Learn End: Docker Engine & Desktop Support (2026)

Docker Engine & Desktop Support (2026)

DodaTech Updated Jun 20, 2026 3 min read

Docker provides container runtime and management tools through two primary products: Docker Engine (the server-side runtime) and Docker Desktop (the developer GUI application). Each follows a different release and support model. Docker Engine major versions receive roughly one year of support, while Docker Desktop follows a quarterly release cycle with a shorter support window. Docker’s shift to Mirantis ownership and the introduction of Docker CE (Community Edition) and Docker EE (Enterprise Edition) added further complexity to the support landscape. Understanding these timelines helps you avoid unsupported runtimes in production and choose the right upgrade cadence for your infrastructure.

Docker Version Support Table

Version	Type	Release Date	End of Life
Docker 24	Engine	Jul 2023	Jul 2024
Docker 25	Engine	Jan 2024	Jan 2025
Docker 26	Engine	Mar 2024	Mar 2025
Docker 27	Engine	Jul 2024	Jul 2025
Docker 28	Engine	Expected 2025	Expected 2026

Docker Support Policy

Docker’s support model differs between Engine and Desktop, and between Community and Enterprise editions.

Docker Engine (CE): Each major version is supported for approximately 12 months from release. Patch releases (e.g., 27.1, 27.2) are issued during the support window. After the EOL date, no further security patches are provided.
Docker Desktop: Follows a quarterly release cycle (4 releases per year). Each Desktop release is supported until the next release ships, giving roughly a 3-month support window. Docker Desktop Pro, Team, and Business tiers receive extended enterprise support.
Docker EE (Mirantis): Former Docker Enterprise customers migrated to Mirantis Kubernetes Engine (MKE). These deployments follow separate commercial support agreements and typically receive extended support beyond CE timelines.
Windows vs Linux: Windows-based Docker Engine versions may have slightly shorter support timelines due to the Windows servicing model. Always check the Docker release notes for platform-specific EOL dates.

How to Check Your Docker Version

docker version --format '{{.Server.Version}}'

To check both client and server versions:

docker version

FAQ

How long is Docker Engine supported?

Docker Engine CE major versions receive approximately 12 months of support from the initial release date. During this time, patch releases address bug fixes and security vulnerabilities. After the EOL date, you must upgrade to a newer major version.

What is the difference between Docker Engine and Docker Desktop support?

Docker Engine is the server-side container runtime with a ~12-month support window per major version. Docker Desktop is a developer tool with a ~3-month support window per quarterly release. Desktop includes Engine but adds a GUI, Kubernetes integration, and extended features.

Can I still use Docker Swarm after the Engine EOL?

Docker Swarm is bundled with Docker Engine. When the Engine version reaches EOL, Swarm mode in that version is also unsupported. You should upgrade the Engine version to continue receiving Swarm-related security patches.

What happens to Docker CE after Mirantis acquired Docker?

Docker CE continues to exist as a community edition maintained by Mirantis. The release cadence and support timeline remain similar to pre-acquisition. Mirantis also offers Docker Enterprise features through Mirantis Kubernetes Engine (MKE) for commercial customers.

Do Windows and Linux Docker versions have different EOL dates?

Yes. Windows versions of Docker Engine follow the Windows servicing lifecycle and may reach EOL earlier than their Linux counterparts. Always verify the EOL date for your specific platform in the Docker release announcements.

Related Schedules

Kubernetes Release Cycle
Python Version EOL Schedule

Previous Kubernetes Release Cycle (2026) Next PostgreSQL Version EOL (2026)

Built by the developers of DodaTech

Doda Browser, DodaZIP & Durga Antivirus Pro

Home Browse End of Life & Release Schedules