---
description: Explore more of Docker Desktop, what it has to offer, and its key features. Take the next step by downloading or find additional resources.
keywords: how to use docker desktop, what is docker desktop used for, what does docker desktop do, using docker desktop
title: Overview of Docker Desktop
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- /docker-for-mac/opensource/
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- /docker-for-windows/opensource/
---

Docker Desktop is a one-click-install application for your Mac, Linux, or Windows environment
that lets you build, share, and run containerized applications and microservices. 

It provides a straightforward GUI (Graphical User Interface) that lets you manage your containers, applications, and images directly from your machine. Docker Desktop can be used either on its own or as a complementary tool to the CLI. 

Docker Desktop reduces the time spent on complex setups so you can focus on writing code. It takes care of port mappings, file system concerns, and other default settings, and is regularly updated with bug fixes and security updates.

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<ul class="nav nav-tabs">
<li class="active"><a data-toggle="tab" data-target="#includes">What's included in Docker Desktop?</a></li>
<li><a data-toggle="tab" data-target="#features">What are the key features of Docker Desktop?</a></li>
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<div id="includes" class="tab-pane fade in active" markdown="1">

- [Docker Engine](../engine/index.md)
- Docker CLI client
- [Docker Buildx](../build/index.md)
- [Docker Extensions](extensions/index.md)
- [Docker Compose](../compose/index.md)
- [Docker Scout](../scout/index.md)
- [Docker Content Trust](../engine/security/trust/index.md)
- [Kubernetes](https://github.com/kubernetes/kubernetes/)
- [Credential Helper](https://github.com/docker/docker-credential-helpers/)

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<div id="features" class="tab-pane fade" markdown="1">

* Ability to containerize and share any application on any cloud platform, in multiple languages and frameworks.
* Quick installation and setup of a complete Docker development environment.
* Includes the latest version of Kubernetes.
* On Windows, the ability to toggle between Linux and Windows Server environments to build applications.
* Fast and reliable performance with native Windows Hyper-V virtualization.
* Ability to work natively on Linux through WSL 2 on Windows machines.
* Volume mounting for code and data, including file change notifications and easy access to running containers on the localhost network.

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Docker Desktop works with your choice of development tools and languages and
gives you access to a vast library of certified images and templates in
[Docker Hub](https://hub.docker.com/). This allows development teams to extend
their environment to rapidly auto-build, continuously integrate, and collaborate
using a secure repository.

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                 <h2 id="docker-for-mac">Install Docker Desktop</h2>
                <p> <a href="/desktop/install/mac-install/">On Mac </a>, <a href="/desktop/install/windows-install/">Windows</a>, or <a href="/desktop/install/linux-install/">Linux</a></p>
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                <h2 id="docker-for-mac"><a href="/desktop/use-desktop/">Explore Docker Desktop</a></h2>
                <p>Navigate Docker Desktop and learn about its key features.</p>
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                <h2 id="docker-for-linux"><a href="/desktop/release-notes/">View the release notes</a></h2>
                <p>Find out about new features, improvements, and bug fixes.</p>
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                <h2 id="docker-for-linux"><a href="/desktop/faqs/general/">Browse common FAQs</a></h2>
                <p>Explore general FAQs or FAQs for specific platforms.</p>
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                <h2 id="docker-for-windows/install/"><a href="/desktop/kubernetes/">Find additional resources</a></h2>
                <p>Find information on networking features, deploying on Kuberntes, and more.</p>
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                <h2 id="docker-for-windows/install/"><a href="/desktop/feedback/">Give feedback</a></h2>
                <p>Provide feedback on Docker Desktop or Docker Desktop features.</p>
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