How do I use Docker Layer Caching on Windows?

Overview

Currently, Docker Layer Caching is not supported on our Windows executors. However, there are workarounds to achieve similar to parallel results.

Solutions

1.  One workaround is storing the layer caches with CircleCI's native caching functionality:
   • • https://circleci.com/docs/2.0/caching/

     • Then you can restore this cache, and pass it into your build command with the--cache-from option:

       • https://docs.docker.com/engine/reference/commandline/build/#options
2. You can utilize buildx, as an example:

   •  docker buildx build --cache-from=local,src=/{{some}}/{{file}} --cache-to=local,dest=/{{some}}/{{other}}/{{file}}/{{here}}

     In this instance, you can theoretically cache to a local filesystem or directory.

Additional Resources

Docker Buildx: https://docs.docker.com/build/architecture/

CircleCI Caching Dependencies: https://circleci.com/docs/caching/