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Docker Desktop for Mac: QEMU Virtualization Option to be Deprecated in 90 Days

15 avril 2025 à 16:10

We are announcing the upcoming deprecation of QEMU as a virtualization option for Docker Desktop on Apple Silicon Macs. After serving as our legacy virtualization solution during the early transition to Apple Silicon, QEMU will be fully deprecated 90 days from today, on July 14, 2025. This deprecation does not affect QEMU’s role in emulating non-native architectures for multi-platform builds. By moving to Apple Virtualization Framework or Docker VMM, you will ensure optimal performance.

Why We’re Making This Change

Our telemetry shows that a very small percentage of users are still using the QEMU option. We’ve maintained QEMU support for backward compatibility, but both Docker VMM and Apple Virtualization Framework now offer:

  • Significantly better performance
  • Improved stability
  • Enhanced compatibility with macOS updates
  • Better integration with Apple Silicon architecture

What This Means For You

If you’re currently using QEMU as your Virtual Machine Manager (VMM) on Docker Desktop for Mac:

  • Your current installation will continue to work normally during the 90-day transition period
  • After July 1, 2025, Docker Desktop releases will automatically migrate your environment to Apple Virtualization Framework
  • You’ll experience improved performance and stability with the newer virtualization options

Migration Plan

The migration process will be smooth and straightforward:

  1. Users on the latest Docker Desktop release will be automatically migrated to Apple Virtualization Framework after the 90-day period
  2. During the transition period, you can manually switch to either Docker VMM (our fastest option for Apple Silicon Macs) or Apple Virtualization Framework through Settings > General > Virtual Machine Options
  3. For 30 days after the deprecation date, the QEMU option will remain available in settings for users who encounter migration issues
  4. After this extended period, the QEMU option will be fully removed

Note: This deprecation does not affect QEMU’s role in emulating non-native architectures for multi-platform builds.

What You Should Do Now

We recommend proactively switching to one of our newer VMM options before the automatic migration:

blog virtual machine options
  1. Update to the latest version of Docker Desktop for Mac
  2. Open Docker Desktop Settings > General
  3. Under “Choose Virtual Machine Manager (VMM)” select either:
    • Docker VMM (BETA) – Our fastest option for Apple Silicon Macs
    • Apple Virtualization Framework – A mature, high-performance alternative

Questions or Concerns?

If you have questions or encounter any issues during migration, please:

We’re committed to making this transition as seamless as possible while delivering the best development experience on macOS.

Docker Desktop 4.36: New Enterprise Administration Features, WSL 2, and ECI Enhancements

22 novembre 2024 à 16:38

Key features of the Docker Desktop 4.36 release include: 

Docker Desktop 4.36 introduces powerful updates to simplify enterprise administration and enhance security. This release features streamlined macOS sign-in enforcement via configuration profiles, enabling IT administrators to deploy tamper-proof policies at scale, alongside a new PKG installer for efficient, consistent deployments. Enhancements like the unified WSL 2 mono distribution improve startup speeds and workflows, while updates to Enhanced Container Isolation (ECI) and Desktop Settings Management allow for greater flexibility and centralized policy enforcement. These innovations empower organizations to maintain compliance, boost productivity, and streamline Docker Desktop management across diverse enterprise environments.

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Sign-in enforcement: Streamlined alternative for organizations for macOS 

Recognizing the need for streamlined and secure ways to enforce sign-in protocols, Docker is introducing a new sign-in enforcement mechanism for macOS configuration profiles. This Early Access update delivers significant business benefits by enabling IT administrators to enforce sign-in policies quickly, ensuring compliance and maximizing the value of Docker subscriptions.

Key benefits

  • Fast deployment and rollout: Configuration profiles can be rapidly deployed across a fleet of devices using Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions, making it easy for IT admins to enforce sign-in requirements and other policies without manual intervention.
  • Tamper-proof enforcement: Configuration profiles ensure that enforced policies, such as sign-in requirements, cannot be bypassed or disabled by users, providing a secure and reliable way to manage access to Docker Desktop (Figure 1).
  • Support for multiple organizations: More than one organization can now be defined in the allowedOrgs field, offering flexibility for users who need access to Docker Desktop under multiple organizational accounts (Figure 2).

