In this post:

• Air-gapped containers: Ensuring security and compliance
• Accelerating Builds in Docker Desktop with Docker Build Cloud
• Docker Desktop on Windows on Arm (Beta)
• Compose File Viewer (Beta)
• Deep Dive into GitHub Actions Docker Builds with Docker Desktop (Beta)

Docker Desktop’s latest release continues to empower development teams of every size, providing a secure hybrid development launchpad that supports productively building, sharing, and running innovative applications anywhere. 

Highlights from the Docker Desktop 4.31 release include: 

• Air-gapped containers help secure developer environments and apps to ensure peace of mind. 
• Accelerating Builds in Docker Desktop with Docker Build Cloud helps developers build rapidly to increase productivity and ROI.
• Docker Desktop on Windows on Arm (WoA) Beta continues our commitment to supporting the Microsoft Developer ecosystem by leveraging the newest and most advanced development environments.
• Compose File Viewer (Beta) see your Compose configuration with contextual docs.
• Deep Dive into GitHub Actions Docker Builds with Docker Desktop (Beta) that streamline accessing detailed GitHub Actions build summaries, including performance metrics and error reports, directly within the Docker Desktop UI.

Air-gapped containers: Ensuring security and compliance

For our business users, we introduce support for air-gapped containers. This feature allows admins to configure Docker Desktop to restrict containers from accessing the external network (internet) while enabling access to the internal network (private network). Docker Desktop can apply a custom set of proxy rules to network traffic from containers. The proxy can be configured to allow network connections, reject network connections, and tunnel through an HTTP or SOCKS proxy (Figure 1). This enhances security by allowing admins to choose which outgoing TCP ports the policy applies to and whether to forward a single HTTP or SOCKS proxy, or to implement policy per destination via a PAC file.

This functionality enables you to scale securely and is especially crucial for organizations with strict security requirements. Learn more about air-gapped containers on our Docker Docs.  

Accelerating Builds in Docker Desktop with Docker Build Cloud 

Did you know that in your Core Docker Subscription (Personal, Pro, Teams, Business) you have an included allocation of Docker Build Cloud minutes? Yes! This allocation of cloud compute time and shared cache lets you speed up your build times when you’re working with multi-container apps or large repos. 

For organizations, your build minutes are shared across your team, so anyone allocated Docker Build Cloud minutes with their Docker Desktop Teams or Business subscription can leverage available minutes and purchase additional minutes if necessary. Docker Build Cloud works for both developers building locally and in CI/CD.

With Docker Desktop, you can use these minutes to accelerate your time to push and gain access to the Docker Build Cloud dashboard (build.docker.com)  where you can view build history, manage users, and view your usage stats. 

And now, from build.docker.com, you can quickly and easily create your team’s cloud builder using a one-click setup that connects your cloud builder to Docker Desktop. At the same time, you can choose to configure the Build Cloud builder as the default builder in Docker Desktop in about 30 seconds — check the Set the default builder radio button during the Connect via Docker Desktop setup (Figure 2).

Docker Desktop on Windows on Arm

At Microsoft Build, we were thrilled to announce that Docker Desktop is available on Windows on Arm (WoA) as a beta release. This version will be available behind authentication and is aimed at users with Arm-based Windows devices. This feature ensures that developers using these devices can take full advantage of Docker’s capabilities. 

To learn more about leveraging WoA to accelerate your development practices, watch the Microsoft Build Session Introducing the Next Generation of Windows on Arm with Ivette Carreras and Jamshed Damkewala. You can also learn about the other better-together opportunities between Microsoft and Docker by visiting our Microsoft Build Docker Page and reading our event highlights blog post. 

Compose File Viewer (Beta)

With Compose File Viewer (Beta), developers can now see their Docker Compose configuration file in Docker Desktop, with relevant docs linked. This makes it easier to understand your Compose YAML at a glance, with proper syntax highlighting. 

Check out this new File Viewer through the View Configuration option in the Compose command line or by viewing a Compose stack in the Containers tab, then clicking the View Configuration button.

Introducing enhanced CI visibility with GitHub Actions in Docker Desktop

We’re happy to announce the beta release of our new feature for inspecting GitHub Actions builds directly in Docker Desktop. This enhancement provides in-depth summaries of Docker builds, including performance metrics, cache utilization, and detailed error reports. You can download build results as a .dockerbuild archive and inspect them locally using Docker Desktop 4.31. Now you can access all the details about your CI build as if you had reproduced them locally. 

Not familiar with the Builds View in Docker Desktop? It’s a feature we introduced last year to give you greater insight into your local Docker builds. Now, with the import functionality, you can explore the details of your remote builds from GitHub Actions just as thoroughly in a fraction of the time. This new capability aims to improve CI/CD efficiency and collaboration by offering greater visibility into your builds. Update to Docker Desktop 4.31 and configure your GitHub Actions with docker/build-push-action@v5  or docker/bake-action@v4 to get started.

Conclusion 

With this latest release, we’re doubling down on our mission to support Docker Desktop users with the ability to accelerate innovation, enable security at scale, and enhance productivity. 

Stay tuned for additional details and upcoming releases. Thank you for being part of our community as we continuously strive to empower development teams. 

Learn more

• Authenticate and update to receive your subscription level’s newest Docker Desktop features.
• New to Docker? Create an account. 
• Explore the new beta feature: GitHub Actions Docker Builds with Docker Desktop.
• Visit our Microsoft Build Docker Page to learn about our partnership in supporting Microsoft developers.
• Learn how Docker Build Cloud in Docker Desktop can accelerate builds.
• Secure Your Supply Chain with Docker Scout in Docker Desktop.
• Learn more about air-gapped containers.
• Subscribe to the Docker Newsletter.

