Docker Desktop version 4.37 and later introduces the Docker Desktop CLI, a powerful tool that allows developers to manage key Docker Desktop operations directly from the command line. This addition significantly enhances automation capabilities and streamlines the developer experience, particularly for those working with CI/CD pipelines.
In this blog, we’ll explore the Docker Desktop CLI, covering its key features and demonstrating how to use its commands effectively.
Getting Started
Ensure you have Docker Desktop version 4.37 or later installed to access the Docker Desktop CLI.
Checking the CLI version
PS C:\Users\ajeet>docker desktop version
Docker Desktop CLI version: v0.1.1
Enter fullscreen mode
Exit fullscreen mode
Listing the key Commands
Usage: docker desktop COMMAND
Docker Desktop commands (Beta)
Management Commands:
engine Manage Docker Desktop engine
module Manage Docker Desktop modules (Alpha)
Commands:
restart Restart Docker Desktop
start Start Docker Desktop
status Show the status of the Docker Desktop engines
stop Stop Docker Desktop
version Show the Docker Desktop version information
Enter fullscreen mode
Exit fullscreen mode
Management Commands
docker desktop engine --help
Usage: docker desktop engine COMMAND
Manage Docker Desktop engine
Commands:
ls List all supported engine modes
use Set the current Docker Desktop engine mode
Run 'docker desktop engine COMMAND --help' for more information on a command.
Enter fullscreen mode
Exit fullscreen mode
Below are the primary commands provided by the Docker Desktop CLI and their use cases.
Start Docker Desktop
Start Docker Desktop from the command line:
docker desktop start
Enter fullscreen mode
Exit fullscreen mode
This command initializes Docker Desktop, bringing the platform online for containerized application development.
Check the status
PS C:\Users\ajeet> docker desktop status
Name Value
Status running
SessionID 219544ec-00fe-4f47-9032-f48d7c520747
PS C:\Users\ajeet>
Enter fullscreen mode
Exit fullscreen mode
List all supported engine modes
PS C:\Users\ajeet> docker desktop engine ls
Name Description
linux * Linux engine
windows Windows engine
PS C:\Users\ajeet>
Enter fullscreen mode
Exit fullscreen mode
Switching the Engine
PS C:\Users\ajeet> docker desktop engine use windows
Current engine is now "windows"
Enter fullscreen mode
Exit fullscreen mode
Switch back to Linux
PS C:\Users\ajeet> docker desktop engine use linux
Current engine is now "linux"
Enter fullscreen mode
Exit fullscreen mode
Restart Docker Desktop
Restart Docker Desktop to refresh the environment or apply configuration changes:
docker desktop restart
Enter fullscreen mode
Exit fullscreen mode
This command is useful for troubleshooting or reloading Docker Desktop after updates.
Check Docker Desktop Status
Monitor the current status of Docker Desktop:
docker desktop status
Enter fullscreen mode
Exit fullscreen mode
This command outputs the operational state of Docker Desktop, such as whether it is running or stopped.
CLI to Manage Docker Desktop modules
docker desktop module
Usage: docker desktop module COMMAND
Manage Docker Desktop modules (Alpha)
Commands:
ls List modules
reset Reset all updated modules
update Update all modules
Run 'docker desktop module COMMAND --help' for more information on a command.
PS C:\Users\ajeet>
Enter fullscreen mode
Exit fullscreen mode
PS C:\Users\ajeet>
docker desktop module ls
ID TYPE LATEST VERSION CURRENT VERSION
ai cli-plugin v0.3.6 v0.5.13
compose cli-plugin v2.31.0-desktop.2 v2.32.2-desktop.1
desktop cli-plugin v0.1.1 v0.1.1
scout cli-plugin v1.16.1 v1.16.1
PS C:\Users\ajeet>
Enter fullscreen mode
Exit fullscreen mode
Update all the Docker Desktop Modules
docker desktop module update
✓ Checking module updates
✓ Everything is up to date
PS C:\Users\ajeet>
Enter fullscreen mode
Exit fullscreen mode
Stop Docker Desktop
Shut down Docker Desktop when not in use:
docker desktop stop
Enter fullscreen mode
Exit fullscreen mode
Conclusion
The Docker Desktop CLI empowers developers with more control and automation, making it an essential tool for modern containerized application workflows. Whether you’re optimizing CI/CD pipelines or enhancing your local development environment, these commands provide the flexibility and efficiency you need.
Upgrade to Docker Desktop 4.37 or later and start leveraging the Docker Desktop CLI today!
