Why Docker Desktop failed to start the VM on macOS and the virtualization & permissions fixes that brought containers back online

If you’ve recently opened Docker Desktop on your Mac expecting to spin up a few containers, only to be greeted by the dreaded “failed to start VM” error, you’re not alone. This frustrating issue has impacted numerous developers, especially after major macOS updates or system permission changes. Rather than giving up and uninstalling, let’s explore what’s causing this, and more importantly, how to fix it.

TL;DR

If Docker Desktop is failing to start its VM on macOS, the root cause often comes down to virtualization settings or macOS system permissions. Typically, after an OS update or permissions being reset, macOS may block Docker from accessing necessary resources. Solutions include enabling virtualization in recovery mode, adjusting privacy settings in System Preferences, and ensuring the correct user permissions are granted. These steps can often bring Docker Desktop—and your containers—back to life.

Why Docker Needs a VM on macOS

Unlike Linux systems where containers can run natively, macOS relies on a LinuxKit-based virtual machine to host Docker containers. Since Docker utilizes Linux kernel features (like namespaces and cgroups), the use of a virtual machine becomes essential on macOS to emulate the Linux environment.

Starting Docker Desktop on macOS involves the following components:

• A lightweight virtual machine booting a Linux kernel
• Apple’s Hypervisor.framework to power virtualization
• Access to networking and filesystem permissions

When any of these components are misconfigured, outdated, or blocked by the operating system’s security measures, Docker Desktop simply refuses to function — and often, without a clear explanation.

Common Causes for VM Failures

Several variables can contribute to Docker Desktop’s VM failing to start. Knowing these can help you locate and fix the problem more efficiently:

1. macOS Update: After system upgrades (like from Monterey to Ventura), macOS often revalidates permissions, potentially revoking previously accepted ones.
2. Disabled Virtualization: macOS needs virtualization enabled at the hardware level (Intel VT-x or Apple Silicon equivalents) and within the OS via recovery mode.
3. Corrupted Docker Configuration: Incomplete updates or system crashes can break essential Docker configuration or cache files.
4. Permissions Missing: Docker may be unable to read or write to specific directories due to sandboxed privacy controls (e.g., Documents or Desktop folders).

Step-by-Step Fixes to Get Docker Working Again

If you’re encountering the “Docker failed to start the VM” issue, here are the most effective solutions, starting from the simplest to more advanced ones:

1. Reboot Your Mac

Yes, it’s cliché, but a reboot often resolves temporary glitches that can cause the VM to fail. It clears out locked processes or memory issues that might interfere with virtualization.

2. Check Virtualization Support

Ensure that virtualization is enabled on your machine:

• On Intel Macs, reboot into Recovery Mode by holding Command + R, then go to Utilities > Startup Security Utility. Ensure security settings allow booting from external or network devices if needed.
• On Apple Silicon Macs, shut down the Mac completely, hold the Power button to enter recovery, click Security Policy, and allow reduced security with authorized kernel extensions if needed.

3. Grant Full Disk Access & Privacy Permissions

macOS requires that apps have explicit permission to access sensitive areas of the system. If Docker Desktop doesn’t have the right access, this could block VM startup.

1. Go to System Settings > Privacy & Security > Full Disk Access
2. Add Docker Desktop to the list
3. Also check Developer Tools and Files and Folders categories in the same Privacy panel

4. Reset Docker to Factory Defaults

If something within Docker itself is corrupted, consider resetting/remove configuration:

• Open Docker Desktop
• Click the gear icon in the top-right corner
• Navigate to Reset > Reset to factory defaults

Note: This will delete all containers, images, and volumes.

5. Reinstall Docker Desktop

Sometimes the update process can go astray. A clean reinstall will ensure Docker gets the latest files with proper permissions.

1. Quit Docker
2. Delete Docker from Applications
3. Remove Docker-related files from ~/Library/Containers/ and ~/Library/Application Support
4. Download the latest Docker from the official site
5. Install and reauthorize permissions on first launch

6. Reset NVRAM and SMC (Intel Macs Only)

An odd but occasionally effective fix involves resetting the NVRAM and System Management Controller (SMC), especially on Intel Macs.

• Shut down your Mac
• Turn it on and immediately hold Option + Command + P + R for about 20 seconds
• Release and boot normally

This resets low-level hardware configurations that could impact virtualization support.

Advanced: Dig Into Logs and VM Settings

If none of the above solutions work, it’s time to dig deeper. You can investigate what Docker is doing during startup by checking the logs:

~/Library/Containers/com.docker.docker/Data/log/vm*log

Search for keywords like boot failure, virtualization error, or permission denied. This can provide additional insight into what component is failing, such as HyperKit, the backend VM process used in Docker Desktop.

CLI Access May Still Work

Oddly enough, even while Docker Desktop GUI fails, command-line access to Docker might still work using the bundled Docker CLI. Try running:

docker version
docker info

If these fail with errors about the daemon, it confirms the VM never started. If they return successfully, the GUI issue might be isolated and fixable via app reset or reinstallation.

Things to Watch Out For Moving Forward

Once Docker is back up and running, consider the following tips to prevent similar issues in the future:

• Reauthorize Permissions Post-Update: After any major macOS upgrade, revisit the System Settings > Privacy interface and ensure Docker still has needed permissions.
• Use Stable Docker Builds: Avoid beta releases unless testing is required. Stable builds are better vetted for macOS changes.
• Backup Docker Configurations: Periodically back up Docker volumes, Dockerfiles, and environment configuration to avoid disruption from resets.

Conclusion

While Docker Desktop’s dependency on virtualization makes it slightly more fragile on macOS than on Linux, it’s far from unusable. Most VM startup failures stem from predictable, fixable causes: missing permissions, updates interfering with settings, or misconfigured virtualization options. By applying the steps above, you can restore a healthy environment and get your containers running again — without the headache of switching platforms.

So next time Docker Desktop decides to throw a tantrum, just remember: it’s probably macOS being overprotective. A few tweaks, some patience, and you’ll be back to container orchestration in no time.