Docker Desktop now supports running on Windows on Arm (WoA) devices. This exciting development was unveiled during Microsoft’s “Introducing the Next Generation of Windows on Arm” session at Microsoft Build. Docker CTO, Justin Cormack, highlighted how this strategic move will empower developers with even more rapid development capabilities, leveraging Docker Desktop on Arm-powered Windows devices.

The Windows on Arm platform is redefining performance and user experience for applications. With this integration, Docker Desktop extends its reach to a new wave of hardware architectures, broadening the horizons for containerized application development.

Docker Desktop support for Windows on Arm

Read on to learn why Docker Desktop support for Windows on Arm is a game changer for developers and organizations.

Broader accessibility

By supporting Arm devices, Docker Desktop becomes accessible to a wider audience, including users of popular Arm-based devices like the Microsoft devices. This inclusivity fosters a larger, more diverse Docker community, enabling more developers to harness the power of containerization on their preferred devices.

Enhanced developer experience

Developers can seamlessly work on the newest Windows on Arm devices, streamlining the development process and boosting productivity. Docker Desktop’s consistent, cross-platform experience ensures that development workflows remain smooth and efficient, regardless of the underlying hardware architecture.

Future-proofing development

As the tech industry gradually shifts toward Arm architecture for its efficiency and lower power consumption, Docker Desktop’s support for WoA devices ensures we remain at the forefront of innovation. This move future-proofs Docker Desktop, keeping it relevant and competitive as this transition accelerates.

Innovation and experimentation

With Docker Desktop on a new architecture, developers and organizations have more opportunities to innovate and experiment. Whether designing applications for traditional x64 or the emerging Arm ecosystems, Docker Desktop offers a versatile platform for creative exploration.

Market expansion

Furthering compatibility in the Windows Arm space opens new markets and opportunities for Docker, including new relationships with device manufacturers and increased adoption in sectors prioritizing energy efficiency and portability while supporting Docker’s users and customers in leveraging the dev environments that support their goals.

Accelerating developer innovation with Microsoft’s investment in WoA dev tooling

Windows on Arm is arguably as successful as it has ever been. Today, multiple Arm-powered Windows laptops and tablets are available, capable of running nearly the entire range of Windows apps thanks to x86-to-Arm code translation. While Windows on Arm still represents a small fraction of the entire Windows ecosystem, the development of native Arm apps provides a wealth of fresh opportunities for AI innovation.

Microsoft’s investments align with Docker’s strategic goals of cross-platform compatibility and user-centric development, ensuring Docker remains at the forefront of containerization technologies in a diversifying hardware landscape.

Expand your development landscape with Docker Desktop on Windows Arm devices. Update to Docker Desktop 4.31 or consider upgrading to Pro or Business subscriptions to unlock the full potential of cross-platform containerization. Embrace the future of development with Docker, where innovation, efficiency, and cross-platform compatibility drive progress.

Learn more

• Watch the Docker Breakout Session Optimizing the Microsoft developer experience with Docker to learn more about Docker and Microsoft better together opportunities.
• Authenticate and update to receive the newest Docker Desktop features per your subscription level.
• New to Docker? Create an account.
• Learn about Docker Build Cloud and how you can leverage cloud resources directly from Docker Desktop.
• Subscribe to the Docker Newsletter.

We are thrilled to announce Docker’s participation at Microsoft Build, which will be held May 21-23 in Seattle, Washington, and online. We’ll showcase how our deep collaboration with Microsoft is revolutionizing the developer experience. Join us to discover the newest and upcoming solutions that enhance productivity, secure applications, and accelerate the development of AI-driven applications.

Our presence at Microsoft Build is more than just a showcase — it’s a portal to the future of application development. Visit our booth to interact with Docker experts, experience live demos, and explore the powerful capabilities of Docker Desktop and other Docker products. Whether you’re new to Docker or looking to deepen your expertise, our team is ready to help you unlock new opportunities in your development projects.

Sessions featuring Docker

• Optimizing the Microsoft Developer Experience with Docker: Dive into our partnership with Microsoft and learn how to leverage Docker in Azure, Windows, and Dev Box environments to streamline your development processes. This session is your key to mastering the inner loop of development with efficiency and innovation.
• Shifting Test Left with Docker and Microsoft: Learn how to address app quality challenges before the continuous integration stage using Tescontainers Cloud and Docker Debug. Discover how these tools aid in rapid and effective debugging, enabling you to streamline the debugging process for both active and halted containers and create testing efficiencies at scale.
• Securing Dockerized Apps in the Microsoft Ecosystem: Learn about Docker’s integrated tools for securing your software supply chain in Microsoft environments. This session is essential for developers aiming to enhance security and compliance while maintaining agility and innovation.
• Innovating the SDLC with Insights from Docker CTO Justin Cormack: In this interview, Docker’s CTO will share insights on advancing the SDLC through Docker’s innovative toolsets and partnerships. Watch Thursday 1:45pm PT from the Microsoft Build stage or our Featured Partner page. 
• Introducing the Next Generation of Windows on ARM: Experience a special session featuring Docker CTO Justin Cormack as he discusses Docker’s role in expanding the Windows on ARM64 ecosystem, alongside a Microsoft executive.

Where to find us

You can also visit us at Docker booth #FP29 to get hands-on experience and view demos of some of our newest solutions.

