Detailed Guide: Installing n8n using Docker, WSL, and Windows Hypervisor

Installing n8n using Docker, WSL, and Windows Hypervisor

1. Prerequisites: Configuring Windows Features and WSL

The foundation for running Docker on Windows often requires enabling specific features and installing WSL2, which is recommended for optimal performance.

Enabling Windows Features

You must enable two core Windows features to ensure a working Linux subsystem:

  1. Search for “turn Windows feature on or off”.
  2. Enable the following two features by checking the box:
    • Windows Hypervisor Platform
    • Windows Subsystem for Linux
  3. Click Continue, then Restart now to apply the changes.

Installing and Switching to WSL Version 2

You should not need to do this for n8n if you have the latest Win11

After rebooting, you need to install the core WSL file and ensure the default version is set to 2:

  1. Identify System Type: Press the Windows logo key and the letter R. In the pop-up, type cmd and hit Enter. In the command box, type system info and hit Enter. Look for system type (e.g., x64-based PC).
  2. Download WSL File: Launch a browser and visit the GitHub page (link usually provided in the video description). Scroll down and click on the Releases section. Download the latest WSL MSI file corresponding to your system type (e.g., WSL x64 file for an x64 processor).
  3. Execute Installation Command:
    • Navigate to the download location (usually the Downloads folder).
    • Click on the path bar at the top and type cmd to launch the command window.
    • Type the installation command: msex /package.
    • Give a space, then drag the downloaded WSL file into the command box and hit Enter.
  4. Check WSL Status: Once installed, you can check the status by typing WSL --version.
  5. Switch Default Version to 2: The default version may show as 1, but it is recommended to switch to version 2. Type the following command and hit Enter: WSL --set-default-version 2
  6. Verify Version 2: You can confirm the switch by running the command WSL status.

Video: How to Install Linux on Windows 11 – Enable WSL on Windows 11

The first 40 seconds is all you should need to watch

2. Installing and Configuring Docker Desktop

n8n can be run for free by using Docker Desktop.

  1. Download Docker Desktop: Go to the Docker desktop website and choose the version appropriate for your machine.
  2. Install: Download and run the installer. During the installation on Windows, you may be asked to ensure WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux) is enabled.
  3. IMPORTANT: Restart: You will likely need to restart your machine after the install.
  4. Launch: Double-click the Docker desktop icon to launch it.
  5. Accept the service agreement. (You can skip making an account).

3. Installing and Running n8n via Docker

Once Docker is running, you can use the Command Prompt (CMD) to install and launch n8n.

  1. Launch Command Prompt: Go to your taskbar, click the Start menu, type CMD, and click on Command Prompt.
  2. Create Docker Volume: This command creates a dedicated volume for n8n data, copy it and past into the command line:

    docker volume create n8n_data

    If successful, you should see n8n data displayed.
  3. Run n8n Container: Copy and Paste the next command to setup and start your Docker container. It is one line:

    docker run -it –rm –name n8n -p 5678:5678 -v n8n_data:/home/node/.n8n docker.n8n.io/n8nio/n8n

    After a few moments, your Docker should be started.
  4. Access n8n: Copy and paste the link

    http://localhost:5678

    into a new browser window to access n8n.
  5. Initial Registration: Create your n8n account when prompted.

4. Registering n8n and Installing License Key

To utilize ALL the Pro Features within n8n workflows, you need to install its license key as a credential. This process connects n8n to powerful tool.

  1. When you sign up for 8n8 your account, you have the option to get the key. It will be sent to the email address you provided. copy that Key and install it into the n8n dashboard.

Video: How to Use n8n for FREE (with Docker)

[YouTube Embed: How to Use n8n for FREE (with Docker) uploaded on the YouTube channel “Kevin Stratvert”]

Summary Insight

Setting up n8n via Docker is like assembling a high-performance machine: first, you must install the special engine (WSL2/Hypervisor) that allows the Windows chassis to run Linux containers. Next, you install the chassis manager (Docker Desktop). Only then can you deploy the actual application (n8n) into that managed environment.

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