---
description: Install Docker for Mac to get started. This guide covers system requirements, where to download, and instructions on how to install and update.
keywords: docker for mac, install docker macos, docker mac, docker mac install, docker install macos, install docker on mac, install docker macbook, docker desktop for mac, how to install docker on mac, setup docker on mac
title: Install Docker Desktop on Mac
redirect_from:
- /desktop/mac/install/
- /docker-for-mac/install/
- /engine/installation/mac/
- /installation/mac/
- /docker-for-mac/apple-m1/
- /docker-for-mac/apple-silicon/
- /desktop/mac/apple-silicon/
---

This page contains information about system requirements, download URLs, and instructions on how to install Docker Desktop for Mac.

[Docker Desktop for Mac with Intel chip](https://desktop.docker.com/mac/main/amd64/Docker.dmg?utm_source=docker&utm_medium=webreferral&utm_campaign=docs-driven-download-mac-amd64){: .button .primary-btn }
[Docker Desktop for Mac with Apple silicon](https://desktop.docker.com/mac/main/arm64/Docker.dmg?utm_source=docker&utm_medium=webreferral&utm_campaign=docs-driven-download-mac-arm64){: .button .primary-btn }

*For checksums, see [Release notes](../release-notes.md).*

> **Docker Desktop terms**
>
> Commercial use of Docker Desktop in larger enterprises (more than 250
> employees OR more than $10 million USD in annual revenue) requires a paid
> subscription.

## System requirements

Your Mac must meet the following requirements to install Docker Desktop successfully.

<ul class="nav nav-tabs">
<li class="active"><a data-toggle="tab" data-target="#mac-intel">Mac with Intel chip</a></li>
<li><a data-toggle="tab" data-target="#mac-apple-silicon">Mac with Apple silicon</a></li>
</ul>
<div class="tab-content">
<div id="mac-intel" class="tab-pane fade in active" markdown="1">

### Mac with Intel chip

- macOS must be version 11 or newer. That is Big Sur (11), Monterey (12), or Ventura (13). We recommend upgrading to the latest version of macOS.

  > **Note**
  >
  > Docker supports Docker Desktop on the most recent versions of macOS. That is, the current release of macOS and the previous two releases. As new major versions of macOS are made generally available, Docker stops supporting the oldest version and supports the newest version of macOS (in addition to the previous two releases).

- At least 4 GB of RAM.

- VirtualBox prior to version 4.3.30 must not be installed as it is not compatible with Docker Desktop.

</div>
<div id="mac-apple-silicon" class="tab-pane fade" markdown="1">

### Mac with Apple silicon

- Beginning with Docker Desktop 4.3.0, we have removed the hard requirement to install **Rosetta 2**. There are a few optional command line tools that still require Rosetta 2 when using Darwin/AMD64. See the [Known issues section](../troubleshoot/known-issues.md). However, to get the best experience, we recommend that you install Rosetta 2. To install Rosetta 2 manually from the command line, run the following command:

  ```console
  $ softwareupdate --install-rosetta
  ```

 For more information, see [Docker Desktop for Apple silicon](../install/mac-install.md).

</div>
</div>

## Install and run Docker Desktop on Mac

### Install interactively

1. Double-click `Docker.dmg` to open the installer, then drag the Docker icon to
    the Applications folder.


2. Double-click `Docker.app` in the **Applications** folder to start Docker.

3. The Docker menu (![whale menu](images/whale-x.svg){: .inline}) displays the Docker Subscription Service Agreement window.

    {% include desktop-license-update.md %}

4. Select **Accept** to continue. Docker Desktop starts after you accept the terms.

   Note that Docker Desktop will not run if you do not agree to the terms. You can choose to accept the terms at a later date by opening Docker Desktop.

   For more information, see [Docker Desktop Subscription Service Agreement](https://www.docker.com/legal/docker-subscription-service-agreement){: target="_blank" rel="noopener" class="_" }. We recommend that you also read the [FAQs](https://www.docker.com/pricing/faq){: target="_blank" rel="noopener" class="_"}.

### Install from the command line

After downloading `Docker.dmg`, run the following commands in a terminal to install Docker Desktop in the Applications folder:

```console
$ sudo hdiutil attach Docker.dmg
$ sudo /Volumes/Docker/Docker.app/Contents/MacOS/install
$ sudo hdiutil detach /Volumes/Docker
```

As macOS typically performs security checks the first time an application is used, the `install` command can take several minutes to run.

The `install` command accepts the following flags:
- `--accept-license`: accepts the [Docker Subscription Service Agreement](https://www.docker.com/legal/docker-subscription-service-agreement){: target="_blank" rel="noopener" class="_"} now, rather than requiring it to be accepted when the application is first run
- `--allowed-org=<org name>`: requires the user to sign in and be part of the specified Docker Hub organization when running the application
- `--user=<username>`: Performs the privileged configurations once during installation. This removes the need for the user to grant root privileges on first run. For more information, see [Privileged helper permission requirements](../mac/permission-requirements.md#permission-requirements){: target="_blank" rel="noopener" class="_"}. To find the username, enter `ls /Users` in the CLI.
- `--admin-settings`: Automatically creates an `admin-settings.json` file which is used by admins to control certain Docker Desktop settings on client machines within their organization. For more information, see [Settings Management](../hardened-desktop/settings-management/index.md).
  - It must be used together with the `--allowed-org=<org name>` flag. 
  - For example:
    `--allowed-org=<org name> --admin-settings='{"configurationFileVersion": 2, "enhancedContainerIsolation": {"value": true, "locked": false}}'`

### Runtime permission requirements

For some functions, Docker Desktop may require elevated privileges. The user is informed and prompted for authorization whenever such
configuration must be performed. [Docker Desktop permission requirements](../mac/permission-requirements.md) provides details on each configuration
and use case.


## Where to go next

- [Docker Desktop for Apple silicon](../install/mac-install.md) for detailed information about Docker Desktop for Apple silicon.
- [Troubleshooting](../troubleshoot/overview.md) describes common problems, workarounds, how
  to run and submit diagnostics, and submit issues.
- [FAQs](../faqs/general.md) provide answers to frequently asked questions.
- [Release notes](../release-notes.md) lists component updates, new features, and improvements associated with Docker Desktop releases.
- [Get started with Docker](../../get-started/index.md) provides a general Docker tutorial.
* [Back up and restore data](../backup-and-restore.md) provides instructions
  on backing up and restoring data related to Docker.
