DesktopBeginner

Docker Desktop Cheatsheet

All-in-one Docker for Mac, Windows, and Linux with GUI, extensions, and Dev Environments.

What it is

Docker Desktop provides a complete Docker development environment with a graphical UI, built-in Kubernetes, Dev Environments, Docker Extensions marketplace, and integrated security scanning.

Installation

Download from docker.com/products/docker-desktop. Includes Docker Engine, CLI, Compose, Buildx, Scout, and Kubernetes.

Quick start

docker desktop start

Start Docker Desktop from the CLI.

docker desktop status

Check if Docker Desktop is running.

docker context ls

List available Docker contexts (Desktop, remote, etc.).

docker context use desktop-linux

Switch to the Docker Desktop context.

Common commands

Task	Command	Description
Start Desktop	`docker desktop start`	Launch Docker Desktop.
Stop Desktop	`docker desktop stop`	Shut down Docker Desktop.
Status	`docker desktop status`	Check running state.
List contexts	`docker context ls`	Show available Docker contexts.
Switch context	`docker context use <name>`	Change the active Docker context.
Enable Kubernetes	`# Enable via Settings > Kubernetes`	One-click Kubernetes cluster for local dev.
View Dashboard	`# Click Docker Desktop icon`	GUI shows containers, images, volumes, networks.

Real-world examples

Switch between Docker contexts

docker context ls
docker context use desktop-linux
docker context use production-remote

Enable Kubernetes in Docker Desktop

# Open Docker Desktop > Settings > Kubernetes
# Check "Enable Kubernetes"
# Click Apply & Restart
kubectl get nodes  # verify

Best practices

Set resource limits (CPU/RAM) in Docker Desktop Settings to prevent host slowdown.
Use Docker Extensions to add tools like Portainer, Lens, or Snyk directly in Desktop.
Enable the Docker Scout integration for automatic vulnerability scanning.
Use Dev Environments to share a consistent dev stack with teammates.

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Last reviewed: 2026-06-15