Docker Desktop 4.28: Enhanced File Sharing and Security Plus Refined Builds View in Docker Build Cloud

Docker Desktop 4.28 introduces updates to file-sharing controls, focusing on security and administrative ease. Responding to feedback from our business users, this update brings refined file-sharing capabilities and path allow-listing, aiming to simplify management and enhance security for IT administrators and users alike.

Along with our investments in bringing access to cloud resources within the local Docker Desktop experience with Docker Build Cloud Builds view, this release provides a more efficient and flexible platform for development teams.

Introducing enhanced file-sharing controls in Docker Desktop Business 

As we continue to innovate and elevate the Docker experience for our business customers, we’re thrilled to unveil significant upgrades to the Docker Desktop’s Hardened Desktop feature. Recognizing the importance of administrative control over Docker Desktop settings, we’ve listened to your feedback and are introducing enhancements prioritizing security and ease of use.

For IT administrators and non-admin users, Docker now offers the much-requested capability to specify and manage file-sharing options directly via Settings Management (Figure 1). This includes:

• Selective file sharing: Choose your preferred file-sharing implementation directly from Settings > General, where you can choose between VirtioFS, gRPC FUSE, or osxfs. VirtioFS is only available for macOS versions 12.5 and above and is turned on by default.
• Path allow-listing: Precisely control which paths users can share files from, enhancing security and compliance across your organization.

We’ve also reimagined the Settings > Resources > File Sharing interface to enhance your interaction with Docker Desktop (Figure 2). You’ll notice:

• Clearer error messaging: Quickly understand and rectify issues with enhanced error messages.
• Intuitive action buttons: Experience a smoother workflow with redesigned action buttons, making your Docker Desktop interactions as straightforward as possible.

These enhancements are not just about improving current functionalities; they’re about unlocking new possibilities for your Docker experience. From increased security controls to a more navigable interface, every update is designed with your efficiency in mind.

Refining development with Docker Desktop’s Builds view update 

Docker Desktop’s previous update introduced Docker Build Cloud integration, aimed at reducing build times and improving build management. In this release, we’re landing incremental updates that refine the Builds view, making it easier and faster to manage your builds.

New in Docker Desktop 4.28:

• Dedicated tabs: Separates active from completed builds for better organization (Figure 3).
• Build insights: Displays build duration and cache steps, offering more clarity on the build process.
• Reliability fixes: Resolves issues with updates for a more consistent experience.
• UI improvements: Updates the empty state view for a clearer dashboard experience (Figure 4).

These updates are designed to streamline the build management process within Docker Desktop, leveraging Docker Build Cloud for more efficient builds.

To explore how Docker Desktop and Docker Build Cloud can optimize your development workflow, read our Docker Build Cloud blog post. Experience the latest Builds view update to further enrich your local, hybrid, and cloud-native development journey.

These Docker Desktop updates support improved platform security and a better user experience. By introducing more detailed file-sharing controls, we aim to provide developers with a more straightforward administration experience and secure environment. As we move forward, we remain dedicated to refining Docker Desktop to meet the evolving needs of our users and organizations, enhancing their development workflows and agility to innovate.

Join the conversation and make your mark

Dive into the dialogue and contribute to the evolution of Docker Desktop. Use our feedback form to share your thoughts and let us know how to improve the Hardened Desktop features. Your input directly influences the development roadmap, ensuring Docker Desktop meets and exceeds our community and customers’ needs.

Learn more

• Authenticate and update to receive the newest Docker Desktop features per your subscription level.
• New to Docker? Create an account. 
• Read our latest blog on synchronized file shares.
• Read about what rolled out in Docker Desktop 4.27, including synchronized file shares, Docker Init GA, a private marketplace for extensions, Moby 25, support for Testcontainers with ECI, Docker Build Cloud, and Docker Debug Beta.
• Learn about Docker Build Cloud.
• Subscribe to the Docker Newsletter.