If you cannot attend in person, the MSBuild online experience is free. Explore our Microsoft Featured Partner page.

We hope you’ll be able to join us at Microsoft Build — in person or online — to explore how Docker and Microsoft are revolutionizing application development with innovative, secure, and AI-enhanced solutions. Whether you attend in person or watch the sessions on-demand, you’ll gain essential insights and skills to enhance your projects. Don’t miss this chance to be at the forefront of technology. We are eager to help you navigate the exciting future of AI-driven applications and look forward to exploring new horizons of technology together.

Learn more

• Explore our Microsoft Featured Partner page.
• New to Docker? Create an account. 
• Learn how Docker Build Cloud in Docker Desktop can accelerate builds.
• Secure your supply chain with Docker Scout in Docker Desktop.
• Start testing with Testcontainers Cloud.
• Subscribe to the Docker Newsletter.

In this post:

• Enhancing connectivity with SOCKS proxy support in Docker Desktop
• Seamless integration of Docker Desktop with NTLM and Kerberos proxies
• Docker Desktop with Enhanced Container Isolation for build commands
• Docker Desktop for WSL 2: A leap towards simplification and speed
• Enhance your Docker builds experience with new Docker Desktop Build features
• Reimagining dev environments: Streamlining development workflows
• Docker Desktop support for RHEL beta

Docker Desktop is elevating its capabilities with crucial updates that streamline development workflows and enhance security for developers and enterprises alike. Key enhancements in Docker Desktop 4.30 include improved SOCKS5 proxy support for seamless network connectivity, advanced integration with NTLM and Kerberos for smoother authentication processes, and extended Enhanced Container Isolation (ECI) to secure build environments. Additionally, administrative ease is boosted by simplifying sign-in enforcement through familiar system settings, and WSL 2 configurations have been optimized to enhance performance.

In this blog post, we’ll describe these enhancements and also provide information on future features and available beta features such as Docker Desktop on Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL). Read on to learn more about how these updates are designed to maximize the efficiency and security of your Docker Desktop experience.

Enhancing connectivity with SOCKS proxy support in Docker Desktop

Docker Desktop now supports SOCKS5 proxies, a significant enhancement that broadens its usability in corporate environments where SOCKS proxy is the primary means for internet access or is used to connect to company intranets. This new feature allows users to configure Docker Desktop to route HTTP/HTTPS traffic through SOCKS proxies, enhancing network flexibility and security.

Users can easily configure Docker Desktop to access the internet using socks5:// proxy URLs. This ensures that all outgoing requests, including Docker pulls and other internet access on ports 80/443, are routed through the chosen SOCKS proxy.

• The proxy configuration can manually be specified in Settings > Resources > Proxies > Manual proxy configuration, by adding the socks5://host:port URL in the Secure Web Server HTTPS box.
• Automatic detection of SOCKS proxies specified in .pac files is also supported.

This advancement not only improves Docker Desktop’s functionality for developers needing robust proxy support but also aligns with business needs for secure and versatile networking solutions. This new feature is available to Docker Business subscribers. 

Visit Docker Docs for detailed information on setting up and utilizing SOCKS proxy support in Docker Desktop.

Seamless integration of Docker Desktop with NTLM and Kerberos proxies

Proxy servers are vital in corporate networks, ensuring security and efficient traffic management. Recognizing their importance, Docker Desktop has evolved to enhance integration with these secured environments, particularly on Windows. Traditional basic authentication often presented challenges, such as repeated login prompts and security concerns. 

Docker Desktop 4.30 introduces major upgrades by supporting advanced authentication protocols such as Kerberos and NTLM, which streamline the user experience by handling the proxy handshake invisibly and reducing interruptions.

These updates simplify workflows and improve security and performance, allowing developers and admins to focus more on their tasks and less on managing access issues. The new version promises a seamless, secure, and more efficient interaction with corporate proxies, making Docker Desktop a more robust tool in today’s security-conscious corporate settings.

For a deeper dive into how Docker Desktop is simplifying proxy navigation and enhancing your development workflow within the Docker Business subscription, be sure to read the full blog post.

Docker Desktop with Enhanced Container Isolation for build commands

Docker Desktop’s latest update marks an important advancement in container security by extending Enhanced Container Isolation (ECI) to docker build and docker buildx commands. This means docker build/buildx commands run in rootless mode when ECI is enabled, thereby protecting the host machine against malicious containers inadvertently used as dependencies while building container images.

This update is significant as it addresses previous limitations where ECI protected containers initiated with docker run but did not extend the same level of security to containers created during the build processes — unless the build was done with the docker-container build driver. 

Prior limitations:

• Limited protection: Before this update, while ECI effectively safeguarded containers started with docker run, those spawned by docker build or docker buildx commands, using the default “docker” build driver, did not benefit from this isolation, posing potential security risks.
• Security vulnerabilities: Given the nature of build processes, they can be susceptible to various security vulnerabilities, which previously might not have been adequately mitigated. This gap in protection could expose Docker Desktop users to risks during the build phase.

Enhancements in Docker Desktop 4.30:

• Rootless build operations: By extending ECI to include build commands, Docker Desktop now ensures that builds run rootless, significantly enhancing security.
• Comprehensive protection: This extension of ECI now includes support for docker builds on all platforms (Mac, Windows, Hyper-V, Linux), except Windows WSL, ensuring that all phases of container operation — both runtime and build — are securely isolated.
  

