Windows in Docker

What is the project about?

This project allows users to run Windows operating systems inside a Docker container.

What problem does it solve?

It provides a convenient and isolated environment for running Windows, potentially for testing, development, or accessing Windows-specific applications without needing a full virtual machine or dedicated hardware. It simplifies the setup and management of Windows environments. It also allows running multiple, isolated Windows instances on a single host.

What are the features of the project?

ISO downloader: Automatically downloads Windows ISO images.
KVM acceleration: Uses Kernel-based Virtual Machine (KVM) for improved performance (on supported systems - Linux and Windows 11).
Web-based viewer: Provides a web interface (on port 8006) to interact with the Windows instance during installation.
Automatic Installation: The entire Windows installation process is fully automated.
Version Selection: Supports a wide range of Windows versions (from XP to Server 2025) via environment variables.
Customizable Disk Size: Allows users to specify the disk size for the Windows installation.
Host File Sharing: Enables easy file sharing between the host and the Windows container.
Custom ISO Support: Allows users to install from custom ISO images.
Post-Installation Scripting: Supports running custom scripts after the Windows installation.
Configurable Resources: Allows users to adjust CPU cores and RAM allocation.
User/Password Configuration: Allows setting custom usernames and passwords.
Language and Keyboard Selection: Supports multiple languages and keyboard layouts.
RDP Access: Supports connections via Microsoft Remote Desktop clients for a better user experience than the web viewer.
Network Options: Supports both bridge networking (shared IP) and macvlan networking (individual IP). DHCP can be enabled with macvlan.
Multiple Disks: Supports adding multiple virtual disks.
Disk and USB Pass-through: Allows passing through physical disks and USB devices to the container.

What are the technologies used in the project?

Docker: The core technology for containerization.
KVM: Kernel-based Virtual Machine (for virtualization acceleration).
QEMU: Likely used as the underlying virtualization technology (implied by KVM usage).
Docker Compose: For defining and managing the container setup.
YAML: Used for Docker Compose configuration files.
Bash/Shell Scripting: Likely used for automation and configuration.
Web Technologies: (HTML, JavaScript, etc.) for the web-based viewer.

What are the benefits of the project?

Isolation: Windows runs in an isolated container, preventing conflicts with the host system.
Portability: Easily move and deploy Windows environments across different systems.
Reproducibility: Consistent and repeatable Windows setups.
Resource Efficiency: Potentially more resource-efficient than running a full VM.
Automation: Automated installation and configuration save time and effort.
Flexibility: Supports various Windows versions and customization options.
Convenience: Easy access via web browser or RDP.

What are the use cases of the project?

Testing: Testing software compatibility with different Windows versions.
Development: Developing and debugging Windows applications in a controlled environment.
Legacy Applications: Running older Windows applications that may not be compatible with the host OS.
Security Research: Analyzing malware or testing security tools in a sandboxed environment.
Education/Training: Providing students with access to Windows environments for learning purposes.
Accessing Windows-Specific Tools: Using Windows-only software on a non-Windows host.
Server Environments: Running Windows Server instances for specific services.