Self-Host Nextcloud on Windows Using Docker

Introduction

Welcome to Agam's Tech Tricks! In this tutorial, we'll walk you through the process of self-hosting Nextcloud, a file hosting and sharing service, on Windows using Docker.

Overview of Docker and Nextcloud

• Docker: A platform that containerizes applications, allowing them to run in isolated environments.
• Nextcloud: A file hosting and sharing service that can be managed and used via Docker.

Prerequisites

• Windows 10 Home Edition (using WSL method)
• Virtualization Enabled: Ensure virtualization is turned on in BIOS.

Step 1: Enable Required Windows Features

1. Open Windows Features:
   • Go to Turn Windows features on or off.
2. Enable Features:
   • Check the following options:
     • Windows Subsystem for Linux
     • Virtual Machine Platform
3. Apply Changes:
   • Click OK.
   • Restart your computer if prompted.

Step 2: Install Docker Desktop

1. Download Docker Desktop:
   • Visit the Docker Desktop website and click on the download link for Windows.
2. Run Installer:
   • Open the downloaded file.
   • Allow the installer to make changes to your system by clicking Yes in the User Account Control prompt.
3. Follow Installation Prompts:
   • Select options to install required components for WSL 2.
   • Choose to add a shortcut to the desktop if desired.
4. Complete Installation:
   • Docker Desktop will install. You may need to log out and log back in or close the installer.

Step 3: Set Up Docker Desktop

1. Open Docker Desktop:
   • Launch Docker Desktop from your Start Menu or desktop shortcut.
   • Wait for Docker Desktop to initialize.
2. Verify Installation:
   • Ensure Docker Desktop is running and no containers are pulled initially.

Step 4: Install Nextcloud

1. Prepare Command:
   • Visit the Nextcloud Docker documentation to find the command for the Apache image.
2. Run Command:
   • Open PowerShell or another terminal.
   • Copy and paste the provided command to download and start the Nextcloud Docker image.
   • Example command: docker run -d -p 8080:80 nextcloud
   • Wait for the image to download and start.

Step 5: Access and Configure Nextcloud

1. Check Docker Desktop:
   • Open Docker Desktop to confirm that Nextcloud is running.
2. Access Nextcloud:
   • Open a web browser and go to http://localhost:8080.
3. Set Up Admin Account:
   • Create an admin account by entering the username and password.
   • Choose the database setup (e.g., SQLite).
   • Click Install to complete the setup.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You've successfully set up Nextcloud on Windows using Docker. Enjoy your self-hosted file-sharing service!