This development not only strengthens security across Docker Desktop’s operations but also aligns with Docker’s commitment to providing comprehensive security solutions. By safeguarding the entire lifecycle of container management, Docker ensures that users are protected against potential vulnerabilities from development to deployment.

To understand the full scope of these changes and how to leverage them within your Docker Business Subscription, visit the Enhanced Container Isolation docs for additional guidance.

Docker Desktop for WSL 2: A leap toward simplification and speed

We’re excited to announce an update to Docker Desktop that enhances its performance on Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL 2) by reducing the complexity of the setup process. This update simplifies the WSL 2 setup by consolidating the previously required two Docker Desktop WSL distributions into one.

The simplification of Docker Desktop’s WSL 2 setup is designed to make the codebase easier to understand and maintain, improving our ability to handle failures more effectively. Most importantly, this change will also enhance the startup speed of Docker Desktop on WSL 2, allowing you to get to work faster than ever before.

What’s changing?

Phase 1: Starting with Docker Desktop 4.30, we are rolling out this update incrementally on all fresh installations. If you’re setting up Docker Desktop for the first time, you’ll experience a more streamlined installation process with reduced setup complexity right away.

Phase 2: We plan to introduce data migration in a future update, further enhancing the system’s efficiency and user experience. This upcoming phase will ensure that existing users also benefit from these improvements without any hassle.

To take advantage of phase 1, we encourage all new and existing users to upgrade to Docker Desktop 4.30. By doing so, you’ll be prepared to seamlessly transition to the enhanced version as we roll out subsequent phases.

Keep an eye out for more updates as we continue to refine Docker Desktop and enrich your development experience. 

Enhance your Docker Builds experience with new Docker Desktop Build features

Docker Desktop’s latest updates bring significant improvements to the Builds View, enhancing both the management and transparency of your build processes. These updates are designed to make Docker Desktop an indispensable tool for developers seeking efficiency and detailed insights into their builds.

Bulk delete enhancements:

• Extended bulk delete capability: The ability to bulk delete builds has been expanded beyond the current page. Now, by defining a search or query, you can effortlessly delete all builds that match your specified criteria across multiple pages.
• Simplified user experience: With the new Select all link next to the header, managing old or unnecessary builds becomes more straightforward, allowing you to maintain a clean and organized build environment with minimal effort (Figure 1).

Build provenance and OpenTelemetry traces:

• Provenance and dependency insights: The updated Builds View now includes an action menu that offers access to the dependencies and provenance of each build (Figure 2). This feature enables access to the origin details and the context of the builds for deeper inspection, enhancing security and compliance.
• OpenTelemetry integration: For advanced debugging, Docker Desktop lets you download OpenTelemetry traces to inspect build performance in Jaeger. This integration is crucial for identifying and addressing performance bottlenecks efficiently. Also, depending on your build configuration, you can now download the provenance to inspect the origin details for the build.

Overall, these features work together to provide a more streamlined and insightful build management experience, enabling developers to focus more on innovation and less on administrative tasks. 

For more detailed information on how to leverage these new functionalities and optimize your Docker Desktop experience, make sure to visit Builds documentation.

Reimagining Dev Environments: Streamlining development workflows

We are evolving our approach to development environments as part of our continuous effort to refine Docker Desktop and enhance user experience. Since its launch in 2021, Docker Desktop’s Dev Environments feature has been a valuable tool for developers to quickly start projects from GitHub repositories or local directories. However, to better align with our users’ evolving needs and feedback, we will be transitioning from the existing Dev Environments feature to a more robust and integrated solution in the near future. 

What does that mean to those using Dev Environments today? The feature is unchanged. Starting with the Docker Desktop 4.30 release, though, new users trying out Dev Environments will need to explicitly turn it on in Beta features settings. This change is part of our broader initiative to streamline Docker Desktop functionalities and introduce new features in the future (Figure 3).

We understand the importance of a smooth transition and are committed to providing detailed guidance and support to our users when we officially announce the evolution of Dev Environments. Until then, you can continue to leverage Dev Environments and look forward to additional functionality to come.

Docker Desktop support for Red Hat Enterprise Linux beta

As part of Docker’s commitment to broadening its support for enterprise-grade operating systems, we are excited to announce the expansion of Docker Desktop to include compatibility with Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) distributions, specifically versions 8 and 9. This development is designed to support our users in enterprise environments where RHEL is widely used, providing them with the same seamless Docker experience they expect on other platforms.

To provide feedback on this new beta functionality, engage your Account Executive or join the Docker Desktop Preview Program.

As Docker Desktop continues to evolve, the latest updates are set to significantly enhance the platform’s efficiency and security. From integrating advanced proxy support with SOCKS5, NTLM, and Kerberos to streamlining administrative processes and optimizing WSL 2 setups, these improvements are tailored to meet the needs of modern developers and enterprises. 

With the addition of exciting upcoming features and beta opportunities like Docker Desktop on Red Hat Enterprise Linux, Docker remains committed to providing robust, secure, and user-friendly solutions. Stay connected with us to explore how these continuous advancements can transform your development workflows and enhance your Docker experience.

Learn more

• Read Navigating Proxy Servers with Ease: New Advancements in Docker Desktop 4.30.
• Authenticate and update to receive the newest Docker Desktop features per your subscription level.
• New to Docker? Create an account. 
• Learn how Docker Build Cloud in Docker Desktop can accelerate builds.
• Secure your supply chain with Docker Scout in Docker Desktop.
• Subscribe to the Docker Newsletter.
• Have questions? The Docker community is here to help.

