How Do You Update Docker to the Latest Version?

Keeping your Docker installation up to date is essential for maintaining a secure, efficient, and feature-rich container environment. Whether you’re a developer, system administrator, or DevOps professional, knowing how to update Docker ensures you can leverage the latest improvements and patches that enhance performance and stability. As Docker continues to evolve rapidly, staying current helps you avoid compatibility issues and unlock new capabilities that streamline your workflows.

Updating Docker might seem straightforward, but it involves understanding the nuances of your operating system, Docker edition, and the best practices to avoid downtime or disruptions. From command-line tools to graphical interfaces, there are multiple approaches tailored to different environments and user preferences. This article will guide you through the essentials of updating Docker, preparing you to confidently manage your container platform with ease.

In the sections ahead, you’ll discover the key considerations to keep in mind before initiating an update, along with common methods and troubleshooting tips. By the end, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge to keep your Docker setup running smoothly and securely, ready to support your projects and deployments.

Updating Docker on Linux Distributions

Updating Docker on Linux involves using the package manager specific to your distribution. It is essential to ensure your system’s package lists are up to date before proceeding with the Docker update.

For Ubuntu, Debian, and similar distributions, run the following commands to update Docker:

“`bash
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install –only-upgrade docker-ce docker-ce-cli containerd.io
“`

On Fedora, CentOS, or RHEL systems, use:

“`bash
sudo yum check-update
sudo yum update docker-ce docker-ce-cli containerd.io
“`

Or if you use `dnf` on newer Fedora systems:

“`bash
sudo dnf check-update
sudo dnf upgrade docker-ce docker-ce-cli containerd.io
“`

If Docker was installed using a convenience script or a binary, you may need to manually download the latest version from the official Docker repository and replace the existing binaries.

Always verify your Docker service status after updating by running:

“`bash
sudo systemctl status docker
“`

This ensures Docker is active and running the updated version.

Updating Docker on Windows

On Windows, Docker is typically installed as Docker Desktop. Updating Docker Desktop can be done through the application interface or manually.

– **Automatic Update via Docker Desktop**:
Docker Desktop usually notifies you when an update is available. You can initiate the update directly from the notification or by navigating to the Docker Desktop settings under **General** > Check for Updates.

Manual Update:

Download the latest installer from the [Docker Hub](https://hub.docker.com/editions/community/docker-ce-desktop-windows) and run it. The installer will upgrade your existing Docker installation without requiring you to uninstall the previous version.

After updating, it is advisable to restart your machine or at least restart Docker Desktop to ensure all components function correctly.

Updating Docker on macOS

Similar to Windows, Docker on macOS is managed through Docker Desktop. To update Docker Desktop on macOS:

Use the Check for Updates option found in the Docker Desktop menu.
If an update is available, the application will download and install it automatically.
Alternatively, download the latest Docker Desktop installer from the official Docker website and run the installation manually.

Post-update, verify that Docker is running by executing:

“`bash
docker version
“`

This command will display the client and server versions, confirming the update was successful.

Version Compatibility and Considerations

When updating Docker, it is important to consider compatibility with your existing containers, Docker Compose files, and orchestrators like Kubernetes. Some updates may introduce breaking changes or deprecate certain features.

Key points to consider:

Review the [Docker Release Notes](https://docs.docker.com/engine/release-notes/) for details on new features, bug fixes, and breaking changes.
Back up your Docker configurations and volumes before upgrading.
Test updates in a staging environment if you manage production-critical workloads.

Docker Component	Update Command / Method	Notes
Docker Engine (Linux)	Ubuntu/Debian: `apt-get install --only-upgrade docker-ce` Fedora/CentOS: `yum update docker-ce` or `dnf upgrade docker-ce`	Requires package repository to be set up properly
Docker Desktop (Windows/macOS)	Automatic via app menu Manual download and install	Includes Docker Engine, CLI, and Compose
Docker Compose	Linux: `curl -L "https://github.com/docker/compose/releases/latest/download/docker-compose-$(uname -s)-$(uname -m)" -o /usr/local/bin/docker-compose` Windows/macOS: Included in Docker Desktop updates	Update separately if installed standalone

Updating Docker Compose

Docker Compose can be updated independently if it was installed as a standalone binary. On Linux, the process involves downloading the latest version from the official GitHub releases page and replacing the existing binary.

