> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://xeqmlabs.gitbook.io/docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://xeqmlabs.gitbook.io/docs/documentation/sn-operator-guide/install-docker.md).

# Install Docker

Docker is the container runtime that runs the XEQM node software. Install it before proceeding.

### Windows

1. Download Docker Desktop from docker.com and run the installer.
2. Restart your machine when prompted.
3. Launch Docker Desktop and wait for the whale icon to indicate Docker is running.
4. Verify from PowerShell with: docker --version

### Linux (Ubuntu / Debian)

 

`curl -fsSL https://get.docker.com | sh`

`sudo usermod -aG docker $USER`

`newgrp docker`

`docker --version`

 

Note: On Linux, after adding your user to the docker group, log out and back in (or run newgrp docker) before continuing.

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