How to Install Docker on Linux Mint: A Comprehensive Guide

In this modern era, containerization is becomming an essential technology for deploying and managing applications efficiently. Using containers can significantly streamline your workflow, whether you are a developer, system administrator, or IT professional. Docker is the most widely used and trusted platform among the many containerization tools available. If you are using Linux Mint, you are in the right place. Docker runs natively on Linux, offering better performance, fewer compatibility issues, and consistent integration with the system. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of installing Docker on Linux Mint. Before diving into the installation process, let’s briefly discuss what Docker is and why you should consider using it.

Read More: Setup to Install Linux Mint: A Step-by-Step Guide

What is Docker?

Docker is an open-source platform that enables developers to build, deploy, and manage applications in lightweight, portable containers. Containers package software and its dependencies, ensuring applications run consistently across different computing environments. Unlike virtual machines, Docker containers share the host system’s kernel, making them faster and more efficient while consuming fewer system resources. Docker simplifies application deployment, enhances scalability, and improves collaboration by allowing developers to create reproducible environments across various systems, whether on a local machine, cloud server, or production environment.

Why Choose Docker on Linux Mint?

Docker is a powerful containerization tool that runs best on Linux due to its consistent integration with the kernel, efficient resource management, and strong security features. Unlike Windows or macOS, Linux allows Docker to run natively without needing a virtual machine, reducing overhead and improving performance. Linux Mint, known for its stability and user-friendly interface, makes an excellent choice for developers and IT professionals who want to leverage Docker without compatibility issues. Since most cloud-based applications and DevOps tools are optimized for Linux, choosing Docker on Linux Mint ensures better support, smoother workflows, and a lower system footprint. Whether deploying microservices, managing development environments, or simply running containers efficiently, Docker on Linux Mint offers the best balance of speed, security, and ease of use.

Read More: 8 Best Docker Containers for Home Servers in 2025

Step-By-Step Process of Installing Docker On Linux Mint

Installing it on Linux Mint is straightforward. Follow these steps:

Prerequisites

Before starting, ensure that:

• You have Linux Mint (19 or later)
• Your user has sudo privileges
• You have a stable internet connection

Step 1: Update Your System

First, update the system packages to avoid conflicts:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

Step 2: Install Required Dependencies

Install the necessary dependencies:

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

Step 3: Add Docker’s Official GPG Key

To ensure secure package installation, add Docker’s official GPG key:

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

Step 4: Add Docker Repository

Linux Mint is based on Ubuntu, so use the Ubuntu 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 5: Install Docker

Now, update your package list again and install Docker:

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

Step 6: Verify Docker Installation

Check if Docker is installed and running:

docker --version

Start and enable Docker service:

sudo systemctl start docker
sudo systemctl enable docker

Confirm Docker is running:

sudo systemctl status docker

Step 7: Run a Test Container

Run the Hello World container to test the installation:

sudo docker run hello-world

If Docker is installed correctly, you will see a success message.

Step 8: Allow Running Docker Without Sudo (Optional)

If you want to run Docker commands without sudo, add your user to the Docker group:

sudo usermod -aG docker $USER

Then, apply the changes:

newgrp docker

Try running Docker without sudo:

docker run hello-world

Step 9: Enable Docker to Start on the Boot

To ensure Docker starts automatically on system boot:

sudo systemctl enable docker

Step 10: Verify Everything is Working

Check Docker’s service status again:

sudo systemctl status docker

Conclusion

Docker is a game-changer for developers, offering a powerful yet lightweight solution to streamline application deployment and management. By installing Docker on Linux Mint, users benefit from a stable, secure, and optimized environment that enhances performance while reducing overhead. Though installation may come with occasional challenges, following this guide will help you overcome common issues and get Docker up and running efficiently. Whether you are a developer, system administrator, or enthusiast, Docker on Linux Mint will elevate your workflow, making software development and deployment more efficient than ever. Embrace containerization and unlock new possibilities with Docker on Linux Mint!