Docker Launches Public Beta for Docker VMM on Mac and Windows

Docker has launched the public beta of Docker VMM, a rebuilt virtualization layer for Docker Desktop, available starting with version 4.86 on Mac and Windows. Docker VMM replaces the third-party virtual machine monitor previously used, offering faster startup times, improved file I/O, smarter memory management, and enhanced stability, particularly for Windows users. The new engine, built by Docker from the ground up, is optimized for container workloads and ensures better performance across all workflows. Users can enable Docker VMM via settings, with general availability planned for October 2026, when it will become the default engine for new Docker Desktop installations on Mac, Windows, and Linux.