Big things are happening in Docker Desktop 4.41! Whether you’re building the next AI breakthrough or managing development environments at scale, this release is packed with tools to help you move faster and collaborate smarter. From bringing Docker Model Runner to Windows (with NVIDIA GPU acceleration!), Compose and Testcontainers, to new ways to manage models in Docker Desktop, we’re making AI development more accessible than ever. Plus, we’ve got fresh updates for your favorite workflows — like a new Docker DX Extension for Visual Studio Code, a speed boost for Mac users, and even a new location for Docker Desktop on the Microsoft Store. Also, we’re enabling ACH transfer as a payment option for self-serve customers. Let’s dive into what’s new!
Docker Model Runner now supports Windows, Compose & Testcontainers
This release brings Docker Model Runner to Windows users with NVIDIA GPU support. We’ve also introduced improvements that make it easier to manage, push, and share models on Docker Hub and integrate with familiar tools like Docker Compose and Testcontainers. Docker Model Runner works with Docker Compose projects for orchestrating model pulls and injecting model runner services, and Testcontainers via its libraries. These updates continue our focus on helping developers build AI applications faster using existing tools and workflows.
In addition to CLI support for managing models, Docker Desktop now includes a dedicated “Models” section in the GUI. This gives developers more flexibility to browse, run, and manage models visually, right alongside their containers, volumes, and images.
Figure 1: Easily browse, run, and manage models from Docker Desktop
Further extending the developer experience, you can now push models directly to Docker Hub, just like you would with container images. This creates a consistent, unified workflow for storing, sharing, and collaborating on models across teams. With models treated as first-class artifacts, developers can version, distribute, and deploy them using the same trusted Docker tooling they already use for containers — no extra infrastructure or custom registries required.
docker model push
The Docker Compose integration makes it easy to define, configure, and run AI applications alongside traditional microservices within a single Compose file. This removes the need for separate tools or custom configurations, so teams can treat models like any other service in their dev environment.
Figure 2: Using Docker Compose to declare services, including running AI models
Similarly, the Testcontainers integration extends testing to AI models, with initial support for Java and Go and more languages on the way. This allows developers to run applications and create automated tests using AI services powered by Docker Model Runner. By enabling full end-to-end testing with Large Language Models, teams can confidently validate application logic, their integration code, and drive high-quality releases.
DockerModelRunnerContainer modelRunnerContainer = new DockerModelRunnerContainer()
.withModel(modelName);
modelRunnerContainer.start();
OpenAiChatModel model = OpenAiChatModel.builder()
.baseUrl(modelRunnerContainer.getOpenAIEndpoint())
.modelName(modelName)
.logRequests(true)
.logResponses(true)
.build();
String answer = model.chat(“Give me a fact about Whales.”);
System.out.println(answer);
Docker DX Extension in Visual Studio: Catch issues early, code with confidence
The Docker DX Extension is now live on the Visual Studio Marketplace. This extension streamlines your container development workflow with rich editing, linting features, and built-in vulnerability scanning. You’ll get inline warnings and best-practice recommendations for your Dockerfiles, powered by Build Check — a feature we introduced last year.
It also flags known vulnerabilities in container image references, helping you catch issues early in the dev cycle. For Bake files, it offers completion, variable navigation, and inline suggestions based on your Dockerfile stages. And for those managing complex Docker Compose setups, an outline view makes it easier to navigate and understand services at a glance.
Figure 3: Docker DX Extension in Visual Studio provides actionable recommendations for fixing vulnerabilities and optimizing Dockerfiles
Read more about this in our announcement blog and GitHub repo. Get started today by installing Docker DX – Visual Studio Marketplace
MacOS QEMU virtualization option deprecation
The QEMU virtualization option in Docker Desktop for Mac will be deprecated on July 14, 2025.
With the new Apple Virtualization Framework, you’ll experience improved performance, stability, and compatibility with macOS updates as well as tighter integration with Apple Silicon architecture.
What this means for you:
If you’re using QEMU as your virtualization backend on macOS, you’ll need to switch to either Apple Virtualization Framework (default) or Docker VMM (beta) options.
This does NOT affect QEMU’s role in emulating non-native architectures for multi-platform builds.
Your multi-architecture builds will continue to work as before.
For complete details, please see our official announcement.
Introducing Docker Desktop in the Microsoft Store
Docker Desktop is now available for download from the Microsoft Store! We’re rolling out an EXE-based installer for Docker Desktop on Windows. This new distribution channel provides an enhanced installation and update experience for Windows users while simplifying deployment management for IT administrators across enterprise environments.
Key benefits
For developers:
Automatic Updates: The Microsoft Store handles all update processes automatically, ensuring you’re always running the latest version without manual intervention.
Streamlined Installation: Experience a more reliable setup process with fewer startup errors.
Simplified Management: Manage Docker Desktop alongside your other applications in one familiar interface.
For IT admins:
Native Intune MDM Integration: Deploy Docker Desktop across your organization with Microsoft’s native management tools.
Centralized Deployment Control: Roll out Docker Desktop more easily through the Microsoft Store’s enterprise distribution channels.
Automatic Updates Regardless of Security Settings: Updates are handled automatically by the Microsoft Store infrastructure, even in organizations where users don’t have direct store access.
Familiar Process: The update mechanism maps to the widget command, providing consistency with other enterprise software management tools.
This new distribution option represents our commitment to improving the Docker experience for Windows users while providing enterprise IT teams with the management capabilities they need.
Unlock greater flexibility: Enable ACH transfer as a payment option for self-serve customers
We’re focused on making it easier for teams to scale, grow, and innovate. All on their own terms. That’s why we’re excited to announce an upgrade to the self-serve purchasing experience: customers can pay via ACH transfer starting on 4/30/25.
Historically, self-serve purchases were limited to credit card payments, forcing many customers who could not use credit cards into manual sales processes, even for small seat expansions. With the introduction of an ACH transfer payment option, customers can choose the payment method that works best for their business. Fewer delays and less unnecessary friction.
This payment option upgrade empowers customers to:
Purchase more independently without engaging sales
Choose between credit card or ACH transfer with a verified bank account
By empowering enterprises and developers, we’re freeing up your time, and ours, to focus on what matters most: building, scaling, and succeeding with Docker.
Visit our documentation to explore the new payment options, or log in to your Docker account to get started today!
Wrapping up
With Docker Desktop 4.41, we’re continuing to meet developers where they are — making it easier to build, test, and ship innovative apps, no matter your stack or setup. Whether you’re pushing AI models to Docker Hub, catching issues early with the Docker DX Extension, or enjoying faster virtualization on macOS, these updates are all about helping you do your best work with the tools you already know and love. We can’t wait to see what you build next!
