How to Install Docker Desktop on Ubuntu

Docker has revolutionized the way developers build, ship, and run applications by providing lightweight, portable containers. Docker Desktop is a powerful tool designed to simplify container management, especially for developers working on desktop environments. While Docker Desktop was initially focused on Windows and macOS, it is now also available for Linux, including Ubuntu.

This knowledgebase article by Go4hosting will guide you step-by-step on how to install Docker Desktop on Ubuntu, along with some essential tips to get started.

What is Docker Desktop?

Docker Desktop provides a streamlined GUI and CLI toolset that helps you:

• Build and run containers with ease
  
  

• Manage Docker images and volumes
  
  

• Integrate with Kubernetes
  
  

• Work seamlessly with Docker Compose
  

For Ubuntu server users, Docker Desktop offers:

• An integrated, user-friendly experience
  
  

• Automatic updates
  
  

• Access to advanced developer tools
  
  

• Support for WSL 2 (Windows Subsystem for Linux) style features on Linux
  

Prerequisites

Before installing Docker Desktop on Ubuntu, make sure your system meets these requirements:

• Ubuntu version: 22.04 LTS or later (Docker Desktop officially supports Ubuntu 22.04 and 20.04 with some manual workarounds)
  
  

• 64-bit architecture
  
  

• Minimum 4GB RAM recommended (8GB preferred for smoother experience)
  
  

• System supports virtualization (usually enabled in BIOS/UEFI)
  
  

• A non-root user with sudo privileges
  

Step 1: Uninstall Older Docker Versions (if any)

If you have previous Docker versions installed via apt or other methods, it's best to remove them to avoid conflicts.

Run:

bash

CopyEdit

sudo apt-get remove docker docker-engine docker.io containerd runc

Step 2: Install Docker Desktop Dependencies

Docker Desktop depends on several system components:

Update your package list:

bash

CopyEdit

sudo apt-get update

Install dependencies:

bash

CopyEdit

sudo apt-get install apt-transport-https ca-certificates curl software-properties-common

Step 3: Download Docker Desktop for Ubuntu

Docker provides a .deb package for Docker Desktop on Ubuntu.

1. Visit the official Docker Desktop for Linux download page:
   https://docs.docker.com/desktop/install/ubuntu/
   
   

2. Or download directly via terminal (check for the latest version from Docker's website):
   

bash

CopyEdit

curl -LO https://desktop.docker.com/linux/main/amd64/docker-desktop--amd64.deb

Replace with the latest version number (e.g., 4.23.0).

Alternatively, you can use wget:

bash

CopyEdit

wget https://desktop.docker.com/linux/main/amd64/docker-desktop--amd64.deb

Step 4: Install Docker Desktop

After downloading the .deb package, install it using dpkg:

bash

CopyEdit

sudo dpkg -i docker-desktop--amd64.deb

If you encounter dependency errors, fix them with:

bash

CopyEdit

sudo apt-get install -f

This command will install any missing dependencies and complete the installation.

Step 5: Enable and Start Docker Desktop Service

Docker Desktop installs a systemd service that you can start and enable.

Run:

bash

CopyEdit

sudo systemctl enable docker-desktop

sudo systemctl start docker-desktop

Check the status with:

bash

CopyEdit

systemctl status docker-desktop

You should see an active (running) status.

Step 6: Add Your User to the Docker Group

To run Docker commands without sudo, add your user to the docker group:

bash

CopyEdit

sudo usermod -aG docker $USER

Then, log out and log back in for the changes to take effect.

Step 7: Launch Docker Desktop

You can now launch Docker Desktop either via the terminal or desktop GUI.

• From terminal:
  

bash

CopyEdit

docker-desktop

• From Ubuntu desktop, search for Docker Desktop in the application menu and launch it.
  

Step 8: Verify Docker Desktop Installation

To confirm Docker Desktop is installed correctly:

1. Check Docker version:
   

bash

CopyEdit

docker --version

Expected output similar to:

nginx

CopyEdit

Docker version 24.0.2, build 5520e20

2. Run a test container:
   

bash

CopyEdit

docker run hello-world

If Docker is working, you should see a "Hello from Docker!" message.

3. Open Docker Desktop GUI to explore images, containers, and settings.
   

Optional: Install Docker Compose

Docker Desktop comes bundled with Docker Compose, but if you want to install it separately or use the CLI version:

bash

CopyEdit

sudo apt-get install docker-compose-plugin

Verify with:

bash

CopyEdit

docker compose version

Troubleshooting Common Issues

1. Docker Desktop Won't Start

• Ensure virtualization is enabled in BIOS/UEFI.
  
  

• Check systemd service status:
  

bash

CopyEdit

sudo systemctl status docker-desktop

• Restart the service:
  

bash

CopyEdit

sudo systemctl restart docker-desktop

2. Permission Denied Running Docker Commands

• Confirm you added your user to the docker group.
  
  

• Re-login or reboot after adding the user.
  
  

• Use sudo as a temporary workaround.
  

3. Docker Commands Not Found

• Ensure Docker Desktop is installed and the PATH is set correctly.
  
  

• Check if /usr/bin/docker or /usr/local/bin/docker exists.
  

Why Choose Docker Desktop on Ubuntu?

• Unified GUI and CLI: Manage containers, images, and volumes easily.
  
  

• Kubernetes Support: Built-in Kubernetes cluster for container orchestration.
  
  

• Automatic Updates: Stay up-to-date with latest Docker versions.
  
  

• Cross-Platform Consistency: Similar experience as Windows/macOS users.
  
  

• Seamless Integration: Works well with development tools and cloud services.
  

How Go4hosting Supports Your Docker Journey

At Go4hosting, we understand the importance of containerization in modern application deployment. Whether you want to:

• Develop and test containerized apps on Ubuntu desktops.
  
  

• Deploy containerized workloads on Go4hosting Cloud Servers or Managed Kubernetes.
  
  

• Scale your Docker environments with professional cloud hosting.
  

We offer expert guidance, high-performance servers, and managed services to make your Docker journey smooth and efficient.

Conclusion

Installing Docker Desktop on Ubuntu is straightforward when following the correct steps. This powerful tool brings container management to your desktop with a rich GUI and CLI interface, perfect for developers and IT teams.

By following this guide, you can:

• Install Docker Desktop reliably
  
  

• Manage containers effortlessly
  
  

• Prepare for modern app development and deployment workflows
  

Was this answer helpful? 0 0