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dockerwindows-server-2016

Active directory accounts inside a windows container (server 2016 TP5)


So I have Windows Server 2016 TP5 and I'm playing around with the containers. I am able to do basic docker tasks fine. I'm trying to figure out how to containerize some of our IIS-hosted web applications.

Thing is, we usually use integrated authentication for the DB and use domain service accounts for the app pool. I currently don't have a test VM (that is in a domain) so I can't test if this will work inside a container.

If the host is joined to an AD domain, are its containers also part of the domain? Can I still run processes using domain accounts?

EDIT: Also, if I specify the "USER" in the dockerfile, does this mean that my app pool will run using that (instead of the app pool identity)?


Solution

  • Update: this answer is no longer relevant - was for 2016 TP5. AD support has been added in later releases

    Original answer Quick answer - no, containers are not supported as part of AD so you can't use AD accounts to run processes within a container or authenticate with it

    This used to be mentioned on the MS Containers site but the original link now redirects.

    Original wording (CTP 3 or 4?): "Containers cannot join Active Directory domains, and cannot run services or applications as domain users, service accounts, or machine accounts."

    I don't know if that will change in a later release.

    Someone tried to hack around it but with no joy.