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Using the Docker Desktop CLI

Table of contents

Availability: Beta
Requires: Docker Desktop 4.37 and later

The Docker Desktop CLI lets you perform key operations such as starting, stopping, restarting, and checking the status of Docker Desktop directly from the command line.

The Docker Desktop CLI provides:

  • Enhanced automation and CI/CD integration: Perform Docker Desktop operations directly in CI/CD pipelines for better workflow automation.
  • An improved developer experience: Restart, quit, or reset Docker Desktop from the command line, reducing dependency on the Docker Desktop Dashboard and improving flexibility and efficiency.

Usage

docker desktop COMMAND [OPTIONS]

Commands

CommandDescription
startStarts Docker Desktop
stopStops Docker Desktop
restartRestarts Docker Desktop
statusDisplays whether Docker Desktop is running or stopped.
engine lsLists available engines (Windows only)
engine useSwitch between Linux and Windows containers (Windows only)
updateManage Docker Desktop updates. Available for Mac only and with Docker Desktop version 4.38 and later.

For more details on each command, see the Docker Desktop CLI reference.