Configure Settings Management with the Admin Console
Use the Docker Admin Console to create and manage settings policies for Docker Desktop across your organization. Settings policies let you standardize configurations, enforce security requirements, and maintain consistent Docker Desktop environments.
Prerequisites
Before you begin, make sure you have:
- Docker Desktop 4.37.1 or later installed
- A verified domain
- Enforced sign-in for your organization
- A Docker Business subscription
ImportantYou must add users to your verified domain for settings to take effect.
Create a settings policy
To create a new settings policy:
Sign in to Docker Home and select your organization.
Select Admin Console, then Desktop Settings Management.
Select Create a settings policy.
Provide a name and optional description.
TipYou can upload an existing
admin-settings.json
file to pre-fill the form. Admin Console policies override localadmin-settings.json
files.Choose who the policy applies to:
All users
Specific users
NoteUser-specific policies override global default policies. Test your policy with a small group before applying it organization-wide.
Configure each setting using a state:
User-defined: Users can change the setting.
Always enabled: Setting is on and locked.
Enabled: Setting is on but can be changed.
Always disabled: Setting is off and locked.
Disabled: Setting is off but can be changed.
TipFor a complete list of configurable settings, supported platforms, and configuration methods, see the Settings reference.
Select Create to save your policy.
Apply the policy
Settings policies take effect after Docker Desktop restarts and users sign in.
For new installations:
- Launch Docker Desktop.
- Sign in with your Docker account.
For existing installations:
- Quit Docker Desktop completely.
- Relaunch Docker Desktop.
ImportantUsers must fully quit and reopen Docker Desktop. Restarting from the Docker Desktop menu isn't sufficient.
Docker Desktop checks for policy updates when it launches and every 60 minutes while running.
Verify applied settings
After you apply policies:
- Docker Desktop displays most settings as greyed out
- Some settings, particularly Enhanced Container Isolation configurations, may not appear in the GUI
- You can verify all applied settings by checking the
settings-store.json
file on your system
Manage existing policies
From the Desktop Settings Management page in the Admin Console, use the Actions menu to:
- Edit or delete an existing settings policy
- Export a settings policy as an
admin-settings.json
file - Promote a user-specific policy to be the new global default
Roll back policies
To roll back a settings policy:
- Complete rollback: Delete the entire policy.
- Partial rollback: Set specific settings to User-defined.
When you roll back settings, users regain control over those settings configurations.