Docker is a powerhouse for containerization, but what happens when the Docker daemon decides to take a nap? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the nuances of restart Docker daemon—your gateway to seamless container orchestration. Whether you’re a seasoned developer or a Docker enthusiast, mastering this skill is crucial for maintaining a robust containerized environment. If you need a trustworthy company to help you with this issue, consult SuportFly. They are the best Docker consulting service provider and have qualified administrators with many years of experience.
Many developers face challenges on a daily basis, including dealing with Docker and encountering barriers in their work. One of these challenges that frequently presents itself, even for experienced professionals, is not being able to understand how to restart Docker. It can save a lot of time to be familiar with this method, whether it’s because of an update to the system, an error that was completely unexpected, or some configuration modifications. In this article, we are going to explain the procedure to Restart Docker Daemon in an easy-to-understand way, removing any uncertainty.
Table of Contents
Understanding the Docker Daemon
The Docker daemon is the unsung hero behind the scenes, responsible for managing and executing containers. However, even heroes need a break sometimes. If you find yourself in a situation where your Docker daemon is unresponsive, fear not; we’ve got you covered.
The Docker Daemon is the most important component of the Docker platform. It is in control of managing all of the containers, images, and networks. It is a process that operates in the background on the computer that is hosting Docker and listens for requests made to the Docker API. It is responsible for managing the Docker objects such as images, containers, networks, and volumes. It also provides an interface for users to interact with the Docker objects.
You might need to restart the Docker Daemon for a number of different reasons. If you are having problems with the Docker objects such images, containers, networks, or volumes, it is possible that you may need to restart the Docker Daemon. If you are having problems using the Docker API or are attempting to upgrade the Docker version, it is possible that you may need to restart the Docker Daemon.
Also Check: Our blog post on docker daemon not running
When to Restart Docker Daemon
Before we jump into the how-to, let’s briefly explore when and why restarting the Docker daemon becomes necessary. Common scenarios include:
- Resource Conflicts: Other applications might be hogging the ports Docker needs.
- Configuration Changes: After making changes to Docker configurations, a restart is often required.
- Performance Optimization: Regular restarts can improve Docker’s performance and clear any lingering issues.
Step-by-Step Guide to Restart Docker Daemon
Step 1: Check Docker Daemon Status
The first step is to assess the current state of your Docker daemon. Open your terminal or command prompt and type:
- docker info
This command provides valuable information about the Docker daemon. If it’s not running, you’ll get an indication of the issue.
Step 2: Restart Docker Service
Restarting the Docker service is a straightforward yet effective approach. Execute the following command:
- sudo service docker restart # Use 'sudo' if you're on Linux
For Windows users, a simple restart of the Docker Desktop application might do the trick.
Step 3: Investigate Resource Conflicts
Docker might struggle to start if there are conflicts with other services using the same ports. Ensure that no other applications are occupying these ports.
Also Read: Our blog post on cannot connect to the docker daemon
Advanced Troubleshooting
For more persistent issues, consider these advanced troubleshooting steps:
Check System Logs
Inspect system logs for Docker-related error messages. Use commands like:
For Linux
- journalct1 -xe | grep docker
For Windows: Check the Windows Event Viewer for Docker-related entries.
Reinstall Docker
As a last resort, if issues persist, uninstall Docker and download the latest version from the official Docker website.
Check Out: Our blog post on lxd vs docker
How to Restart Docker Daemon Using Command Line on Windows?
In order to restart Docker on Windows utilising the command line, you must initially launch Windows PowerShell in the role of administrator. The Docker Daemon should then be stopped by issuing the “net stop docker” command, and it should be restarted by issuing the “net start docker” command.
If you want a deeper understanding, follow the instructions that have been given to you.
Step 1: Stop Docker Daemon
To begin, stop the Docker Daemon by executing the command that has been provided:
- net stop docker
With the above commnad, Docker has been stopped.
Step 2: Restart Docker Daemon
You can then restart the Docker Daemon using the following command:
- net stop docker
The docker has been restarted successfully, as indicated by the above output.
Read More: About how to list docker containers
How to Restart Docker Daemon on Linux Using Command Line?
You need to run the Ubuntu terminal as an administrator in order to restart Docker using the command line on Linux. Use the “sudo systemctl restart docker” command to restart the Docker Daemon. The next step is to verify that Docker is running by typing “sudo systemctl status docker”.
Step 1: Restart Docker Daemon
For Linux, run the following command to restart the Docker Daemon:
- sudo systemctl restart docker
In this way, Docker has been restarted successfully.
Step 2: Verification
After that, run the following commands to verify the Docker is running:
- sudo systemctl status docker
You can see that Docker was restarted successfully.
How to Restart Docker Daemeon on MacOs Using Command Line?
