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Explore Docker Desktop

Table of contents

When you open Docker Desktop, the Docker Desktop Dashboard is the first thing you see.

It provides a centralized interface to manage your containers, images, volumes, builds, Kubernetes resources, and logs.

The Dashboard also gives you quick access to AI tooling, extensions, settings, and help, so you rarely need to leave Docker Desktop. Use Quick search in the header any time to jump straight to a container, image, extension, volume, or doc.

Tip

You can customize the left-hand navigation to show only the tabs that matter to you, and hide the ones that don’t. Right-click the left-hand navigation, select Customize, and then select, deselect, or re-order the tabs.

Sign in

Docker recommends signing in with the Sign in option in the top-right corner of the Dashboard. Signing in lets you:

  • Access your Docker Hub repositories directly from Docker Desktop.
  • Increase your pull rate limit compared to anonymous users. See Usage and limits.
  • Enhance your organization's security posture for containerized development with Hardened Desktop.

Docker Desktop automatically signs you out after 90 days, or after 30 days of inactivity.

In large enterprises where admin access is restricted, administrators can enforce sign-in.

Tip

Explore Docker's core subscriptions to see what else Docker can offer you.

Use AI features

  • Gordon: A personal AI assistant built into Docker Desktop and the Docker CLI, designed to streamline your workflow and help you get more out of the Docker ecosystem.
  • Docker Model Runner: Manage, run, and deploy AI models using Docker.
  • Docker MCP Toolkit: A management interface integrated into Docker Desktop that lets you set up, manage, and run containerized MCP servers in profiles and connect them to AI agents.

Extend Docker Desktop

  • Docker Offload: Run builds and containers in the cloud when local resources aren't enough.
  • Docker Hub: Search, browse, pull, run, or view details for images.
  • Docker Extensions: Add third-party tools directly into Docker Desktop.

Configure, troubleshoot, and stay updated

  • Settings: Select the Settings icon in the Dashboard header to configure Docker Desktop.
  • Troubleshoot: Select the Troubleshoot icon in the Dashboard header to debug issues or restart Docker Desktop.
  • Notifications center: Select the bell icon in the bottom-right corner to see new releases, installation progress, and other updates.
  • Learning center: Open it from the Dashboard header for in-app walkthroughs and other learning resources.