Using the Docker Desktop CLI

Table of contents

Beta

Docker Desktop CLI is currently in Beta.

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. It is available with Docker Desktop version 4.37 and later.

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

Command Description
start Starts Docker Desktop
stop Stops Docker Desktop
restart Restarts Docker Desktop
status Displays whether Docker Desktop is running or stopped.
engine ls Lists available engines (Windows only)
engine use Switch between Linux and Windows containers (Windows only)

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