How it works

macOS configuration profiles are XML files that contain specific settings to control and manage macOS device behavior. These profiles allow IT administrators to:

  • Restrict access to Docker Desktop unless the user is authenticated.
  • Prevent users from disabling or bypassing sign-in enforcement.

By distributing these profiles through MDM solutions, IT admins can manage large device fleets efficiently and consistently enforce organizational policies.

Screenshot of Enforced Sign-in Configuration Profile showing Description, Signed, Installed, Settings, Details, and Custom Settings.
Figure 1: macOS configuration profile in use.
Screenshot of macOS configuration profile showing "allowedOrgs"
Figure 2: macOS configuration profile in use with multiple allowedOrgs visible.

Configuration profiles, along with the Windows Registry key, are the latest examples of how Docker helps streamline administration and management. 

Enforce sign-in for multiple organizations

Docker now supports enforcing sign-in for more than one organization at a time, providing greater flexibility for users working across multiple teams or enterprises. The allowedOrgs field now accepts multiple strings, enabling IT admins to define more than one organization via any supported configuration method, including:

  • registry.json
  • Windows Registry key
  • macOS plist
  • macOS configuration profile

This enhancement makes it easier to enforce login policies across diverse organizational setups, streamlining access management while maintaining security (Figure 3).

Learn more about the various sign-in enforcement methods.

Screenshot of Sign-in required box, saying "Sign-in to continue using Docker Desktop. You must be a member of one of the following organizations" with Docker-internal and Docker listed.
Figure 3: Docker Desktop when sign-in is enforced across multiple organizations. The blue highlights indicate the allowed company domains.

Deploy Docker Desktop for macOS in bulk with the PKG installer

Managing large-scale Docker Desktop deployments on macOS just got easier with the new PKG installer. Designed for enterprises and IT admins, the PKG installer offers significant advantages over the traditional DMG installer, streamlining the deployment process and enhancing security.

  • Ease of use: Automate installations and reduce manual steps, minimizing user error and IT support requests.
  • Consistency: Deliver a professional and predictable installation experience that meets enterprise standards.
  • Streamlined deployment: Simplify software rollouts for macOS devices, saving time and resources during bulk installations.
  • Enhanced security: Benefit from improved security measures that reduce the risk of tampering and ensure compliance with enterprise policies.

You can download the PKG installer via Admin Console > Security and Access > Deploy Docker Desktop > macOS. Options for both Intel and Arm architectures are also available for macOS and Windows, ensuring compatibility across devices.

Start deploying Docker Desktop more efficiently and securely today via the Admin Console (Figure 4). 

Screenshot of Admin console showing option to download PKG installer.
Figure 4: Admin Console with PKG installer download options.

Desktop Settings Management (Early Access) 

Managing Docker Desktop settings at scale is now easier than ever with the new Desktop Settings Management, available in Early Access for Docker Business customers. Admins can centrally deploy and enforce settings policies for Docker Desktop directly from the cloud via the Admin Console, ensuring consistency and efficiency across their organization.

Here’s what’s available now:

  • Admin Console policies: Configure and enforce default Docker Desktop settings from the Admin Console.
  • Quick import: Import existing configurations from an admin-settings.json file for seamless migration.
  • Export and share: Export policies as JSON files to easily share with security and compliance teams.
  • Targeted testing: Roll out policies to a smaller group of users for testing before deploying globally.

What’s next?

Although the Desktop Settings Management feature is in Early Access, we’re actively building additional functionality to enhance it, such as compliance reporting and automated policy enforcement capabilities. Stay tuned for more!

This is just the beginning of a powerful new way to simplify Docker Desktop management and ensure organizational compliance. Try it out now and help shape the future of settings management: Admin Console > Security and Access > Desktop Settings Management (Figure 5).

Screenshot of Admin console showing Desktop Setting Management page, which includes Global policy, Settings policy, User policies, and more.
Figure 5: Admin console with Desktop Settings Management.

Streamlining data workflow with WSL 2 mono distribution 

Simplify the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL 2) setup by eliminating the need to maintain two separate Docker Desktop WSL distributions. This update streamlines the WSL 2 configuration by consolidating the previously required dual Docker Desktop WSL distributions into a single distribution, now available on both macOS and Windows operating systems.

