---
description: Install Docker Desktop 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
linkTitle: Mac
weight: 10
aliases:
- /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/
- /desktop/install/mac-install/
---

> **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](https://www.docker.com/pricing/).

This page provides download links, system requirements, and step-by-step installation instructions for Docker Desktop on Mac.

{{< button text="Docker Desktop for Mac with Apple silicon" url="https://desktop.docker.com/mac/main/arm64/Docker.dmg?utm_source=docker&utm_medium=webreferral&utm_campaign=docs-driven-download-mac-arm64" >}}
{{< button text="Docker Desktop for Mac with Intel chip" url="https://desktop.docker.com/mac/main/amd64/Docker.dmg?utm_source=docker&utm_medium=webreferral&utm_campaign=docs-driven-download-mac-amd64" >}}

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

> [!WARNING]
>
> If you're experiencing malware detection issues, follow the steps documented in [docker/for-mac#7527](https://github.com/docker/for-mac/issues/7527).

## System requirements

{{< tabs >}}
{{< tab name="Mac with Intel chip" >}}

- A supported version of macOS.

  > [!IMPORTANT]
  >
  > Docker Desktop is supported on the current and two previous major macOS 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.

{{< /tab >}}
{{< tab name="Mac with Apple silicon" >}}

- A supported version of macOS.

  > [!IMPORTANT]
  >
  > Docker Desktop is supported on the current and two previous major macOS 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.
- For the best experience, it's recommended that you install Rosetta 2. Rosetta 2 is no longer strictly required, however there are a few optional command line tools that still require Rosetta 2 when using Darwin/AMD64. See [Known issues](/manuals/desktop/troubleshoot-and-support/troubleshoot/known-issues.md). To install Rosetta 2 manually from the command line, run the following command:

   ```console
   $ softwareupdate --install-rosetta
   ```
{{< /tab >}}
{{< /tabs >}}

## Install and run Docker Desktop on Mac

> [!TIP]
>
> See the [FAQs](/manuals/desktop/troubleshoot-and-support/faqs/general.md#how-do-I-run-docker-desktop-without-administrator-privileges) on how to install and run Docker Desktop without needing administrator privileges.

### Install interactively

1. Download the installer using the download buttons at the top of the page, or from the [release notes](/manuals/desktop/release-notes.md).

2. Double-click `Docker.dmg` to open the installer, then drag the Docker icon to the **Applications** folder. By default, Docker Desktop is installed at `/Applications/Docker.app`.

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

4. The Docker menu displays the Docker Subscription Service Agreement.

    Here’s a summary of the key points: 
    - Docker Desktop is free for small businesses (fewer than 250 employees AND less than $10 million in annual revenue), personal use, education, and non-commercial open source projects.