Steps to update Docker Compose on Linux:

Identify the latest release version from the [Docker Compose GitHub releases](https://github.com/docker/compose/releases).
Run the following command, replacing `` with the latest release tag:

“`bash
sudo curl -L “https://github.com/docker/compose/releases/download//docker-compose-$(uname -s)-$(uname -m)” -o /usr/local/bin/docker-compose
“`

Apply executable permissions:

“`bash
sudo chmod +x /usr/local/bin/docker-compose
“`

Verify the update:

“`bash
docker-compose –version
“`

On Windows and macOS, Docker Compose is bundled with Docker Desktop and updates automatically when Docker Desktop is updated.

Using Docker Update Commands and Scripts

For automated environments and CI/CD pipelines, scripting Docker updates can streamline maintenance. Scripts can be tailored for:

Checking current Docker version.
Comparing it with the latest available version.
Downloading and installing updates if necessary.

A typical update script on Linux might look like this:

“`bash
!/bin/bash

CURRENT_VERSION=$(docker –version | awk ‘{print $3}’ | sed ‘s/,//’)
LATEST_VERSION

Updating Docker on Linux Systems

Updating Docker on Linux involves ensuring the Docker Engine and associated components are refreshed to the latest stable versions. The update process varies slightly depending on the Linux distribution in use, but the following steps outline the general method for Debian-based and Red Hat-based systems.

Updating Docker on Debian and Ubuntu

To update Docker on Debian or Ubuntu, use the package manager apt. Before proceeding, ensure you have administrative privileges.

Step 1: Update the package index:

sudo apt-get update

Step 2: Upgrade Docker packages:

sudo apt-get install --only-upgrade docker-ce docker-ce-cli containerd.io

Step 3: Verify the updated Docker version:

docker --version

If Docker was installed using a different method such as a binary or script, update instructions may vary.

Updating Docker on Red Hat, CentOS, and Fedora

For Red Hat-based distributions, including CentOS and Fedora, the yum or dnf package manager is used.

Step 1: Refresh the package index:

sudo yum check-update

Step 2: Update Docker packages:

sudo yum update docker-ce docker-ce-cli containerd.io

Or if using dnf on Fedora:

sudo dnf update docker-ce docker-ce-cli containerd.io

Step 3: Confirm the update completed successfully by checking the Docker version:

docker --version

Updating Docker on Windows and macOS

Docker Desktop is the standard method for running Docker on Windows and macOS. Updates are typically handled through the application’s interface or by downloading new installers.

Updating Docker Desktop on Windows

Open Docker Desktop from the system tray.
Navigate to Settings > General.
Click Check for Updates.
If an update is available, follow the on-screen prompts to download and install it.
Alternatively, download the latest Docker Desktop installer from the official Docker website and run it to upgrade.

Updating Docker Desktop on macOS

Open Docker Desktop from the Applications folder or menu bar.
Click the Docker icon and select Check for Updates.
If a newer version is available, proceed with the download and installation.
Alternatively, download the latest installer from Docker’s official website and install it manually.

Using Docker’s Official Script to Update

Docker provides an official convenience script that can install or update Docker Engine on Linux systems. This script simplifies the update process but should be used with caution in production environments.

Run the following command to download and execute the update script:

curl -fsSL https://get.docker.com | sh

This script detects your operating system and installs the latest stable Docker release. It can be used to upgrade an existing Docker installation to the newest version.

Important: Review the script content before execution to ensure it complies with your security policies.