You can use the command line to restart Docker on your MacOS. Open the terminal window. To do this, run the command “killall Docker && open /Applications/Docker.app”:
- killal1 Docker && open /Applications/Docker.app
The Docker server will be stopped first by this command, and then the Docker Application is going to start.
Conclusion
The restart Docker Daemon process is an easy process that only requires a few steps to complete. If you are having problems with the Docker objects such as images, containers, networks, or volumes, it is imperative that you restart the Docker Daemon. Restarting the Docker daemon is a skill every Docker aficionado should master. By following these steps, you ensure the continuous, smooth operation of your containerized applications. Stay updated, consult official documentation, and embrace the evolving world of Docker.
If you are having problems using the Docker API or if you are attempting to upgrade the Docker version, it is essential that you restart Docker Daemon. If you want to know more about docker and having any issues you can contact SupportFly which provides the best docker consulting services and available 24/7 to solve your all queries.
Related Articles
Docker is a popular containerization platform used to package and deploy applications in isolated environments. Occasionally, you may encounter issues with Docker that require restarting the Docker service on your Windows machine. In this article, we will explore how to restart the Docker service from the command line, including examples using both the Windows Command Prompt and Windows PowerShell.
Restarting the Docker Service using the Windows Command Prompt
To restart the Docker service using the Windows Command Prompt, follow these steps:
- Open the Command Prompt: Press the
Windowskey, type “Command Prompt,” and select the Command Prompt app from the search results. - Stop the Docker service: Run the following command to stop the Docker service:
3. Start the Docker service: Execute the following command to start the Docker service:
By running these commands, you stop and then start the Docker service, effectively restarting it.
Restarting the Docker Service using Windows PowerShell
To restart the Docker service using Windows PowerShell, follow these steps:
- Open Windows PowerShell: Press the
Windowskey, type “PowerShell,” and select the Windows PowerShell app from the search results. - Stop the Docker service: Run the following command to stop the Docker service:
Stop-Service -Name Docker3. Start the Docker service: Execute the following command to start the Docker service:
Start-Service -Name DockerSimilar to the Command Prompt method, running these commands stops and starts the Docker service, effectively restarting it.
Verifying the Docker Service Restart
After executing the restart commands, it’s important to verify that the Docker service has restarted successfully. To do this, follow these steps:
- Open a Command Prompt or Windows PowerShell window.
- Check the status of the Docker service: Run the following command to check the status of the Docker service:
The command output will display the current status of the Docker service, indicating whether it is running or stopped.
Conclusion
Restarting the Docker service can help resolve various issues and ensure the smooth functioning of your Docker environment on Windows. In this article, we discussed how to restart the Docker service from the command line using both the Windows Command Prompt and Windows PowerShell. By following the provided steps and examples, you can easily stop and start the Docker service, effectively restarting it.
Remember to verify the status of the Docker service after the restart to ensure that it has been successfully restarted. Regularly restarting the Docker service when needed can help mitigate potential issues and maintain a stable Docker environment.
Simple docker step by step how to restart docker desktop with explanation
Navigating the process of restarting Docker Desktop can be smooth and straightforward. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help you through it.
Introduction
Docker Desktop is a highly convenient development platform for building, debugging, and testing dockerized apps. Occasionally, you may need to restart it to ensure it runs optimally. This might sound technical, but the process is quite easy. Let’s walk you through it.
Step 1: Open Docker Desktop
You’ll start by locating the Docker Desktop icon in your applications or on your desktop. Click on it to open the application.
Once Docker Desktop is launched, you need to open the Docker Menu. Look for the Docker icon in the system tray (usually at the lower right-hand corner of the screen in Windows or the upper right-hand corner of the screen in a Mac). Click on this icon to open the Docker Menu.
Step 3: Navigate to ‘Restart’
Inside the Docker menu, you will find several options depending upon your Docker Desktop version. Among these options, there is one labeled ‘Restart’. This is the option you need to click to initiate the restart process.
Step 4: Wait for the Process to Complete
Once you choose ‘Restart’, Docker Desktop will begin the process of shutting down the currently running version and initializing a new one. The exact length of time it takes will depend on your computer system. Usually, it takes a couple of minutes. Ensure that you do not interrupt this process.
Step 5: Confirm Successful Restart
After the restart process concludes, you’ll want to confirm it was successful. Docker Desktop should show ‘running’ status if everything has returned to normal.
Conclusion
And there you have it! You’ve just successfully restarted Docker Desktop. This easy-to-follow process proves that you don’t need to be a tech-whiz to maintain your Docker Desktop application’s efficiency. Keeping this guide close will help you refresh your Docker Desktop whenever you need.