The simplification of Docker Desktop’s WSL 2 setup is designed to make the codebase easier to understand and maintain. This enhances the ability to handle failures more effectively and increases the startup speed of Docker Desktop on WSL 2, allowing users to begin their work more quickly.

The value of streamlining data workflows and relocating data to a different drive on macOS and Windows with the WSL 2 backend in Docker Desktop encompasses these key areas:

  • Improved performance: By separating data and system files, I/O contention between system operations and data operations is reduced, leading to faster access and processing.
  • Enhanced storage management: Separating data from the main system drives allows for more efficient use of space.
  • Increased flexibility with cross-platform compatibility: Ensuring consistent data workflows across different operating systems (macOS and Windows), especially when using Docker Desktop with WSL 2.
  • Enhanced Docker performance: Docker performs better when processing data on a drive optimized for such tasks, reducing latency and improving container performance.

By implementing these practices, organizations can achieve more efficient, flexible, and high-performing data workflows, leveraging Docker Desktop’s capabilities on both macOS and Windows platforms.

Enhanced Container Isolation (ECI) improvements 

  • Allow any container to mount the Docker socket: Admins can now configure permissions to allow all containers to mount the Docker socket by adding * or *:* to the ECI Docker socket mount permission image list. This simplifies scenarios where broad access is required while maintaining security configuration through centralized control. Learn more in the advanced configuration documentation.
  • Improved support for derived image permissions: The Docker socket mount permissions for derived images feature now supports wildcard tags (e.g., alpine:*), enabling admins to grant permissions for all versions of an image. Previously, specific tags like alpine:latest had to be listed, which was restrictive and required ongoing maintenance. Learn more about managing derived image permissions.

These enhancements reduce administrative overhead while maintaining a high level of security and control, making it easier to manage complex environments.

Upgrade now

The Docker Desktop 4.36 release introduces a suite of features designed to simplify enterprise administration, improve security, and enhance operational efficiency. From enabling centralized policy enforcement with Desktop Settings Management to streamlining deployments with the macOS PKG installer, Docker continues to empower IT administrators with the tools they need to manage Docker Desktop at scale.

The improvements in Enhanced Container Isolation (ECI) and WSL 2 workflows further demonstrate Docker’s commitment to innovation, providing solutions that optimize performance, reduce complexity, and ensure compliance across diverse enterprise environments.  

As businesses adopt increasingly complex development ecosystems, these updates highlight Docker’s focus on meeting the unique needs of enterprise teams, helping them stay agile, secure, and productive. Whether you’re managing access for multiple organizations, deploying tools across platforms, or leveraging enhanced image permissions, Docker Desktop 4.36 sets a new standard for enterprise administration.  

Start exploring these powerful new features today and unlock the full potential of Docker Desktop for your organization.

Learn more

What Are the Latest Docker Desktop Enterprise-Grade Performance Optimizations?

21 novembre 2024 à 14:34

Key highlights:

At Docker, we’re continuously enhancing Docker Desktop to meet the evolving needs of enterprise users. Since Docker Desktop 4.23, where we reduced startup time by 75%, we’ve made significant investments in both performance and stability. These improvements are designed to deliver a faster, more reliable experience for developers across industries. (Read more about our previous performance milestones.)

In this post, we walk through the latest performance enhancements.

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Latest performance enhancements

Boost performance with Docker VMM on Apple Silicon Mac

Apple Silicon Mac users, we’re excited to introduce Docker Virtual Machine Manager (Docker VMM) — a powerful new virtualization option designed to enhance performance for Docker Desktop on M1 and M2 Macs. Currently in beta, Docker VMM gives developers a faster, more efficient alternative to the existing Apple Virtualization Framework for many workflows (Figure 1). Docker VMM is available starting in the Docker Desktop 4.35 release.

Screenshot of Docker Desktop showing Virtual Machine Options including Docker VMM (beta), Apple Virtualization Framework, and QEMU (legacy).
Figure 1: Docker virtual machine options.

Why try Docker VMM?

