SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/aplus-containers-kernel

What do containers on one host share that separate virtual machines do not?

The host's kernel. Each VM runs its own.

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  1. A complete guest operating system
  2. The host's kernel ✔
  3. Their own virtual hardware

Why: Containers are isolated processes that build on the host operating system's kernel, so they all share it. A VM runs a complete operating system with its own kernel. That is why containers are lighter.

Huh, didn't know that: Microsoft says VMs provide stronger isolation, while containers give lightweight isolation.

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References

Answer: The host's kernel. Containers are isolated processes that build on the host operating system's kernel, so they all share it. A VM runs a complete operating system with its own kernel. That is why containers are lighter.

  1. What is a container? Docker Docs docs.docker.com/get-started/docker-concepts/the-basics/what-is-a-container
    If you run multiple containers, they all share the same kernel
    Checked 2026-10-10.
  2. Containers vs. virtual machines, Microsoft Learn learn.microsoft.com/en-us/virtualization/windowscontainers/about/containers-vs-vm
    Containers build on top of the host operating system's kernel
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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