The release of Docker Desktop 4.29 introduces enhancements to secure and streamline the development process and to improve error management and workflow efficiency. With the integration of Enhanced Container Isolation (ECI) with Docker socket mount permissions, the debut of Moby 26 within Docker Desktop, and exciting features such as Docker Compose enhancements via synchronized file shares reaching beta release, we’re equipping developers with the essential resources to tackle the complexities of modern development head-on.

Dive into the details to discover these new enhancements and get a sneak peek at exciting advancements currently in beta release.

In this post:

• Enhanced Container Isolation with Docker socket mount permissions
• Advanced error management in Docker Desktop
• New in Docker Engine: Volume subpath mounts, networking enhancements, BuildKit 0.13, and more
• Beta release highlights
• Docker Debug in Docker Desktop GUI and CLI
• Improved volume backup capabilities 
• Support for host network mode on Docker Desktop for Mac and Windows
• Enhancing security with Docker Desktop’s new air-gapped containers
• Compose bind mount support with synchronized file shares 

Enhanced Container Isolation with Docker socket mount permissions 

We’re pleased to unveil a new feature in the latest Docker Desktop release, now in General Availability to Business subscribers, that further improves Desktop’s Enhanced Container Isolation (ECI) mode: Docker socket mount permissions. This update blends robust security with the flexibility you love, allowing you to enjoy key development tools like Testcontainers with the peace of mind provided by ECI’s unprivileged containers. Initially launched in beta with Docker Desktop 4.27, this update moves the ECI Docker socket mount permissions feature to General Availability (GA), demonstrating our commitment to making Docker Desktop the best modern application development platform.

The Docker Engine socket, a crucial component for container management, has historically been a vector for potential security risks. Unauthorized access could enable malicious activities, such as supply chain attacks. However, legitimate use cases, like the Testcontainers framework, require socket access for operational tasks.

With ECI, Docker Desktop enhances security by default, blocking unapproved bind-mounting of the Docker Engine socket into containers. Yet, recognizing the need for flexibility, we introduce controlled access through admin-settings.json configuration. This allows specified images to bind-mount the Docker socket, combining security with functionality. 

Key features include:

• Selective permissions: Admins can now specify which container images can access the Docker socket through a curated imageList, ensuring that only trusted containers have the necessary permissions.
• Command restrictions: The commandList feature further tightens security by limiting the Docker commands approved containers can execute, acting as a secondary defense layer.

While we celebrate this release, our journey doesn’t stop here. We’re continuously exploring ways to expand Docker Desktop’s capabilities, ensuring our users can access the most secure, efficient, and user-friendly containerization tools.

Stay tuned for further security enhancements, including our beta release of air-gapped containers. Update to Docker Desktop 4.29 to start leveraging the full potential of Enhanced Container Isolation with Docker socket mount permissions today.

Advanced error management in Docker Desktop 

We’re redefining error management to significantly improve the developer experience. This update isn’t just about fixing bugs; it’s a comprehensive overhaul aimed at making the development process more efficient, reliable, and user-friendly.

Central to this update is our shift toward self-service troubleshooting and resilience, transforming errors from roadblocks into opportunities for growth and learning. The new system presents actionable insights for errors, ensuring developers can swiftly move toward a resolution.

Key enhancements include:

• An enhanced error interface: Combining error codes with explanatory text and support links, making troubleshooting straightforward.
• Direct diagnostic uploads: Allowing users to share diagnostics from the error screen, streamlining support. 
• Reset and exit options: Offering quick fixes directly from the error interface.
• Self-service remediation: Providing clear, actionable steps for users to resolve issues independently (Figure 1).

This update marks a significant leap in our commitment to enhancing the Docker Desktop user experience, empowering developers, and reducing the need for support tickets. Read Next-Level Error Handling: How Docker Desktop 4.29 Aims to Simplify Developer Challenges to dive deeper into these enhancements in our blog and discover how Docker Desktop 4.29 is setting a new standard for error management and developer support.

New in Docker Engine: Volume subpath mounts, networking enhancements, BuildKit 0.13, and more 

In the latest Docker Engine update, Moby 26, packaged in Docker Desktop 4.29, introduces several enhancements aimed at enriching the developer experience. Here’s the breakdown of what’s new: 

• Volume subpath mounts: Responding to widespread user requests, we’ve made it possible to mount a subdirectory as a named volume. This addition enhances flexibility and control over data management within containers. Detailed guidance on specifying these mounts is available in the docs. 
• Networking enhancements: Significant improvements have been made to bolster the stability of networking capabilities within the engine, along with preliminary efforts to support future IPv6 enhancements.
• Integration of BuildKit 0.13: Among other updates, this BuildKit version includes experimental support for Windows Containers, ensuring builds remain dependable and efficient.
• Streamlined API: Deprecated API versions have been removed, concentrating on quality enhancements and promoting a more secure, reliable environment.
• Multi-platform image enhancements: In this release, you’ll see an improved docker images UX as we’ve combined image entries for multi-platform images.

Beta release highlights

Docker Debug in Docker Desktop GUI and CLI 

Docker Debug (Beta), a recent addition to Docker Desktop, streamlines the debugging process for developers. This feature, accessible in Docker Pro, Teams, and Business subscriptions, offers a shell for efficiently debugging both local and remote containerized applications — even those that fail to run. With Docker Debug, developers can swiftly pinpoint and address issues, freeing up more time for innovation.