If you’re running native ARM-based images on Docker Desktop, Docker VMM offers a performance boost that could make your development experience smoother and more efficient. With Docker VMM, you can:

  • Experience faster operations: Docker VMM shows improved speeds on essential commands like git status and others, especially when caches are built up. In our benchmarks, Docker VMM eliminates certain slowdowns that can occur with the Apple Virtualization framework.
  • Enjoy flexibility: Not sure if Docker VMM is the right fit? No problem! Docker VMM is still in beta, so you can switch back to the Apple Virtualization framework at any time and try Docker VMM again in future releases as we continue optimizing it.

What about emulated Intel images?

If you’re using Rosetta to emulate Intel images, Docker VMM may not be the ideal choice for now, as it currently doesn’t support Rosetta. For workflows requiring Intel emulation, the Apple Virtualization framework remains the best option, as Docker VMM is optimized for native Arm binaries.

Key benchmarks: Real-world speed gains

Our testing reveals significant improvements when using Docker VMM for common commands, including git status:

  • Initial git status: Docker VMM outperforms, with the first run significantly faster compared to the Apple Virtualization framework (Figure 2).
  • Subsequent git status: With Docker VMM, subsequent runs are also speedier due to more efficient caching (Figure 3).

With Docker VMM, you can say goodbye to frustrating delays and get a faster, more responsive experience right out of the gate.

Graph comparison of git status times for cold caches between the Apple Virtualization Framework (~27 seconds) and Docker VMM (slightly under 10 seconds).
Figure 2: Initial git status times.
Graph comparison of git status times for warm caches between the Apple Virtualization Framework (~3 seconds) and Docker VMM (less than 1 second).
Figure 3: Subsequent git status times.

Say goodbye to QEMU

For users who may have relied on QEMU, note that we’re transitioning it to legacy support. Docker VMM and Apple Virtualization Framework now provide superior performance options, optimized for the latest Apple hardware.

Docker Desktop for Windows on Arm

For specific workloads, particularly those involving parallel computing or Arm-optimized tasks, Arm64 devices can offer significant performance benefits. With Docker Desktop now supporting Windows on Arm, developers can take advantage of these performance boosts while maintaining the familiar Docker Desktop experience, ensuring smooth, efficient operations on this architecture.

Synchronized file shares

Unlike traditional file-sharing mechanisms that can suffer from performance degradation with large projects or frequent file changes, the synchronized file shares feature offers a more stable and performant alternative. It uses efficient synchronization processes to ensure that changes made to files on the host are rapidly reflected in the container, and vice versa, without the bottlenecks or slowdowns experienced with older methods.

This feature is a major performance upgrade for developers who work with shared files between the host and container. It reduces the performance issues related to intensive file system operations and enables smoother, more responsive development workflows. Whether you’re dealing with frequent file changes or working on large, complex projects, synchronized file sharing improves efficiency and ensures that your containers and host remain in sync without delays or excessive resource usage.

Key highlights of synchronized file sharing include:

  • Selective syncing: Developers can choose specific directories to sync, avoiding unnecessary overhead from syncing unneeded files or directories.
  • Faster file changes: It significantly reduces the time it takes for changes made in the host environment to be recognized and applied within containers.
  • Improved performance with large projects: This feature is especially beneficial for large projects with many files, as it minimizes the file-sharing latency that often accompanies such setups.
  • Cross-platform support: Synchronized file sharing is supported on both macOS and Windows, making it versatile across platforms and providing consistent performance.

The synchronized file shares feature is available in Docker Desktop 4.27 and newer releases.

GA for Docker Desktop on Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL)

Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) is known for its high-performance capabilities and efficient resource utilization, which is essential for developers working with resource-intensive applications. Docker Desktop on RHEL enables enterprises to fully leverage these optimizations, providing a smoother, faster experience from development through to production. Moreover, RHEL’s robust security framework ensures that Docker containers run within a highly secure, certified operating system, maintaining strict security policies, patch management, and compliance standards — vital for industries like finance, healthcare, and government.

