"docker: 'compose' is not a docker command" under windows 10 but docker cli is working

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05-10-2024

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"docker: 'compose' is not a docker command" on Windows 10: A Solution Guide

Have you encountered the frustrating "docker: 'compose' is not a docker command" error on your Windows 10 machine, even though you're sure Docker CLI is working correctly? You're not alone! This error typically arises because Docker Compose, a tool for defining and running multi-container Docker applications, isn't directly included in the Docker Desktop installation for Windows.

Let's dive into why this happens and explore the straightforward solutions to get you up and running with Docker Compose in no time.

Understanding the Issue

Docker Compose, though often used in conjunction with Docker, is a separate tool. While Docker CLI manages individual containers, Docker Compose orchestrates the deployment of multiple interconnected containers as a single service.

When you see the "docker: 'compose' is not a docker command" error, it means that your Windows 10 system doesn't recognize the docker-compose command. This usually happens because:

• Docker Compose is not installed: Docker Desktop doesn't automatically install Docker Compose.
• Incorrect path configuration: Your system might not be able to find the Docker Compose executable due to improper path settings.

Solutions to Get Docker Compose Working

Here's a step-by-step guide to resolve this error:

1. Install Docker Compose:

   • Using the Docker Desktop Installer: The easiest method is to install Docker Compose directly through the Docker Desktop installer. Open the "Docker Desktop" app, navigate to "Settings" -> "Docker Engine", and ensure "Docker Compose" is selected in the "Experimental Features" section. Then, restart Docker Desktop. This should automatically install and configure Docker Compose.

   • Manual Installation: If you prefer a manual approach, you can download the appropriate Docker Compose binary for your operating system from the Docker Compose official website.

   • Extract the archive and place the docker-compose executable in a directory that's included in your PATH environment variable. Common paths include /usr/local/bin or /usr/bin on Linux, or C:\Program Files\Docker\Docker\resources\bin on Windows.

2. Verify Installation:

   • Open a new command prompt or PowerShell window.
   • Type docker-compose --version and press Enter.
   • If Docker Compose is correctly installed, you'll see the current version number printed.

3. Troubleshooting:

   • Ensure the correct path is set: After installation, make sure the directory containing the docker-compose executable is included in your system's PATH environment variable. This ensures your system can find the command.
   • Restart your computer: In some cases, restarting your computer after installation or path changes might be necessary for the system to recognize Docker Compose.

Key Considerations

• Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL): If you're using Docker Desktop with WSL, remember that you'll need to install Docker Compose within your WSL distribution. Follow the installation steps provided by your WSL distribution.
• Docker Compose version: Ensure you're using a compatible version of Docker Compose with your Docker installation.
• Version Management: Consider using a version management tool like asdf to streamline installation, configuration, and switching between different versions of Docker Compose.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you should be able to successfully install and use Docker Compose on your Windows 10 machine. This will empower you to create and deploy complex multi-container applications with ease. Remember to always check the official documentation and resources for the latest installation guidelines and troubleshooting tips.

Let me know if you have any further questions or need additional assistance in setting up Docker Compose on Windows 10.