Windows (x64)
Windows 10/11 · Intel/AMD
- Version
- 4.42.0
- Released
- Size
- ~640 MB
- Format
- .exe
v4.42.0 · released
Download Docker Desktop
An independent guide to installing Docker Desktop on Windows, macOS, and Linux — per-platform walkthroughs, the real system requirements, and the troubleshooting steps that actually fix the common first-launch errors.
- Free for personal use
- Code-signed installers
- Five platforms covered
$ docker --version
Docker version 27.2.0, build d5c9a4b
$ docker run hello-world
Unable to find image 'hello-world:latest' locally
latest: Pulling from library/hello-world
Digest: sha256:53f1e8e...
Status: Downloaded newer image for hello-world:latest
Hello from Docker!
This message shows that your installation appears to be working correctly.
$ █// 01 — pick your platform
Choose your Docker Desktop download
Five official builds. Pick the one that matches your operating system and CPU architecture — installing the wrong one will fail or fall back to slow emulation.
Windows (ARM64)
Windows 11 · Snapdragon X · Surface
- Version
- 4.42.0
- Released
- Size
- ~620 MB
- Format
- .exe
macOS (Apple Silicon)
M1 · M2 · M3 · M4
- Version
- 4.42.0
- Released
- Size
- ~720 MB
- Format
- .dmg
macOS (Intel)
x86_64 Macs
- Version
- 4.42.0
- Released
- Size
- ~720 MB
- Format
- .dmg
Linux
Ubuntu · Debian · Fedora · Arch
- Version
- 4.42.0
- Released
- Size
- package per distro
- Format
- .deb / .rpm
The platform cards above link to the install guide for each operating system. Linux installs run on top of your distro's package manager — the Linux button opens the official Docker docs, where the per-distro .deb, .rpm, and Arch packages are listed.
// 02 — what it is
Docker Desktop in one paragraph
Docker Desktop is the official one-click installer for the Docker container engine on a developer workstation. It bundles the engine, the docker command-line tool, Docker Compose, Docker Buildx, an optional single-node Kubernetes cluster, and a graphical management UI for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Docker Desktop is distributed for free for personal use, education, and small businesses, with a paid subscription required for larger organizations.
On Windows and macOS, the engine cannot run natively because Linux containers are a Linux kernel feature. Docker Desktop solves this by spinning up a tightly-managed Linux virtual machine in the background — WSL 2 on Windows, the Apple Virtualization framework on macOS — so you get the same docker commands everywhere. To you, it just feels like Docker is running locally.
What downloading Docker Desktop gives you
- Docker Engine and CLI for building images and running containers from your terminal.
- Docker Compose v2 for orchestrating multi-service apps with a single YAML file.
- Docker Buildx for multi-platform image builds — build an
arm64image from your Intel laptop, for example. - An optional single-node Kubernetes cluster for trying manifests and Helm charts.
- Docker Scout for scanning images for known CVEs and supply-chain issues.
- A polished graphical UI for browsing containers, images, volumes, and logs without memorizing every CLI flag.
Want a deeper write-up? Skip ahead to the getting-started guide or compare Docker Desktop with Podman Desktop, Rancher Desktop, and OrbStack before committing to one tool.
// 09 — faq
Frequently asked questions
The questions developers ask most often before downloading Docker Desktop, with answers tested against fresh installs on each supported operating system.
Is Docker Desktop free to download?
Yes, Docker Desktop is free to download and free for personal use, education, non-commercial open-source projects, and small businesses with fewer than 250 employees and less than $10 million in annual revenue. Larger organizations need a paid Docker subscription (Pro, Team, or Business) under the Docker Subscription Service Agreement. Always check the current terms before deploying it in a corporate environment.
What's the difference between Docker Desktop and Docker Engine?
Docker Engine is the open-source container runtime that builds and runs containers — it runs natively on Linux. Docker Desktop is a commercial application that bundles Docker Engine with a lightweight virtual machine, a graphical management UI, Kubernetes, Docker Compose, Docker Scout, and developer tooling for Windows and macOS, where containers cannot run natively. On Linux, Docker Desktop adds the same VM-based isolation and UI on top of the engine.
Does Docker Desktop work on Windows Home?
