engine” is checked
  • Resources → WSL Integration — enable integration for your Linux distributions

Setting Up Your Project

Create a folder for your project. Inside, create a docker-compose.yml file following the Docker Setup Guide, or create a .env file for the Docker CLI approach. Choose your image:

  • xedant/code:dev-latest — Full development environment (2.8 GB, includes ASP.NET Core and Node.js dev tools)
  • xedant/code:min-latest — Full-featured image if you don’t need ASP.NET Core development tools (570 MB, includes Node.js, Python, and all required tools)

Starting Xedant Code

Open a terminal (PowerShell, Command Prompt, or WSL) in your project folder and start the container:

# Using Docker Compose
docker compose up -d

# Using Docker CLI with .env file
docker run -d --env-file .env -p 5001:80 -v ./MyProject:/project xedant/code:dev-latest

Docker Desktop shows the running container in its dashboard. You can view logs, restart, or stop the container from the GUI.

Open your browser and navigate to http://localhost:5001 (or whatever port you configured).

Need custom tools? If your project uses specific languages or tools not included in the image, you can extend it with a custom Dockerfile — see Extending the Image with Custom Tools in the Docker Setup Guide.

Tips

  • WSL 2 Backend — Docker Desktop on Windows uses WSL 2 for best performance. If WSL 2 isn’t installed, Docker Desktop will prompt you during setup.
  • File Access — For best Docker performance, keep project files inside the WSL filesystem rather than on Windows drives. Access WSL files from File Explorer via \\wsl$\.
  • Port Forwarding — WSL 2 automatically forwards ports to Windows. If localhost doesn’t work, find your WSL IP with hostname -I inside WSL.
  • Resource Limits — Adjust Docker Desktop’s memory and CPU allocation in Settings → Resources if your projects need more power.

For detailed Docker configuration (compose files, environment variables, credentials), see the Docker Setup Guide. For the native Windows installer, see the Windows Setup Guide. For installing Docker inside WSL without Docker Desktop, see the WSL Setup Guide.