Now, in beta release, Docker Debug introduces comprehensive debugging directly from the Docker Desktop CLI for active and inactive containers alike. Moreover, the Docker Desktop GUI has been enhanced with an intuitive option: Click the toggle in the Exec tab within a container to switch on Debug mode to start debugging with the necessary tools at your fingertips.

To dive into Docker Debug, ensure you’re logged in with your subscription account, then initiate debugging by executing docker debug <Container or Image name> in the CLI or by selecting a container from the GUI container list for immediate debugging from any device local or in the cloud.

Improved volume backup capabilities 

With our latest release, we’re elevating volume backup capabilities in Docker Desktop, introducing an upgraded feature set in beta release. This enhancement directly integrates the Volumes Backup & Share extension directly into Docker Desktop, streamlining your backup processes. 

This release marks a significant step forward, but it’s just the beginning. We’re committed to expanding these capabilities, adding even more value in future updates. Start exploring the new feature today and prepare for an enhanced backup experience soon.

Support for host network mode on Docker Desktop for Mac and Windows 

Support for host network mode (docker run –net=host), previously limited to Linux users, is now available for Mac and Windows Docker Desktop users, offering enhanced networking capabilities and flexibility.

With host network mode support, Docker Desktop becomes a more versatile tool for advanced networking tasks, such as dynamic network penetration testing, without predefined port mappings. This feature is especially useful for applications requiring the ability to dynamically accept connections on various ports, just as if they were running directly on the host. Features include:

• Simplified networking: Eases the setup for complex networking tasks, facilitating security testing and the development of network-centric applications.
• Greater flexibility: Allows containers to use the host’s network stack, avoiding the complexities of port forwarding.

Enhancing security with Docker Desktop’s new air-gapped containers

Docker Desktop’s latest beta feature, air-gapped containers, is now available in version 4.29, reflecting our deep investment in security enhancements. This Business subscription feature empowers administrators to limit container access to network resources, tightening security across containerized applications by: 

• Restricting network access: Ensuring containers communicate only with approved sources.
• Customizing proxy rules: Allowing detailed control over container traffic.
• Enhancing data protection: Preventing unauthorized data transfer in or out of containers.

The introduction of air-gapped containers is part of our broader effort to make Docker Desktop not just a development tool, but an even more secure development environment. We’re excited about the potential this feature holds for enhancing security protocols and simplifying the management of sensitive data.

Compose bind mount support with synchronized file shares 

We’re elevating the Docker Compose experience for our subscribers by integrating synchronized file shares (SFS) directly into Compose. This feature eradicates the sluggishness typically associated with managing large codebases in containers. Formerly known as Mutagen, synchronized file shares enhances bind mounts with native filesystem performance, accelerating file operations by an impressive 2-10x. This leap forward is incredibly impactful for developers handling extensive codebases, effortlessly streamlining their workflow.

With a Docker subscription, you’ll find that Docker Compose and SFS work together seamlessly, automatically optimizing bind mounts to significantly boost synchronization speeds. This integration requires no additional configuration; Compose intelligently activates SFS whenever a bind mount is used, instantly enhancing your development process.

Enabling synchronized file shares in Compose is simple:

1. Log into Docker Desktop.
2. Under Settings, navigate to Features in development and choose the Experimental features tab.
3. Enable Access experimental features and Manage Synchronized file shares with Compose.

Once set up via Docker Desktop settings, these folders act as standard bind mounts with the added benefit of SFS speed enhancements. 

If your Compose project relies on a bind mount that could benefit from synchronized file shares, the initial share creation must be done through the Docker Desktop GUI.

Embrace the future of Docker Compose with Docker Desktop’s synchronized file shares and transform your development workflow with unparalleled speed and efficiency.

Try Docker Desktop 4.29 now

Docker Desktop 4.29 introduces updates focused on innovation, security, and enhancing the developer experience. This release integrates community feedback and advances Docker’s capabilities, providing solutions that meet developers’ and businesses’ immediate needs while setting the stage for future features. We advise all Docker users to upgrade to version 4.29. Please note that access to certain features in this release requires authentication and may be contingent upon your subscription tier. We encourage you to evaluate your feature needs and select the subscription level that best suits your requirements.

Join the conversation

Dive into the discussion and contribute to the evolution of Docker Desktop. Use our feedback form to share your thoughts and let us know how to improve the Hardened Desktop features. Your input directly influences the development roadmap, ensuring Docker Desktop meets and exceeds our community and customers’ needs.

Learn more

• Authenticate and update to receive the newest Docker Desktop features per your subscription level.
• New to Docker? Create an account.
• Read the Docker Desktop Release Notes.
• Read Next-Level Error Handling: How Docker Desktop 4.29 Aims to Simplify Developer Challenges.
• Learn about Docker Build Cloud and how you can leverage cloud resources directly from Docker Desktop.
• Subscribe to the Docker Newsletter.
• Have questions? The Docker community is here to help.

Docker Desktop 4.28 introduces updates to file-sharing controls, focusing on security and administrative ease. Responding to feedback from our business users, this update brings refined file-sharing capabilities and path allow-listing, aiming to simplify management and enhance security for IT administrators and users alike.

Along with our investments in bringing access to cloud resources within the local Docker Desktop experience with Docker Build Cloud Builds view, this release provides a more efficient and flexible platform for development teams.

Introducing enhanced file-sharing controls in Docker Desktop Business 

As we continue to innovate and elevate the Docker experience for our business customers, we’re thrilled to unveil significant upgrades to the Docker Desktop’s Hardened Desktop feature. Recognizing the importance of administrative control over Docker Desktop settings, we’ve listened to your feedback and are introducing enhancements prioritizing security and ease of use.