Continuous performance improvements in every Docker Desktop release

At Docker, we are committed to delivering continuous performance improvements with every release. Recent updates to Docker Desktop have introduced the following optimizations across file sharing and network performance:

  • Advanced VirtioFS optimizations: The performance journey continued in Docker Desktop 4.33 with further fine-tuning of VirtioFS. We increased the directory cache timeout, optimized host change notifications, and removed extra FUSE operations related to security.capability attributes. Additionally, we introduced an API to clear caches after container termination, enhancing overall file-sharing efficiency and container lifecycle management.
  • Faster read and write operations on bind mounts. In Docker Desktop 4.32, we further enhanced VirtioFS performance by optimizing read and write operations on bind mounts. These changes improved I/O throughput, especially when dealing with large files or high-frequency file operations, making Docker Desktop more responsive and efficient for developers.
  • Enhanced caching for faster performance: Continuing with performance gains, Docker Desktop 4.31 brought significant improvements to VirtioFS file sharing by extending attribute caching timeouts and improving invalidation processes. This reduced the overhead of constant file revalidation, speeding up containerized applications that rely on shared files.

Why these updates matter for you

Each update to Docker Desktop is focused on improving speed and reliability, ensuring it scales effortlessly with your infrastructure. Whether you’re using RHEL, Apple Silicon, or Windows Arm, these performance optimizations help you work faster, reduce downtime, and boost productivity. Stay current with the latest updates to keep your development environment running at peak efficiency.

Share your feedback and help us improve

We’re always looking for ways to enhance Docker Desktop and make it the best tool for your development needs. If you have feedback on performance, ideas for improvement, or issues you’d like to discuss, we’d love to hear from you. If you have feedback on performance, ideas for improvement, or issues you’d like to discuss, we’d love to hear from you. Feel free to reach out and schedule time to chat directly with a Docker Desktop Product Manager via Calendly.

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New Docker Desktop Enterprise Admin Features: MSI Installer and Login Enforcement Alternative

3 septembre 2024 à 14:02

At Docker, we continuously strive to enhance the ease and security of our platform for all users. We’re excited to launch the general availability for two significant updates: the Docker Desktop MSI installer and a new sign-in enforcement alternative. These updates aim to streamline administration, improve security, and ensure users can take full advantage of Docker Business subscription features.

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Docker Desktop MSI installer

Replacing an EXE installer with an MSI installer for desktop applications offers numerous advantages, particularly for enterprise customers:

  • Enhanced deployment features: MSI installers provide the ability to manage installations through Group Policy and offer more comprehensive installation and uninstallation control.
  • Easier and more secure mass deployment: Facilitates secure, efficient deployment across multiple devices, enhancing IT administration efficiency.
  • Widely accepted: MSI installers are recognized in both home and enterprise environments.
  • Supports standardized silent install parameters: Aligns with industry standards for silent installations.
  • Ideal for large-scale deployment: MSI files can be customized to include specific options, such as silent installs or custom installation paths, making them perfect for corporate environments.

For customers using Intune MDM, we have detailed documentation to assist with integration: Intune MDM Documentation.

To access the installer, navigate to the Docker Admin Console > Security and Access > Deploy Docker Desktop.

Sign-in enforcement: Streamlined alternative for organizations

Screenshot of sign-in enforcement window, saying "Sign in required! Please sign in to continue using Docker Desktop. You must be a member of the Docker organization." Blue button options are to Close Application or Sign in.
Figure 1: Sign-in enforcement.

Recognizing the need for more streamlined and familiar ways to enforce sign-in protocols, Docker is introducing a new sign-in enforcement mechanism for Windows OS (Figure 1). This update brings several business benefits, including increased user logins and better seat allocation awareness, ultimately helping customers maximize their business subscription features and manage license costs more effectively.

We now offer integration with the Windows Registry, allowing admins to add approved organizations directly within familiar Windows system settings. Find out more.

By moving away from the traditional registry.json method and adopting universally recognized settings, Docker simplifies the process for IT admins already familiar with these systems. This change means:

  • Easier integration: Organizations can seamlessly integrate Docker sign-in enforcement into their existing configuration management workflows.
  • Simplified administration: Reduces the learning curve and eliminates the need for additional internal approvals for new file types.

These changes are designed to offer quick deployment and familiar processes to IT administrators. We are committed to refining these mechanisms based on user feedback and evolving requirements. 

Note that the legacy registry.json method will continue to work, ensuring support for existing customers, but it should now be considered a legacy method. If you roll out a registry key, it will take precedence over any pre-existing registry.json.

