Upcoming Docker Desktop disruptions for macOS users

The Docker Desktop team has issued an announcement in anticipation of an upcoming macOS Sequoia update that will affect Docker users. If you update macOS before updating Docker Desktop, it's possible that Docker may not start, or you may even see a warning like the one below:

Malware Blocked. “com.docker.vmnetd” was not opened because it contains malware. This action did not harm your Mac.

Screenshot showing an incorrect macOS malware notice for Docker Desktop
Incorrect macOS malware notice for Docker Desktop

This warning is inaccurate. Docker Desktop is not affected by malware, but instead was signed in a way that trips up the macOS malware detection mechanism.

Am I affected by this?

You are probably affected by the upcoming macOS update if:

  • You are a macOS user and are on the latest macOS 15 (Sequoia) version of the OS. You can find out your OS version with these instructions.
  • You are using Docker Desktop to run Dangerzone and haven’t updated since Jan. 9, 2025.

What can I do?

You are strongly advised to upgrade to the latest Docker Desktop version (4.37.2 or newer), either by downloading the latest version or via the Docker Desktop in-app update window. If you have installed Docker Desktop via Homebrew, it is recommended to do a full reinstall, following these instructions.

If you have not yet upgraded your system to macOS 15 (Sequoia), you should upgrade your Docker Desktop version before migrating to the new macOS version.

If the malware notification persists, you can consult this troubleshooting guide.