March 17, 2025

How to Install and Configure Docker on Ubuntu Server

mr rockstar

How to Install and Configure Docker on Ubuntu Server
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Docker is a popular containerization platform that simplifies application deployment by packaging applications and their dependencies into lightweight, portable containers. If you’re running an Ubuntu server, setting up Docker is straightforward. This guide will walk you through installing and configuring Docker on Ubuntu.

Step 1: Update System Packages

Before installing Docker, ensure your system is up to date:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

Step 2: Install Required Dependencies

Install necessary packages to allow apt to use repositories over HTTPS:
Install Docker Engine

sudo apt install -y apt-transport-https ca-certificates curl software-properties-common

Step 3: Add Docker’s Official GPG Key and Repository
Add Docker’s Official GPG Key and Repository

curl -fsSL https://download.docker.com/linux/ubuntu/gpg | sudo gpg --dearmor -o /usr/share/keyrings/docker-archive-keyring.gpg

Now, add the Docker repository:

echo "deb [arch=amd64 signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/docker-archive-keyring.gpg] https://download.docker.com/linux/ubuntu $(lsb_release -cs) stable" | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/docker.list > /dev/null

Step 4: Install Docker Engine

Update package lists and install Docker:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install -y docker-ce docker-ce-cli containerd.io

Step 5: Verify Docker Installation

Check if Docker is running:
Verify Docker Installation

sudo systemctl status docker

To verify the installation, run:

docker --version

Step 6: Manage Docker as a Non-Root User (Optional)

To run Docker commands without sudo, add your user to the Docker group:
Manage Docker as a Non-Root User

sudo usermod -aG docker $USER

Log out and back in for the changes to take effect.

Step 7: Test Docker Installation

Run a test container:

docker run hello-world

If the output confirms successful execution, Docker is installed and running correctly.

Step 8: Enable Docker to Start on Boot

Ensure Docker starts automatically after a reboot:

sudo systemctl enable docker

Conclusion

Installing Docker on an Ubuntu server is a simple process that enables you to leverage containerized applications efficiently. With Docker set up, you can start deploying and managing containers seamlessly.

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How do I uninstall Docker from Ubuntu?

Run:

sudo apt remove -y docker-ce docker-ce-cli containerd.io
sudo rm -rf /var/lib/docker

 

How can I check if Docker is installed?

Run:

docker --version

If installed, this will return the Docker version.

How do I restart Docker?

Use:

sudo systemctl restart docker

 

Can I install Docker on Ubuntu without root access?

No, but you can add your user to the Docker group to run commands without sudo:

sudo usermod -aG docker $USER

 

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