Roll out the registry key sign-in enforcement at Docker install time via the --allowed-org flag. 

For example, to deploy the MSI installer with sign-in enforcement, run the following: 

msiexec /i "DockerDesktop.msi" /L*V ".\msi.log" /quiet /norestart ALLOWEDORG="docker.com"

The above command installs Docker Desktop silently with verbose logging, without restarting the system, and it allows only the specified organization (in this case, “docker.com”) to use Docker Desktop by enforcing sign-in.

Check our full step-by-step installation documentation.

Roadmap

We’re also working on several related administrative improvements, such as:

  • PKG enterprise installer for macOS.
  • macOS configuration profiles for enforcing sign-in.
  • Supporting multiple organizations in all available sign-in enforcement mechanism.

Stay tuned for these exciting updates!

Wrapping up

These updates reflect our ongoing commitment to improving the Docker platform for our users. By introducing the Docker Desktop MSI installer and new sign-in enforcement alternatives, we aim to simplify deployment, enhance security, and streamline administration for organizations of all sizes. We encourage IT teams and administrators to start planning for these changes to enhance their Docker experience.

Learn more

Next-Level Error Handling: How Docker Desktop 4.29 Aims to Simplify Developer Challenges

10 avril 2024 à 14:22

Imagine you’re deep in the zone, coding away on a groundbreaking project. The ideas are flowing, the coffee’s still warm, and then — bam! An error message pops up, halting your progress like a red light at a busy intersection. We’ve all been there, staring at cryptic codes or vague advice, feeling more like ancient mariners navigating by the stars than modern developers armed with cutting-edge technology.

This scenario is all too familiar in the world of software development. With an arsenal of tools, languages, platforms, and security protocols at our disposal, the complexity of our work environment has skyrocketed. For developers charting the unexplored territories of innovation, encountering errors can feel like facing a tempest with a leaky boat. But fear not, for Docker Desktop sails to the rescue with a lighthouse’s guidance: a new, intuitive prompt that sheds light on the mysterious seas of error messages.

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Enhancing Docker Desktop with advanced error management

In our Docker Desktop 4.29 release, we’ve embarked on an ambitious journey to elevate the user experience by fundamentally redefining error management. This initiative goes far beyond simple bug fixes; it aims to create a development environment that is not only more efficient and reliable but also more satisfying for developers. At the heart of these enhancements is our unwavering commitment to empowering users and providing them with the tools they need to recover swiftly from any setbacks they may encounter.

This strategic update is built around a core objective: pivoting Docker Desktop toward a model that supports self-service troubleshooting and fosters user resilience. By reimagining errors as opportunities for learning and growth, we’re doing more than just solving technical problems. We’re transforming how developers interact with Docker Desktop, enabling them to overcome challenges confidently and enhance their skills in the process. The changes introduced in Docker Desktop 4.29 signify a significant leap forward in our mission to address user issues and enhance their ability to navigate the complexities of software development with ease and efficiency.

Bridging the gap: From frustration to resolution

Previously, encountering an error in Docker Desktop could feel like reaching a dead end. Users were often greeted with cryptic error codes or minimal guidance, lacking the necessary context for a swift resolution. This outdated approach impeded user experience, efficiency, and overall satisfaction. The contrast with our new system couldn’t be more stark: Users now receive actionable insights when an error arises, ensuring every issue is a step toward a solution (Figure 1).

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Figure 1: Previous Docker Desktop error message: 4.28 and earlier did not provide intuitive instructions on how to remediate.

Empowering users, reducing support tickets

This latest update introduces an intuitive error management interface, direct diagnostic uploads, and self-service remediation options. These enhancements make troubleshooting more accessible and reduce the need for support inquiries, improving Docker Desktop’s usability and reliability specifically in the following ways: 

1. Enhanced error interface: Introducing an updated error interface that combines raw error codes with helpful explanatory text, including links for streamlined support. This not only makes troubleshooting more accessible but also significantly enhances the support process.

2. Direct diagnostic uploads: Users can now easily collect and upload diagnostics directly from the error screen. This feature enhances our support and troubleshooting capabilities, making it easier for users to get the help they need without navigating away from the error context.

