How do I install Docker Desktop on Mac?

Open Terminal, install Homebrew if you haven't already (visit brew.sh), then run `brew install --cask docker`. The app will be downloaded and installed automatically. You can then run `docker` from Terminal.

Is Docker Desktop free?

Yes, Docker Desktop is completely free to use.

How do I uninstall Docker Desktop?

Open Terminal and run `brew uninstall --cask docker`. Homebrew will remove Docker Desktop and all associated files cleanly. You can verify it was removed by running `brew list`.

What are alternatives to Docker Desktop?

There are several developer tools apps available for macOS. Browse the Developer Tools category on Bundl.run to compare features, popularity, and install counts for similar tools.

How do I update Docker Desktop to the latest version?

Run `brew upgrade --cask docker` in Terminal to update to the latest version. You can also run `brew outdated` to check if an update is available.

Does Docker Desktop work on Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3/M4)?

Yes, Docker Desktop can be installed on both Apple Silicon and Intel Macs via Homebrew. Homebrew automatically handles the correct version for your hardware.

Docker Desktop for Mac (2026) — Review, Download & Install

Name: Docker Desktop
Availability: InStock

Docker Desktop screenshot — Docker Desktop — Official Website

What is Docker Desktop?

App for building, sharing, and running containerized apps

Install with Homebrew

brew install --cask docker

How to Install Docker Desktop on Mac

Follow these steps to install Docker Desktop using Homebrew, the most popular package manager for macOS. This works on both Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3/M4) and Intel Macs.

1
Open Terminal
Launch Terminal from your Applications > Utilities folder, or press Cmd + Space and type "Terminal".
2
Install Homebrew
If you don't have Homebrew yet, paste the install script from brew.sh into Terminal and follow the prompts.
3
Run brew install --cask docker
Paste the following command into Terminal and press Enter:
brew install --cask docker
4
Verify Installation
Run `brew list` to confirm docker is installed, then try `docker --version` to check the version number.
5
Launch Docker Desktop
Run `docker` in your Terminal to start using it.

Troubleshooting

• If you see a permission error, try prefixing the command with sudo.
• If Homebrew can't find the package, run brew update first to refresh the package list.
• On Apple Silicon Macs, make sure Homebrew is installed at /opt/homebrew (the default for M-series chips).

Key Features

Easy installation via Homebrew

Regular updates and maintenance

Free to use

Professional support available

Pros

✓Simple one-command installation
✓Well-maintained and regularly updated
✓Completely free to use

Cons

✗Requires Homebrew to be installed
✗macOS only

Video Tutorials

Getting Started with Docker Desktop

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Docker Desktop for macOS Setup and Tips

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The Only Docker Tutorial You Need To Get Started

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About the Author

Alex Chen

Senior Developer Tools Specialist

Code Editors & IDEsTerminal EmulatorsVersion Control Tools

12+ years in software development · Former senior engineer at tech startups

What is Docker Desktop?

Install with Homebrew

How to Install Docker Desktop on Mac

Open Terminal

Install Homebrew

Run brew install --cask docker

Verify Installation