<p>dockerd is a persistent process that manages containers. Docker uses different binaries for the daemon and client. ( from Docker site ). Docker Daemon is a server which interacts with the operating system and performs all kind of services. The Docker Daemon listens for REST API request and performs the operation. Its process running on the background.</p>

<p>Docker service is the utility we use when we run any docker commands e.g. docker run (docker container run), docker images, docker ps etc. It allows us to run these commands which a human can easily understand.</p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2019-03-10T16:57:47.130Z
Maybe I misunderstood something, but you don't need _com.docker.service (Docker Desktop Service)_ running to use Docker commands. That puzzles me. I can run just: _Start-Process -FilePath 'C:\Program Files\Docker\Docker\resources\dockerd.exe' -Verb RunAs_ and then use _docker pull_ or _docker run_ perfectly fine. It seems to me that _Docker Desktop Service_ main purpose is managing VMs, like MobyLinuxVM when switching to Linux container mode. Also I don't need the service running when I change the isolation mode on Windows containers, just _dockerd_ process. It needs further investigation.
Kajsa Gauza
CC BY-SA 4.0
2019-03-10T17:04:38.120Z
Can you try stopping the docker service by going to services manager in windows and execute the docker commands? it would be great if you can let me know, if Docker commands are running after stopping the Docker service
Sunil
CC BY-SA 4.0
2019-03-10T20:45:20.613Z
The service is not running, but _dockerd_ process is. I have Docker Desktop GUI disabled. I am able to run Docker commands, pull and run images and switch istolation mode (to _hyperv_ or _process_) in Windows containers mode. The only time I need Docker service running is when I need to switch to Linux container mode.
Kajsa Gauza
CC BY-SA 4.0
2019-03-10T02:56:30.457Z
2019-03-10T02:56:30.457Z
Sunil
<p>What is the difference between <em>dockerd</em> and <em>com.docker.service</em> in Docker for Windows? Or rather I should ask: why do I need (if I need) <em>com.docker.service</em> running?</p>

<p><strong>Intention:</strong> I want to use Docker only with command line in Windows environment in Windows container mode, control it with PS scripts etc. etc.  </p>

<p>For me the role of <em>com.docker.service</em> is unclear.  </p>

<p>I am able to run <em>dockerd</em> process and pull and run containers, when <em>com.docker.service</em> is stopped. When I start it - nothing happens (or maybe I don't notice the change).</p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2024-01-24T21:00:44.023Z
Perhaps the following documentation may provide some clarification: https://docs.docker.com/desktop/windows/permission-requirements/#privileged-helper https://docs.docker.com/engine/reference/commandline/dockerd/ https://docs.docker.com/get-started/overview/#docker-architecture
solstice333
<docker><containers><windows>
What is the difference between dockerd and com.docker.service in Docker for Windows?
Kajsa Gauza
# What is the difference between dockerd and com.docker.service in Docker for Windows?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2019-03-09)

What is the difference between *dockerd* and *com.docker.service* in Docker for Windows? Or rather I should ask: why do I need (if I need) *com.docker.service* running?

**Intention:** I want to use Docker only with command line in Windows environment in Windows container mode, control it with PS scripts etc. etc.

For me the role of *com.docker.service* is unclear.

I am able to run *dockerd* process and pull and run containers, when *com.docker.service* is stopped. When I start it - nothing happens (or maybe I don't notice the change).

**Tags:** docker, containers, windows

> **Comments:**
> **username_1**: Perhaps the following documentation may provide some clarification: https://docs.docker.com/desktop/windows/permission-requirements/#privileged-helper https://docs.docker.com/engine/reference/commandline/dockerd/ https://docs.docker.com/get-started/overview/#docker-architecture  

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## 1 answers

### Answer by username_2 on 2019-03-10. Score: 2

dockerd is a persistent process that manages containers. Docker uses different binaries for the daemon and client. ( from Docker site ). Docker Daemon is a server which interacts with the operating system and performs all kind of services. The Docker Daemon listens for REST API request and performs the operation. Its process running on the background.

Docker service is the utility we use when we run any docker commands e.g. docker run (docker container run), docker images, docker ps etc. It allows us to run these commands which a human can easily understand.

> **Comments:**
> **username_0**: Maybe I misunderstood something, but you don't need _com.docker.service (Docker Desktop Service)_ running to use Docker commands. That puzzles me. I can run just: _Start-Process -FilePath 'C:\Program Files\Docker\Docker\resources\dockerd.exe' -Verb RunAs_ and then use _docker pull_ or _docker run_ perfectly fine. It seems to me that _Docker Desktop Service_ main purpose is managing VMs, like MobyLinuxVM when switching to Linux container mode. Also I don't need the service running when I change the isolation mode on Windows containers, just _dockerd_ process. It needs further investigation.  
> **username_2**: Can you try stopping the docker service by going to services manager in windows and execute the docker commands? it would be great if you can let me know, if Docker commands are running after stopping the Docker service  
> **username_0**: The service is not running, but _dockerd_ process is. I have Docker Desktop GUI disabled. I am able to run Docker commands, pull and run images and switch istolation mode (to _hyperv_ or _process_) in Windows containers mode. The only time I need Docker service running is when I need to switch to Linux container mode.  

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