For IT administrators and non-admin users, Docker now offers the much-requested capability to specify and manage file-sharing options directly via Settings Management (Figure 1). This includes:

• Selective file sharing: Choose your preferred file-sharing implementation directly from Settings > General, where you can choose between VirtioFS, gRPC FUSE, or osxfs. VirtioFS is only available for macOS versions 12.5 and above and is turned on by default.
• Path allow-listing: Precisely control which paths users can share files from, enhancing security and compliance across your organization.

We’ve also reimagined the Settings > Resources > File Sharing interface to enhance your interaction with Docker Desktop (Figure 2). You’ll notice:

• Clearer error messaging: Quickly understand and rectify issues with enhanced error messages.
• Intuitive action buttons: Experience a smoother workflow with redesigned action buttons, making your Docker Desktop interactions as straightforward as possible.

These enhancements are not just about improving current functionalities; they’re about unlocking new possibilities for your Docker experience. From increased security controls to a more navigable interface, every update is designed with your efficiency in mind.

Refining development with Docker Desktop’s Builds view update 

Docker Desktop’s previous update introduced Docker Build Cloud integration, aimed at reducing build times and improving build management. In this release, we’re landing incremental updates that refine the Builds view, making it easier and faster to manage your builds.

New in Docker Desktop 4.28:

• Dedicated tabs: Separates active from completed builds for better organization (Figure 3).
• Build insights: Displays build duration and cache steps, offering more clarity on the build process.
• Reliability fixes: Resolves issues with updates for a more consistent experience.
• UI improvements: Updates the empty state view for a clearer dashboard experience (Figure 4).

These updates are designed to streamline the build management process within Docker Desktop, leveraging Docker Build Cloud for more efficient builds.

To explore how Docker Desktop and Docker Build Cloud can optimize your development workflow, read our Docker Build Cloud blog post. Experience the latest Builds view update to further enrich your local, hybrid, and cloud-native development journey.

These Docker Desktop updates support improved platform security and a better user experience. By introducing more detailed file-sharing controls, we aim to provide developers with a more straightforward administration experience and secure environment. As we move forward, we remain dedicated to refining Docker Desktop to meet the evolving needs of our users and organizations, enhancing their development workflows and agility to innovate.

Join the conversation and make your mark

Dive into the dialogue and contribute to the evolution of Docker Desktop. Use our feedback form to share your thoughts and let us know how to improve the Hardened Desktop features. Your input directly influences the development roadmap, ensuring Docker Desktop meets and exceeds our community and customers’ needs.

Learn more

• Authenticate and update to receive the newest Docker Desktop features per your subscription level.
• New to Docker? Create an account. 
• Read our latest blog on synchronized file shares.
• Read about what rolled out in Docker Desktop 4.27, including synchronized file shares, Docker Init GA, a private marketplace for extensions, Moby 25, support for Testcontainers with ECI, Docker Build Cloud, and Docker Debug Beta.
• Learn about Docker Build Cloud.
• Subscribe to the Docker Newsletter.

Docker’s commitment to empowering developers and organizations is evident in its ongoing investment in the Docker Business subscription, which includes Docker Desktop, Docker Hub, and Docker Scout. Through collaborative efforts with a vibrant user community and customers, Docker has pioneered best practices and innovations that significantly streamline application development workflows. 

Today, Docker Business — Docker’s solution that supports organizations of every size in optimizing DevOps, CI/CD, debugging, and IT processes — marks a significant step in enhancing enterprise development efficiency. The recent Forrester Total Economic Impact™ (TEI) study commissioned by Docker underscores for us the measurable benefits experienced by Docker Business users, including accelerated development agility, reduced time-to-market, and substantial cost savings.

Maximizing resource efficiency with Docker 

Docker Business transforms the developer experience by simplifying workflows across multiple development phases. While its prowess lies in optimizing DevOps, CI/CD, and IT processes, Docker’s solution does this by consistently supporting a higher quality and more intuitive management experience for seamlessly packaging, distributing, and executing applications across diverse computing environments.

This way of offering a combined developer interface and toolset makes creating containerized applications easier. This approach also reduces complications linked to separate solutions and old-style virtual machines (VMs), making data centers work more efficiently.

Enhanced security and rapid deployment

Security remains a pivotal focus for Docker Business, employing robust measures like isolation and encryption to safeguard applications and data. The streamlined development cycles enabled by Docker Business expedite application deployment and testing, fostering a culture of innovation and agility within enterprises.

Key insights from the Forrester TEI™ Study

Forrester conducted comprehensive interviews with representatives from top global technology manufacturers, consolidated and referred to as a composite organization, uncovering Docker Business’s capacity to tackle issues associated with slow legacy systems and costly VM dependencies. The study also shows compelling statistics highlighting Docker Business’s impact on the composite organization:

• 6% increase in application developer productivity
• Improved DevOps engineer-to-developer ratio from 1:20 to 1:60
• 3x reduction in servers due to increased VM density
• 3 months faster time-to-market for revenue-generating applications

Embrace Docker Business for transformational outcomes

The transformative potential of Docker Business is evident in its effective resolution of legacy system challenges and dependency on traditional VMs with a secure and flexible development platform built to ensure enterprises, teams, and developers’ success. Docker Business opens the door to remarkable benefits for organizations by enhancing developer velocity, accelerating development agility, reducing time-to-market, and delivering substantial cost savings to the business.

