Use WSL for a Linux environment on Windows; use Docker Desktop to build and manage containers. If your Linux development workflow also needs containers, use both: Docker Desktop can run on WSL 2, and Microsoft’s Windows Dev Containers setup uses WSL 2 with Docker Desktop. The right choice depends on whether you need Linux tools, container management, or both.
WSL and Docker Desktop do different jobs
Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) lets you run Linux distributions and command-line tools alongside Windows applications. WSL 2 uses virtualization and a real Linux kernel, making it a way to work in a Linux development environment without leaving Windows.
Docker Desktop is Docker’s Windows application for building and running containers. Its WSL 2 backend makes Docker commands available from Windows terminals and Linux distributions; Docker says you do not need to install a particular WSL distribution for that backend. Docker Desktop also documents Hyper-V and Docker VMM backend options, with availability depending on installation mode and configuration.
They are not competing substitutes. You can use WSL without Docker, Docker Desktop with WSL 2, or both for a Linux workspace that runs containerized applications.
#1 Best Overall
Which setup fits your workflow?
| Your need | Best starting point | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Linux shell, packages, scripts, or a Linux environment for development and testing | WSL | It provides Linux distributions and tools integrated with Windows. |
| Build, run, or debug containerized applications on Windows | Docker Desktop | It provides Docker’s container workflow and management layer. |
| Linux development that also uses containers | WSL 2 and Docker Desktop | Docker Desktop can use WSL 2 as its backend. |
A project with a checked-in devcontainer.json |
Follow the project’s Dev Containers setup | Microsoft’s Windows guide specifies WSL 2 and Docker Desktop using the WSL 2 backend. |
For the combined Dev Containers workflow, see Microsoft’s Windows Dev Containers guide and follow its current prerequisites.
Where to keep project files
For Linux tools, Docker builds, and Dev Containers, keep the repository in the WSL 2 filesystem, such as under /home/yourname/, and open it with an editor’s WSL integration. Microsoft explains that working on project files stored in the Windows filesystem crosses an operating-system file-sharing boundary; for Docker builds and file-watching tools, that access is significantly slower. Files in the WSL filesystem use native Linux I/O and perform substantially better for those workloads, according to Microsoft’s Dev Containers guidance.
Rank #2
- Live Boot: Simply plug the USB drive into your computer, select the USB drive as your boot device, and experience Linux Mint without installation. This allows you to test the OS and its features before making any changes to your system.
- Install Option: Once you've tested and decided to keep Linux Mint, you can easily install it on your computer directly from the USB drive.
- Pre-installed software like LibreOffice for office tasks, a capable web browser (Firefox), email client (Thunderbird), and multimedia tools. This minimizes the need for additional downloads, saving you time and effort.
- Resource Efficiency: Designed to run efficiently on a variety of hardware configurations. It demands fewer system resources compared to some other operating systems, making it an excellent choice for older computers or devices with limited hardware specifications.
- Compatible with PC/Laptop/Desktop brands - Dell, HP, Sony, Lenovo, Samsung, Acer, Toshiba & more. Minimum system requirements 4 GB RAM Dual-Core Processor (2 GHz) 20 GB of free disk space
This is a workload-specific recommendation, not a universal speed ranking. Microsoft’s WSL version comparison notes that WSL 1 can offer faster file performance when Windows applications access Linux files. WSL 2 also has networking and memory behavior associated with its virtualized environment. Those tradeoffs do not establish that WSL or Docker Desktop is categorically faster overall.
Check requirements before installing
WSL
Microsoft’s WSL installation guide says wsl --install requires Windows 10 version 2004 (build 19041) or later, or Windows 11, and installs WSL 2 by default. WSL 2 is available on Windows Home desktop editions; its required Windows features are Virtual Machine Platform and Windows Subsystem for Linux, as described in Microsoft’s WSL version comparison.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesDocker Desktop
Docker’s Windows installation requirements specify WSL 2.1.5 or later for the WSL backend. The documented supported Windows versions are Windows 10 22H2 and Windows 11 23H2 or later, with supported editions depending on the installation and container workflow. Docker also lists a 64-bit SLAT-capable processor, at least 8 GB of RAM, and hardware virtualization enabled in BIOS or UEFI. Requirements and supported versions can change, so check Docker’s live documentation before installing.
Docker recommends per-user installation for most users; it does not require administrator privileges to install or update. The per-user mode does not support Windows containers. Docker says Windows containers require Windows Pro or Enterprise, while Windows Home and Education support Linux containers only. Its Windows installation documentation describes these distinctions and backend options.
Rank #4
- Intel Core i5-1335U Processor (12M Cache, 12 Threads, up to 4.6 GHz) - 256GB Solid State Drive - 16GB DDR4 SDRAM
- 15.6" FHD (1920x1080) Non-Touch Anti-Glare Display - Intel UHD 620 Integrated Graphics - Stereo Speakers
- 720p HD Webcam with Privacy Shutter. Integrated Microphone - Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC (2x2) 8265, Bluetooth Version 4.2
- I/O Ports: 2x USB 3.0, 1x USB 3.1 Type-C 3.1, Headphone/Mic Combo Port, 4-in-1 Card Reader, HDMI, Kensington Mini-Lock Slot
- Linux Mint (Cinnamon) 64-Bit - Keyboard with Full NumberPad - Fast Charging
Avoid conflicts with a Docker Engine installed inside WSL
If you plan to enable Docker Desktop’s WSL backend, Docker instructs users to uninstall Docker Engine or the Docker CLI installed directly inside a WSL distribution. Keeping those installations alongside Docker Desktop can cause conflicts. Follow Docker’s WSL backend guidance before setting up the integration.
Docker describes WSL 2’s dynamic resource allocation as allowing Docker Desktop to request the CPU and memory it needs, then return memory for other system use. Docker’s same guidance suggests WSL’s experimental autoMemoryReclaim setting to reclaim unused memory after builds.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Best Value
- 🚀 Bootable Plug-and-Play Linux USB Run Omarchy Linux instantly from the USB drive without modifying your computer’s existing operating system.
- ⚡ Lightweight & Fast Performance Optimized for speed and efficiency, making it suitable for both modern and older hardware.
- 🖥 Modern Linux Desktop Environment Enjoy a clean, customizable desktop interface designed for productivity and usability.
- 🔧 Developer & Power-User Friendly Includes powerful Linux tools ideal for development, system administration, and experimentation.
- 🔒 Secure Open-Source Operating System Built on trusted Linux foundations with security and transparency in mind.
Check Docker Desktop licensing for work use
Docker’s published Docker Desktop terms allow free use for personal use, education, non-commercial open-source projects, and businesses with fewer than 250 employees and less than $10 million in annual revenue. Professional use in larger organizations and government entities requires a paid subscription under those terms. Check the current license conditions before rolling Docker Desktop out at work.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
