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Docker desktop

Docker desktop provides a straightforward GUI (Graphical User Interface) that lets you manage your containers, applications, and images directly from your machine.

Key features

  • Ability to containerise and share any application on any cloud platform, in multiple languages and frameworks.
  • Quick installation and setup of a complete Docker development environment.
  • Includes the latest version of Kubernetes.
  • On Windows, ability to toggle between Linux and Windows containers to build applications.
  • Fast and reliable performance with native Windows Hyper-V virtualization.
  • Ability to work natively on Linux through WSL 2 on Windows machines.
  • Volume mounting for code and data, including file change notifications and easy access to running containers on the localhost network.

Access instructions

  • This software is installed in our computer labs.
  • For other University managed devices running Windows, you can install this software from the Software Center.
  • You'll be asked to confirm you are using the free personal licence for academic purposes, non-commercial research and/or contributions to an open source project; or in direct support of those academic and research purposes.
  • Individuals may not use the free licence for business use or commercial research.
Available to staff and students

Docker is free for personal use. Personal use is restricted to the following uses:

  • Use for academic purposes or non-commercial research and/or contributions to an open source project.
  • Use in direct support of those academic and research purposes.
  • Any staff members who want to use Docker desktop for University business use, will need to purchase their own commercial subscription of either Docker Pro, Teams or Business.
App-based

Compatible with Windows, Mac and Linux.

Funded by the University

There isn’t a cost to you for standard use.

Guides and help

How-to guides and set up

Contact for support

If you're experiencing technical issues and need advice, please contact IT Services.

Service commitments

Service performance

Support

  • This service is managed by a third party.
  • They are responsible for monitoring, identifying and fixing faults. We provide advice and support for local issues during our opening hours.

Page last reviewed: 20 April 2026