Following on from our previous initiative to improve how Docker Desktop delivers updates, we are excited to announce another major improvement to how Docker Desktop keeps your development tools up to date. Starting with Docker Desktop 4.46, we’re introducing automatic component updates and a completely redesigned update experience that puts your productivity first.
Why We’re Making This Change
Your development workflow shouldn’t be interrupted by update notifications and restart requirements. With our new approach, you get:
- Zero workflow interruption – components update automatically in the background when a Docker Desktop restart is not required
- Always-current tools – Scout, Compose, Ask Gordon, and Model Runner stay up-to-date without manual intervention
- Better security posture – automatic updates mean you’re always running the latest, most secure versions
- Enterprise control – admin console cloud setting to control the update behaviour.
What’s New in Docker Desktop 4.46
Silent Component Updates
Independent tools now update automatically in the background without any user interaction required and without impact on running containers:
- Docker Scout – Latest vulnerability scanning capabilities
- Docker Compose – New features and bug fixes
- Ask Gordon – Enhanced AI assistance improvements
- Model Runner – Updated model support and performance optimizations
Note that the component list above may change in the future as we add or remove features.
Redesigned Update Experience
We have completely re-imagined how Docker Desktop communicates updates to you:
- Streamlined update flow with clearer messaging
- In-app release highlights showcasing key improvements you actually care about
- Reduced notification fatigue through more thoughtful update communications
- [Coming soon] Smart timing – GUI-only updates happen automatically when you close and reopen Docker
Full Control When You Need It
Individual User Control
Want to manage updates yourself? You have complete control:
- Go to Docker Desktop Settings
- Navigate to Software Updates
- Toggle “Automatically update components” on or off
Software updates: new setting to control opt in or out of automatic component updates.
Enterprise Management
For Docker Business subscribers, administrators maintain full governance through the admin console:
- Access Admin Console > Desktop Settings Management
- Edit your global policy
- Configure “Automatically update components” to enable, disable, lock, or set defaults for your entire organization
This ensures enterprises can maintain their preferred update policies while giving individual developers the productivity benefits of seamless updates.
Admin console: desktop settings management policy contains a new silent update setting for enterprise control.
We Want Your Feedback
The redesigned update workflow is rolling out to the majority of our users as we gather feedback and refine the experience. We’re committed to getting this right, so please share your thoughts:
- In-app feedback popup – we do read those!
- Docker Slack community – join the conversation with other developers
- GitHub issues – report specific bugs or feature requests
Getting Started
Docker Desktop 4.46 with silent component updates is available now. The new update experience will gradually roll out to all users over the coming weeks.
Already using Docker Desktop? Update in-app to get the latest features.
New to Docker? Download Docker Desktop here to experience the most seamless development environment we’ve ever built.