Windows Server 2016 is adding support for Docker containers. Technology Preview 5 was recently released and provides basic support for Docker. This multi-part blog series will show how to configure, build, and run Docker containers on Windows. The first part shows how to install Windows Server 2016 using VirtualBox. A couple of tweaks are required in order to make sure Docker containers can be started later on, so read on!

Download Windows Server 2016

Download Windows Server 2016 Technology Preview 5 from microsoft.com/en-us/evalcenter/evaluate-windows-server-technical-preview. Download the ISO and install it using VirtualBox.

Windows Server 2016 Virtual Box Configuration

Switch to Expert Mode as some of the default configuration settings need to be updated.

Here are the screenshots of configuration.
Change memory to ~8GB.
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Change disk space to 40GB. Default of 20 GB will not work for installing containers later.

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Create a new virtual drive from the downloaded ISO:
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Windows Server 2016 Configuration

Select the defaults:
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Click on “Install Now” to start the install:
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Enter the product key as specified in “Preinstall Information” section at microsoft.com/en-us/evalcenter/evaluate-windows-server-technical-preview
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Select the Desktop version, otherwise just a command shell is started:
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Accept the license:
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Choose “Custom” installation. “Upgrade” was getting stuck in an infinite loop:
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Take defaults:
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Click on “Next” to start installation:
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Create an administrator account: windows-2016-install-12 Click on Finish to come to the welcome screen:
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Windows Server 2016 Login/Welcome

Use VirtualBox Input -> Keyboard menu to send Ctrl+Alt+Del to Windows to get the login screen:
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Enter your password to see the opening screen:
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As of this writing, it is in Technology Preview 5 and so the functionality and experience will evolve. Stay tuned for subsequent blogs to actually configure, build and run Docker containers.

Author

Posted by Arun Gupta, VP, Developer Advocacy, Couchbase

Arun Gupta is the vice president of developer advocacy at Couchbase. He has built and led developer communities for 10+ years at Sun, Oracle, and Red Hat. He has deep expertise in leading cross-functional teams to develop and execute strategy, planning and execution of content, marketing campaigns, and programs. Prior to that he led engineering teams at Sun and is a founding member of the Java EE team. Gupta has authored more than 2,000 blog posts on technology. He has extensive speaking experience in more than 40 countries on myriad topics and is a JavaOne Rock Star for three years in a row. Gupta also founded the Devoxx4Kids chapter in the US and continues to promote technology education among children. An author of several books on technology, an avid runner, a globe trotter, a Java Champion, a JUG leader, NetBeans Dream Team member, and a Docker Captain, he is easily accessible at @arungupta.

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