Download the full Forrester Total Economic Impact™ (TEI) study to learn more about how Docker Business with Docker Desktop, Docker Hub, and Docker Scout fosters a positive total economic impact.

Learn more

• Download the Forrester Total Economic Impact™ (TEI) study.
• Get the latest release of Docker Desktop.

We’re happy to announce the release of Docker Desktop 4.26, which delivers the latest breakthroughs in Rosetta for Docker Desktop optimization, transforming the Docker experience for all users. The new release also boosts developer productivity by solving common issues such as Node.js freezes and PHP segmentation faults and supercharges performance with speed enhancements and a new view into your Docker Desktop builds.

Read on to learn how Rosetta slashes Linux kernel build times, accelerates PHP projects, and optimizes image building on Apple silicon. Additionally, we are introducing PHP support in Docker Init and enabling administrators to manage access to Docker Desktop Beta and Experimental Features.

Upgrade to Docker Desktop 4.26 and explore these updates, which enable smoother development experiences and seamless containerization for diverse tech stacks.

Rosetta for Docker Desktop

Docker Desktop 4.26 ensures a smoother Rosetta for Docker Desktop experience:

• Node.js freezing for extended periods? Fixed.
• PHP encountering segmentation faults? Resolved.
• Programs dependent on chroot? Also addressed.
• Rosetta hangs on Sonoma 14.0? No more.

Moreover, our team has been hard at work improving Rosetta’s performance in specific scenarios. Consider, for example, building projects like PostHog for both AMD64 and Arm64. Previously clocking in at 17 minutes, it’s now achieved in less than 6 minutes. 

You will now be able to experience the power of Rosetta for Docker Desktop as it reduces Linux kernel build time from 39 minutes to 17 minutes with just 10 CPUs and QEMU. 

PHP and Composer users will discover that building Sylius Standard from scratch now takes only 6 minutes (down from 20) with Docker Desktop’s default configuration on Rosetta.

While building AMD64 images on Apple silicon with Rosetta is faster than ever, native Arm64 images remain the speediest option. Docker Hub hosts a variety of Arm64 images for your preferred language, ensuring fast performance for your projects. 

Introducing PHP support in Docker Init

We want to ensure that we continue making Docker easier for all of our users and all languages. Based on user insights, we’ve launched Docker Init (Beta) — simplifying containerization for various tech stacks. (Read “Docker Init: Initialize Dockerfiles and Compose files with a single CLI command” to learn more.)

Docker Init automatically generates Dockerfiles, Compose YAML, and `.dockerignore` files by detecting your application’s language and runtime specifics. Initially supporting Golang, Python, Node, Rust, and ASP.NET Core, Docker Init offers PHP web application support in Docker Desktop 4.26 (Figure 1).

Users can now create Dockerfiles for PHP projects, covering Apache-based web applications using Composer for managing dependencies.

Get started by ensuring you have the latest Docker Desktop version. Then, execute docker init in your project directory through the command line. Let Docker Init handle the heavy lifting, allowing you to concentrate on your core task — building outstanding applications.

Introducing Docker Desktop’s Builds view GA

For engineers focused on innovation, build issues can be a major roadblock. That’s why we’re happy to announce the general availability of the Builds view, offering detailed insights into build performance. Get live updates on your builds, analyze past performance, and troubleshoot errors and cache issues.

The Builds view simplifies troubleshooting by retaining past build data, ensuring you can diagnose failures long after losing terminal logs. Easily explore runtime context, including arguments and the complete Dockerfile. Access the full build log directly from the UI, eliminating the need to re-run builds for a detailed overview (Figure 2).

Read the announcement blog post to learn more about the Builds view GA release.

Admin update: Managing access to Docker Beta and Experimental Features 

At Docker, we continuously experiment and deliver the latest features directly into the hands of our users and customers. We’re dedicated to empowering Docker administrators by offering increased control over how these innovations are introduced within their development organizations. Through the flexibility of the admin-settings.json, administrators can now fine-tune feature accessibility (Figure 3).

This update enables precise customization, allowing admins to align Docker’s Beta and Experimental Features with their organization’s specific requirements. Whether restricting access to individual tabs or implementing comprehensive controls across the board, this enhancement caters to diverse development practices, providing the flexibility needed to optimize the Docker experience for every user (Figure 4).

Refer to the documentation for more on configuration settings management.

Develop in the cloud with Docker Desktop and Microsoft Dev Box

In addition to running Docker Desktop from the comfort of your personal computer, you can now leverage this familiar experience within the cloud with Microsoft Dev Box. In a Microsoft Ignite session and a recent blog post, developers got their first glimpse of how easy it can be to create containers in the cloud with Docker Desktop and Microsoft Dev Box.  

We invite you to navigate to the Azure Marketplace to download the public preview of the Docker Desktop-Dev Box compatible image and start developing in the cloud with a native experience. Additionally, this image can be activated with your current subscription, or you can buy a Docker Business subscription directly on Azure Marketplace.

Conclusion

Stay tuned for more groundbreaking developments and optimizations to streamline your Docker experience. Your feedback fuels our progress, and we’re committed to delivering solutions that simplify development and empower every user.

Upgrade to Docker Desktop 4.26 to explore these updates and experiment with Docker’s latest features.

Learn more

• Read the Docker Desktop Release Notes.
• Install the latest release of Docker Desktop.
• Learn about Docker Desktop Now in Microsoft Dev Box.
• Read Docker Init: Initialize Dockerfiles and Compose files with a single CLI command.
• Have questions? The Docker community is here to help.
• New to Docker? Get started.