Introduction
Do you want powerful automations without paying for pricey tools? Let me tell you a secret: you can self-host n8n for free and it only takes 4 minutes to set up.
n8n lets you connect apps, move data, and automate tasks that usually eat up your time. The best part of it all is that You own it. No subscriptions. No limits.
In this guide, I’ll show you step by step how to get n8n running fast using Docker. By the end, you will have your own automation hub that is free, simple, and under your control. 🚀
Step 1
First we have to download and install Docker
→ Go to docker.com and download Docker desktop for system.
→ Mine is Windows.
Before installing Docker, you must check the system requirements to confirm if your PC can run it.
## System Requirements (Step by Step)
Step 1: Check WSL Version
The first requirement is WSL 1.1.3.0 or later.
To check if it’s installed:
→ Press Windows + R, type cmd, and press Enter.
It will take you to your terminal
→ In terminal, run WSL
If WSL runs, it’s installed.
If not installed
→ Type wsl --install and press enter
Step 2: Check Windows Version
Next on the requirement page, it says we need to have:
Operating System: Windows 11, 64-bit
Edition: Pro
Version: 21H2 or later
→ Press Win + R and type winver in the box, then hit Okay
My version is 22H2
Step 3: Enable WSL 2 Features
The next requirement - Turn on WSL 2 features on windows.
→ Go to the search bar on your system and type Enable windows
→ Click on Turn Windows features on or off
→ Enable Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) by ticking the box beside it.
→ Click Ok
Wait for setup to finish
→ Select Don’t restart for now.
Step 4: Verify Virtualization
Next on the requirement page, check if virtualization is enabled.
To check if Virtualization is enabled:
→ Press Ctrl + Esc key to open Task Manager.
→ Click on the second icon
→ Click on CPU.
At the bottom, check if Virtualization is enabled (it usually is by default).
🛠️ Install Docker on Windows
Step 1: Run the Installer
→ Double-click the Docker Desktop installer you downloaded.
→ Click Yes when prompted for permissions.
Step 2: Configure Setup
→ Keep the shortcut option checked.
→ Click OK to continue.
Step 3: Install
Docker will unpack files and install automatically.
This may take several minutes, be patient.
Step 4: Confirm Installation
When complete, you will see Installation Successful.
Step 5: Restart and Launch
Restart your computer.
→ Open Docker Desktop,
You are ready to use Docker
## How to Self-Host n8n for Free
Step 1. Open Docker Desktop
Make sure Docker is installed and running.
Step 2. Go to the Images Tab
In Docker Desktop
→ Click on Images from the left panel.
Step 3. Search for n8n
→ Click on search images to run.
→ In the search bar, type: n8n
Step 4. Select the Official Image
→ Choose n8nio/n8n (the one with 100M+ downloads).
→ Click Pull.
This downloads the official n8n Docker image to your computer.
Step 5. Run the Image
After pulling:
→ Click Run.
Next, Configure the container:
→ Container Name: n8n
→ Host Port: 5678
→ Click Run again.
This downloads the official n8n Docker image to your computer.
Step 6. Wait for Startup.
Let Docker run until you see this message:
→ Editor is now accessible via: http://localhost:5678
Step 7. Open n8n in Browser
→ Copy and paste http://localhost:5678 into your browser and run.
You will see the n8n welcome page.
→ Confirm the URL shows localhost:5678.
Step 8. Create Your Account
Sign up with your details (Let's use a demo account).
Log in to access your n8n dashboard.
Congratulations. You now have n8n running locally on your computer with Docker.
Top comments (1)
Have a great day everyone