Yes. Docker Desktop runs on Windows 10 Home (64-bit, version 21H2 or higher) and Windows 11 Home as long as WSL 2 is installed and enabled. Earlier guidance required Windows Pro/Enterprise for Hyper-V, but the WSL 2 backend removed that limitation. You will still need a 64-bit processor with Second Level Address Translation (SLAT) and at least 4 GB of RAM.
How much RAM do I need to run Docker Desktop?
The official minimum is 4 GB of RAM, but 8 GB is a far more comfortable starting point for everyday development. If you plan to run Kubernetes locally, multiple databases, or several services with Docker Compose, 16 GB is recommended. You can cap how much memory Docker Desktop uses inside Settings → Resources, which is useful on machines where other applications also need RAM.
Is Docker Desktop safe to download?
Yes — provided you download it from the publisher's own code-signed installer. Avoid third-party mirrors, "cracked" versions, or any site that bundles Docker Desktop with other software. Verify the digital signature on Windows and the codesign authority on macOS before running the installer to confirm the file you received is the one the publisher actually shipped.
Does Docker Desktop work on Windows on ARM (Snapdragon X, Surface Pro)?
Yes. A native ARM64 build of Docker Desktop is available for Snapdragon X and other ARM-based Windows 11 devices and runs without emulation. ARM-native Linux containers run inside the WSL 2 VM at full speed; x86_64 images run under WoW64 / Prism translation, which is slower but generally functional for development.
Can I use Docker Desktop offline after installing it?
Mostly, yes. Once installed, the engine, Compose, and any images you have already pulled work offline. You will lose the ability to pull new images, sign in to your account, run vulnerability scans, or receive automatic updates until you reconnect.
What macOS versions does Docker Desktop support?
Docker Desktop supports the three most recent macOS major releases. As of 2026, that is macOS 13 Ventura, macOS 14 Sonoma, and macOS 15 Sequoia. It runs on both Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3/M4) and Intel-based Macs — be sure to download the build that matches your CPU architecture, since the wrong build will refuse to launch.
Do I need to install WSL 2 separately on Windows?
The Docker Desktop installer offers to enable and install WSL 2 for you on a fresh Windows system. If you already have an older Linux distribution under WSL 1, upgrade it with `wsl --set-version <distro> 2`. After installation, restart Windows so the kernel changes take effect before launching Docker Desktop for the first time.
How do I uninstall Docker Desktop cleanly?
On Windows, use Settings → Apps → Installed Apps and remove "Docker Desktop". On macOS, drag Docker.app from /Applications to the Trash, or click the troubleshoot icon inside Docker Desktop and choose "Uninstall". On both platforms you can additionally remove ~/.docker, container data under the Docker VM, and any leftover entries in your shell's PATH for a fully clean state.
Does Docker Desktop include Kubernetes?
Yes. Docker Desktop ships with an optional single-node Kubernetes cluster you can enable in Settings → Kubernetes. It is intended for local development and testing — not production — and is a quick way to try kubectl, Helm charts, and manifests without needing minikube or kind. The cluster runs inside the same VM that hosts the Docker engine.
Can I run Linux containers on Windows and macOS?
Yes. Docker Desktop runs a lightweight Linux virtual machine in the background on Windows (via WSL 2) and macOS (via the Apple Virtualization framework or HyperKit on older versions). All Linux containers execute inside that VM, so you get the same image format and runtime behavior across operating systems. Windows containers are also supported, but only on Windows hosts and only when Docker Desktop is switched to Windows container mode.
Why is Docker Desktop slow to pull images on my Mac?
The most common cause on Apple Silicon is downloading x86_64 images instead of arm64 images, which forces emulation. Add `--platform linux/arm64` to your pull or build command, or set the platform in your Compose file. Other causes: anonymous registry pull-rate limits (sign in for higher limits), virus scanners that index the VM image, and disk I/O contention on small SSDs.
Should I download Docker Desktop or just Docker Engine on Linux?
If you are administering a server or CI runner, install Docker Engine — it is leaner and runs as a native systemd service. If you are developing on a Linux desktop and want the same experience as Mac and Windows colleagues (UI, Kubernetes toggle, Docker Scout, shared volume management), Docker Desktop is the right pick. The two are not exclusive: you can install Engine on a server and Desktop on your laptop.