> For clean Markdown of any page, append .md to the page URL.
> For a complete documentation index, see https://docs.nvidia.com/ai-workbench/llms.txt.
> For AI client integration (Claude Code, Cursor, etc.), connect to the MCP server at https://docs.nvidia.com/ai-workbench/_mcp/server.

> Provides reference documentation for the container runtimes in AI

# AI Workbench Container Runtimes

[NVIDIA AI Workbench](/ai-workbench/overview/introduction) will install or use an existing container runtime in location to build and run the project container for your Workbench Projects.

When you install AI Workbench, the installer provides a choice between Docker (CE or Desktop, depending) and Podman.

## Docker

[Docker](https://www.docker.com/products/container-runtime/) is a popular, all-in-one platform for creating, managing and deploying containers.
Depending on your company size and revenue, you might need a paid license to use [Docker](/ai-workbench/reference/glossary#docker). Docker uses a client-server architecture, with the docker daemon running as a persistent background process.

## Podman

[Podman](https://docs.podman.io/en/latest/) is an open-source container runtime and management tool originally developed by Red Hat.
[Podman](/ai-workbench/reference/glossary#podman) employs a daemon-less architecture, and launches containers as child processes that do not require superuser privileges.
AI Workbench uses rootless Podman.


## Change the Container Runtime for Your Local Workbench

The Desktop App does not require a local container runtime, however, if you want to enable local development and compute
then you must do the [full local install](/ai-workbench/install/full-local-install),
which does require you to select either Docker or Podman.

Once you have done the full local install, you may want to switch from Docker to Podman or vice versa.
You can do this directly from the [AI Workbench Settings Window](/ai-workbench/reference/workbench-application/settings).

1. Leave the **Location Manager** window open but close all location windows before changing the container runtime.
2. Open the **AI Workbench Settings Window** from the **Gear** at the top of the **Locations Manager** or from the tool tray on your laptop.
3. Select **Settings > Container Runtime** and then select whichever runtime you want to use (Docker left, Podman right) and then select **Switch Runtime**
   1. If you still have a location window open, you will be prompted to close it and try again.
4. Select **Restart AI Workbench** in the modal and wait for the application to restart.
5. When the **Locations Manager** reopens, select the **local** location that will have an **Update** badge on it.
   1. The full local installer will begin, and you will arrive at the **Container Selection Screen**.
6. Select the desired container runtime and proceed.

## Related Topics

- [AI Workbench Application Configuration Reference Pages](/ai-workbench/reference/workbench-application/overview)