3. Reset and exit options: Recognizing that some situations may require more drastic measures, the updated error interface also allows users to reset the application to factory settings or exit the application directly from the error screen (Figure 2).

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Figure 2: New Docker Desktop error message: 4.29 release providing remediation information and diagnostic sharing options.

4. Self-Service Options: For errors within the user’s ability to remedy, the error message now provides a user-friendly technical error description accompanied by clear, actionable buttons for immediate remediation. This reduces the need for support tickets and fosters a sense of user empowerment.

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Figure 3: Error message displaying self-service remediation options.

Conclusion

This update is evidence of our continuous focus on refining and enhancing our Docker Desktop users’ experiences — and there are more updates to come. We’re committed to making every aspect of application development as intuitive and empowering as possible. Look for further improvements as we continue to advance the state of user support and error remediation that supports sky-rocketing your innovation trajectory and productivity.

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Docker Desktop 4.24: Compose Watch, Resource Saver, and Docker Engine

3 octobre 2023 à 14:59

We’re excited to share this month’s highlights that will further improve your Docker experience. Our commitment to supporting your development journey has led to enhancements across our tools, and today, we’re pleased to announce the official General Availability of  Docker Compose Watch and Resource Saver. Combined with our new enhancements to managing Docker Engine in Docker Desktop, these updates will help you be more efficient and make your software development experience more enjoyable.

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Docker Compose Watch is now Generally Available

The Docker Compose Watch GA release marks a significant milestone in our journey. Once labeled alpha as docker-compose watch, this tool is faster, more resilient, and ready to support your development needs effectively.

We’ve been listening to your feedback since its initial alpha launch (introduced in Compose v2.17 and bundled with Docker Desktop 4.18). Our goal was to make it faster and more robust, ensuring a smoother development experience.

We created Docker Compose Watch to enhance your workflow by providing native support for common development tasks, such as hot reloading for front-end development.

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Figure 1: Docker Compose Watch configuration.
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Figure 2: Docker Compose Watch gives developers more control over how local file changes sync into the container.

These improvements mean fewer hiccups during everyday tasks, such as merging branches or switching codebases. Docker Compose Watch now intelligently manages changes, allowing you to focus on what matters most — building great software.

As Docker Compose Watch transitions to General Availability, we thank you for your support and feedback. Your insights have been invaluable in shaping this tool.

Resource Saver is now Generally Available

The performance enhancement feature, Resource Saver, is now Generally Available, supporting automatic low-memory mode for Mac, Windows, and Linux. 

This new feature automatically detects when Docker Desktop is not running containers and dramatically reduces its memory footprint by 10x, freeing up valuable resources on developers’ machines for other tasks and minimizing the risk of lag when navigating across different applications. Memory allocation can now be quick and efficient, resulting in a seamless and performant development experience.

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Figure 3: Docker Desktop resource saver settings tab.

Resource Saver is available to all Desktop users as default, configured from the Resources tab in Settings. For more information, refer to the Docker Desktop’s Resource Saver mode documentation.

Docker Desktop streamlines Docker Engine control: A user-centric upgrade

At Docker, we value your feedback, and one of the most frequently requested features has been an enhancement to Docker Engine’s status and associated actions in Docker Desktop. Listening to your input, we’ve made some straightforward yet impactful UX improvements:

  1. Constant engine status: You’ll now see the engine status at all times, eliminating the need to hover for tooltips.
  2. One-click actions: Common engine and desktop actions like start, pause, and quit are now easily accessible from the dashboard, reducing clicks for everyday tasks.
  3. Enhanced menu visibility: We’ve revamped the menu for greater prominence, making it easier to find essential features, such as Troubleshoot.

What’s in it for you? A more user-friendly Docker experience that minimizes clicks, reduces cognitive load, and provides quicker access to essential actions. We want to hear your thoughts on these improvements, so don’t hesitate to share your feedback via the Give Feedback option in the whale menu!

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Figure 4: Docker Engine status interactive interface supporting stop, start, and pause.

Conclusion

Upgrade now to explore what’s new in the 4.24 release of Docker Desktop. Do you have feedback? Leave feedback on our public GitHub roadmap, and let us know what else you’d like to see in upcoming releases.

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