# Comparing installation approaches for OpenSearch Dashboards on Windows: Kubernetes vs Docker vs other methods

**URL:** <https://forum.opensearch.org/t/comparing-installation-approaches-for-opensearch-dashboards-on-windows-kubernetes-vs-docker-vs-other-methods/27282>\
**Category:** OpenSearch Dashboards\
**Tags:** install\
**Created:** [October 13, 2025, 4:59am UTC](https://forum.opensearch.org/t/comparing-installation-approaches-for-opensearch-dashboards-on-windows-kubernetes-vs-docker-vs-other-methods/27282 "2025-10-13T04:59:09Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 5\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![hammad\_xflow](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/b782af/32.png) [@hammad\_xflow](https://forum.opensearch.org/u/hammad_xflow)\
**Post date:** [October 13, 2025, 4:59am UTC](https://forum.opensearch.org/t/comparing-installation-approaches-for-opensearch-dashboards-on-windows-kubernetes-vs-docker-vs-other-methods/27282/1 "2025-10-13T04:59:09Z")

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**Versions** : Planning stage - interested in latest stable versions. Host OS: Windows

**Describe the issue** :

* * *

Hello OpenSearch Community\*\*\*, I am a new member beginning to work with OpenSearch Dashboards and am in the planning stages of setting up a development environment. I would appreciate the community’s expert guidance on the recommended installation path.

**My Goal:** To deploy OpenSearch and OpenSearch Dashboards for development and learning purposes, with future consideration for production best practices.

My Environment: My primary local machine runs on Windows.

I am evaluating the best approach for installation, specifically considering:

1. Kubernetes (e.g., minikube or kind) .
2. Docker / Docker Desktop.
3. Other approaches (archive install, package manager, etc.)

Could you please share insights on: - Most straightforward/reliable method for Windows local development

Thank you for sharing your knowledge!

**Configuration** : Currently evaluating options - no specific configuration yet.

**Relevant Logs or Screenshots** : N/A - Planning phase

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**Author:** ![Leeroy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/eb9ed0/32.png) [@Leeroy](https://forum.opensearch.org/u/Leeroy)\
**Post date:** [October 13, 2025, 7:35am UTC](https://forum.opensearch.org/t/comparing-installation-approaches-for-opensearch-dashboards-on-windows-kubernetes-vs-docker-vs-other-methods/27282/2 "2025-10-13T07:35:01Z")

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hey @hammad_xflow ,

I’d suggest as a first step following the guide to install Opensearch on windows from the docs listed here - [Windows - OpenSearch Documentation](https://docs.opensearch.org/latest/install-and-configure/install-opensearch/windows/) .

Then if you have any issues in setting up or further questions you can make more threads here asking for advice.

After setting up on windows, if you would like to test other methods I would suggest trying docker, then Kubernetes.

Leeroy.

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**Author:** ![hammad\_xflow](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/b782af/32.png) [@hammad\_xflow](https://forum.opensearch.org/u/hammad_xflow)\
**Post date:** [October 13, 2025, 3:46pm UTC](https://forum.opensearch.org/t/comparing-installation-approaches-for-opensearch-dashboards-on-windows-kubernetes-vs-docker-vs-other-methods/27282/3 "2025-10-13T15:46:54Z")

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hye @Leeroy  
Thank you for the suggestions!  
I’ll try it then I’ll tell you!

Initially I just download docker desktop, and write one **YML** file for Open Search Dashboard and pull the image then I have access the Open Search Dashboard locally through **Docker.** I have just one question regarding environment, Will I download properly windows installation or just running on Docker ?

My Goal is for long term usage!

Thank you soo much for your time!

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**Author:** ![Leeroy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/eb9ed0/32.png) [@Leeroy](https://forum.opensearch.org/u/Leeroy)\
**Post date:** [October 15, 2025, 11:23am UTC](https://forum.opensearch.org/t/comparing-installation-approaches-for-opensearch-dashboards-on-windows-kubernetes-vs-docker-vs-other-methods/27282/4 "2025-10-15T11:23:34Z")

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Hey @hammad_xflow ,

I would personally use docker, it will allow you get a good understanding for configuring and deploying using yaml. Then considering you may want to test and use Kubernetes instead it will teach you the base of what will be needed when you go to deploy via Kubernetes.

Both of which will be good for long term usage. But if you’re new and planning to learn and explore, then doing both deploys windows and docker will be good to get a better understanding of what is required overall.

Leeroy.

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![hammad\_xflow](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/b782af/32.png) [@hammad\_xflow](https://forum.opensearch.org/u/hammad_xflow)\
**Post date:** [October 17, 2025, 7:00am UTC](https://forum.opensearch.org/t/comparing-installation-approaches-for-opensearch-dashboards-on-windows-kubernetes-vs-docker-vs-other-methods/27282/5 "2025-10-17T07:00:49Z")

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Thank you Leeroy!