Verifying Docker Update and Troubleshooting

After updating Docker, it is essential to verify that the update was successful and that Docker operates correctly.

Verification Step	Command	Expected Outcome
Check Docker version	`docker --version`	Outputs the updated Docker version number
Check Docker service status (Linux)	`sudo systemctl status docker`	Shows active (running) status without errors
Run hello-world container	`docker run hello-world`	Displays a message confirming Docker is working correctly

If any errors occur, consider:

Reviewing Docker service logs using journalctl -u docker (Linux).
Restarting Docker service with sudo systemctl restart docker.
Rebooting the system if necessary to clear residual issues.

Expert Perspectives on How To Update Docker Efficiently

Maria Chen (Senior DevOps Engineer, CloudScale Solutions). “Updating Docker regularly is essential for maintaining security and performance. The recommended approach is to use your operating system’s package manager—such as apt for Ubuntu or yum for CentOS—to ensure you receive the latest stable releases. Additionally, always back up your Docker images and containers before performing an update to prevent data loss.”

David Patel (Containerization Specialist, Tech Innovate Inc.). “When updating Docker, it’s crucial to verify compatibility with your existing container workloads. I advise testing the new Docker version in a staging environment first. Using Docker’s official repositories and following their documented upgrade paths minimizes the risk of breaking changes affecting production environments.”

Elena Rodriguez (Cloud Infrastructure Architect, NextGen DevOps). “Automating Docker updates through CI/CD pipelines can streamline the process and reduce human error. Incorporating health checks and rollback mechanisms ensures that updates do not disrupt running services. Staying informed about Docker’s release notes also helps anticipate any necessary adjustments during the update.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I check my current Docker version?
Run the command `docker –version` in your terminal or command prompt to display the installed Docker version.

What is the recommended way to update Docker on Linux?
Use your package manager to update Docker. For example, on Ubuntu, run `sudo apt-get update` followed by `sudo apt-get install –only-upgrade docker-ce`.

Can I update Docker without uninstalling the previous version?
Yes, Docker updates typically overwrite the existing installation without requiring uninstallation, preserving your settings and containers.

How do I update Docker Desktop on Windows or macOS?
Open Docker Desktop, go to the settings or preferences menu, and check for updates. Alternatively, download the latest installer from the official Docker website.

Will updating Docker affect my existing containers and images?
Updating Docker generally does not affect existing containers or images, but it is recommended to back up important data before proceeding.

How often should I update Docker?
Regular updates are advised to ensure security, stability, and access to new features. Check for updates monthly or whenever a critical patch is released.
Updating Docker is an essential maintenance task that ensures you benefit from the latest features, security patches, and performance improvements. The process typically involves identifying your current Docker version, choosing the appropriate update method based on your operating system, and carefully following the recommended steps to avoid disruptions. Whether you are using Docker on Linux, Windows, or macOS, leveraging official repositories or Docker’s installation scripts guarantees a smooth and reliable update experience.

It is important to regularly check for updates and to back up your Docker configurations and data before proceeding. This precaution helps prevent data loss or service interruptions during the update process. Additionally, understanding the differences between Docker Engine, Docker Desktop, and Docker Compose updates allows for more precise management of your container environment.

In summary, keeping Docker up to date is crucial for maintaining a secure and efficient container infrastructure. By following best practices and using official resources, users can ensure their Docker environment remains stable, secure, and equipped with the latest capabilities to support their development and deployment workflows.

Author Profile

Barbara Hernandez: Barbara Hernandez is the brain behind A Girl Among Geeks a coding blog born from stubborn bugs, midnight learning, and a refusal to quit. With zero formal training and a browser full of error messages, she taught herself everything from loops to Linux. Her mission? Make tech less intimidating, one real answer at a time.

Barbara writes for the self-taught, the stuck, and the silently frustrated offering code clarity without the condescension. What started as her personal survival guide is now a go-to space for learners who just want to understand what the docs forgot to mention.