Freedom251 › Container Engines
runhcs
What runhcs is
runhcs is free software for running Windows containers through the containerd runtime interface. It supports the Kubernetes Container Runtime Interface (CRI), so Kubernetes environments can use it as a container runtime on Windows hosts. The runtime works with Windows containers and uses the Open Container Initiative (OCI) image format. Windows is both its listed platform and supported host operating system. The project is available through the Microsoft hcsshim repository on GitHub. A free plan is listed, with no software charge specified in the available pricing details. Its scope is focused on Windows-based container workloads connected to containerd, with Kubernetes CRI compatibility and OCI image support. Teams choosing it should match their environment to these stated Windows, containerd, Kubernetes, and image-format requirements.
Who it suits
It suits teams running Windows containers on Windows hosts through containerd, especially where Kubernetes CRI and OCI image support are needed.
What it does well
- Free plan available
- Supports Windows containers
- Kubernetes CRI support
- OCI image format
- Containerd runtime interface
What to know first
- Windows hosts only
- Focused on Windows containers
Verdict
runhcs provides a focused, free runtime for Windows containers through containerd. Its Kubernetes CRI and OCI support fit deployments using those technologies on Windows.
Where runhcs stands on Freedom251
- Container Engines#30 of 31