Running linux container on docker windows

Question

I installed Docker for windows on a windows 10 box. It required me to enable the HyperV feature on it. Everything installed correctly and is running fine.

Although one thing took me by surprise. I am actually able to run a linux container on docker windows. I thought cross-containerization is not possible conceptually. Can anyone please help me understand how does this work?

Answer 1

HyperV is used to spin up a Linux VM to run containers. Docker is still running Linux containers under the covers, the native Windows containers are still being developed.

Answer 2

Basically, you are running a Linux Container on a Linux Machine rather than Windows. Windows runs a VM in Hyper-V when you download the Docker for Windows. You can open Hyper-V Manager and see a Linux VM will be running. Currently Docker for Windows is in beta which supports the Docker natively which needs Windows 10 build no. greater than 14393.222 or a Windows Server 2016.