What is HomeDock OS? Your Gateway to a Secure and Private Cloud
Discover HomeDock OS, a versatile open-source cloud operating system that transforms your personal computer into a secure private cloud.
Originally created on a Raspberry Pi, HomeDock OS brings enterprise-grade features to any computer. With native support for Windows, macOS, and Linux, it lets you install apps, manage encrypted storage, and get started in minutes, no third-party platforms needed. It runs smoothly on everything from a Mini PC to a full home server rack, making it ideal for any Windows home server, home server NAS, or custom home server setup. More than just a tool, it’s a full Cloud OS built for modern cloud computing, offering a self hosted experience with total control over your infrastructure.
Getting started is easy with HomeDock OS Desktop, which replaces Docker Desktop on Windows and macOS. It integrates with WSL2 on Windows and runs via Lima and Colima on macOS, automating the full setup. If you were searching for a docker install windows tutorial, you won’t need one, HomeDock OS Desktop handles everything for you.
How Does HomeDock OS Enhance Cloud and Private Environments?
HomeDock OS blurs the line between public and private infrastructure, creating a real hybrid cloud. It offers a secure private cloud with full control over private cloud compute and storage, no vendor lock-in.
In the private vs public cloud debate, HomeDock OS gives you both control and flexibility. It blends the isolation of a virtual private cloud with the ease of a virtual private server or managed private server, so you can deploy apps and services with built-in SSL, backups, and encrypted storage.
Key Features of the HomeDock OS App Store
The integrated App Store makes it easy to install essential services. Need a self hosted password vault? Apps like Vaultwarden or KeePassXC are ready to install in one click. For mobile access, use a self-hosted password manager like the iOS or Android app of Vaultwarden to connect directly to your instance.
Most of the apps are pulled and downloaded on real time from Docker Hub, including trusted images from LinuxServer and other well-known maintainers. Under the hood, HomeDock OS uses Docker Compose internally to streamline configuration and accelerate setup.
Secure cloud storage is managed by the Drop Zone module. Files are encrypted upon upload and decrypted only when accessed, enabling a zero-trust approach to file sharing and compute tasks.
Installing HomeDock OS Across Devices
As stated above, HomeDock OS was born on a Raspberry Pi, which shaped its focus on performance and security. It runs smoothly on lightweight setups and delivers fast response times even with limited resources.
On macOS and Windows, HomeDock OS Desktop integrates smoothly with the system. Apps installed on your HomeDock OS feel like native ones, whether you're running a Mac OS cloud setup, managing services on a Windows desktop, or even accessing your cloud instances hosted with us.
Looking for remote infrastructure? You can run HomeDock OS on any virtual private server or choose a managed private server hosted in our cloud. Either way, you get the same powerful tools for managing and monitoring your apps and services.
Getting Started with HomeDock OS Desktop
Get started by downloading HomeDock OS Desktop. Installation takes just a few minutes. On Windows, it replaces Docker Desktop entirely. On macOS, it integrates seamlessly with Lima and Colima so it's kind of the same. A built-in updater ensures everything stays up to date with no manual work, making even a full backup before any update.
Once installed, the intuitive dashboard walks you through the initial setup. Connect your storage, configure networking, and browse the App Store. Advanced users can customize the Docker Compose configuration for each app directly from the store, with full access to parameters and environment settings sourced from Docker Hub.
Whether you’re building a personal homelab, a small business platform or a learning environment, HomeDock OS delivers enterprise-grade features on commodity hardware. Embrace the future of cloud computing with a truly self hosted solution and start your journey today or just let us host it for you.
HomeDock OS
Reclaim your desktop. Turn it into your private cloud.
Free download • Available to install on all platforms
Accessible from any device, anywhere