Can I install Docker Desktop on Ubuntu? Check x86-64 support
Check Docker's official Ubuntu Desktop requirements, x86-64 architecture boundary, virtualization needs, and current supported Ubuntu LTS releases.
Yes, but Docker Desktop for Linux has a narrower support boundary than Docker Engine. Docker's current Ubuntu instructions require an x86-64 system running Ubuntu 26.04 LTS or 24.04 LTS, and the official installer is the amd64 .deb package. The host also needs KVM, QEMU 5.2 or later, systemd, and at least 4 GB of RAM because Docker Desktop runs a Linux VM.
Checked 2026-08-17. Confirm the exact release notes before upgrading.Docker Desktop compatibility
| Requirement | Version or model | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Ubuntu 26.04 LTS | x86-64 host | Supported by Docker Desktop for Linux |
| Ubuntu 24.04 LTS | x86-64 host | Supported by Docker Desktop for Linux |
| Intel or AMD 64-bit CPU | x86-64 / amd64 | Use the official docker-desktop-amd64.deb package |
| Ubuntu ARM64 | Docker Desktop Linux package | Not listed as a supported Desktop host |
| Virtualization | KVM and QEMU 5.2 or later | Required |
| Memory | At least 4 GB RAM | Required baseline |
| Nested virtualization | Docker Desktop's Linux VM | Not supported by Docker |
What this page does not prove
Docker's Desktop-on-Ubuntu documentation does not list ARM64 as a supported Docker Desktop host architecture. Docker Engine has a separate Ubuntu support matrix that includes more architectures, but that evidence must not be transferred to Docker Desktop. Nested virtualization is not supported by Docker Desktop for Linux, and meeting the host requirements does not guarantee that every container image supports the host architecture.
Official sources
Checked 2026-08-17. Requirements can change with new releases.
Common questions
Does Docker Desktop run on Ubuntu?
Docker documents Docker Desktop on Ubuntu 26.04 LTS and 24.04 LTS when the host is x86-64 and meets the virtualization, desktop, and memory requirements.
Does Docker Desktop for Linux support Ubuntu ARM64?
Docker's supported-platform table lists Ubuntu for x86_64 or amd64. It does not list ARM64 as a supported Docker Desktop host, so do not use Docker Engine's broader ARM64 matrix as proof for Desktop.
Is Docker Desktop the same as Docker Engine on Ubuntu?
No. Docker Desktop for Linux runs its own VM and uses a desktop-linux context. Docker Engine is a separate product with separate installation and architecture documentation.
Can I run Docker Desktop inside another virtual machine?
Docker says nested virtualization is not supported for Docker Desktop for Linux. Check the host's KVM access before installing.