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Can I start and stop Docker Desktop using CLI?

Published at

1/13/2025

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

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

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.

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

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>

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>

Switching the Engine

PS C:\Users\ajeet> docker desktop engine use windows
Current engine is now "windows"

Switch back to Linux

PS C:\Users\ajeet> docker desktop engine use linux
Current engine is now "linux"

Restart Docker Desktop

Restart Docker Desktop to refresh the environment or apply configuration changes:

docker desktop restart

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

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>

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>

Update all the Docker Desktop Modules

docker desktop module update
✓ Checking module updates
✓ Everything is up to date
PS C:\Users\ajeet>

Stop Docker Desktop

Shut down Docker Desktop when not in use:

docker desktop stop

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!

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