Download Windows Speedup Tool to fix errors and make PC run faster
Docker is a platform that allows users to build, share and run modern applications. This tool can package software into standardized units called Containers. These containers have everything required to run libraries, tools, code and runtime. But users have recently complained that Docker Desktop is starting forever in Windows 11. Fortunately, you can follow these simple suggestions to fix it.
If Docker Desktop is starting forever in Windows 11, check if any updates are available for the app and install them. Also, restart your device and see. If that doesn’t help, follow these suggestions:
- Check System Requirements
- Restart Docker Service
- Run Docker as an Admin
- Switch to Windows Containers
- Unregister Docker Desktop
- Update WSL kernel version
- Re-enable WSL Feature
- Reinstall Docker
Now let’s see these in detail.
1] Check System Requirements
Before starting with different troubleshooting methods, check if your device meets the minimum specifications to run Docker. The minimum requirements to run docker are:
Using WSL 2 backend
- Windows 11 64-bit: Home or Pro version 21H2 or higher, or Enterprise or Education version 21H2 or higher.
- Windows 10 64-bit: Home or Pro 21H1 (build 19043) or higher, or Enterprise or Education 20H2 (build 19042) or higher.
- Enable the WSL 2 feature on Windows.
- The following hardware prerequisites are required to successfully run WSL 2 on Windows 10 or Windows 11:
- 64-bit processor with Second Level Address Translation (SLAT)
- 4GB system RAM
- BIOS-level hardware virtualization support must be enabled in the BIOS settings. For more information, see Virtualization.
- Download and install the Linux kernel update package.
Using Hyper-V backend and Windows containers
- Windows 11 64-bit: Pro version 21H2 or higher, or Enterprise or Education version 21H2 or higher.
- Windows 10 64-bit: Pro 21H1 (build 19043) or higher, or Enterprise or Education 20H2 (build 19042) or higher.
- Hyper-V and Containers Windows features must be enabled.
- The following hardware prerequisites are required to successfully run Client Hyper-V on Windows 10:
- 64 bit processor with Second Level Address Translation (SLAT)
- 4GB system RAM
- BIOS-level hardware virtualization support must be enabled in the BIOS settings. For more information, see Virtualization.
2] Restart Docker Service
Docker service runs on a Docker host and manages container creation, running, and deletion. It also offers APIs that other software can use to manage Docker containers programmatically. Restarting the service can help fix Docker startup errors. Here’s how:
- Press the Windows key, type Services and click on open.
- Search for the Docker Service.
- Right-click on the service and select Restart.
3] Run Docker as an Admin
Running the app as an administrator ensures it doesn’t crash due to a lack of permissions. To do so, right-click on your device’s Docker Desktop.exe shortcut file and click on Run this program as an administrator.
4] Switch to Windows Containers
It’s possible that Docker doesn’t check the operating system during installation. If that’s the case, it’ll automatically look for Linux containers. Switch to Windows containers and see if the Docker engine starting error message gets fixed. Here’s how you can do it:
- Expand the System tray icon from the bottom-right corner of the Taskbar.
- Right-click on the Docker desktop icon.
- Click on Switch to Windows containers.
- A confirmation dialog will appear asking if you want to continue, click on Switch.
- Close Docker and then relaunch it.
5] Unregister Docker Desktop
The next method requires you to unregister Docker Desktop. Unregistering the application will remove the connection between the app and your PC. Here’s how:
- Open Windows PowerShell as an admin.
- Type the following commands one-by-one and hit Enter.
wsl --unregister docker-desktop wsl --unregister docker-desktop-data
- Restart your device once done.
6] Update WSL kernel version
The Docker app may take forever to start if you’re using it through WSL 2 backend and it’s not updated to its latest version. Download and install the latest WSL Kernel version to see if the error is fixed.
7] Re-enable WSL Feature
Windows Subsystem for Linux or WSL allows running Linux environment directly on Windows devices. Re-enabling this feature will disable and re-enable and fix Docker startup issues. Here’s how:
- Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type optionalfeatures and hit Enter.
- The Windows Features dialog will now open; here, uncheck the Windows Subsystem for Linux option.
- Click on Ok to save the changes and close the Windows Features dialog.
- Follow the above steps again and enable the Windows Subsystem for Linux option.
Read: Can’t Connect to Hyper-V Virtual Machine
8] Reinstall Docker
If none of these methods can help you, reinstall the Docker app. This has been known to help most users fix this error.
We hope this post helps you.
How long does Docker take to start?
Usually, the Docker app starts within ten seconds. However, this timeline can increase depending on several factors like your device’s performance and your running application.
Shubham is a graduate in Information Technology who likes to write about Windows Troubleshooting as well as Gaming Tips. He’s always engaged with new tech and gadgets. When not writing, he enjoys reading books, watching movies, and exploring new technologies.