Resolving "Docker.app Will Damage Your Computer" Warning on macOS

Problem Statement
When launching Docker Desktop on macOS (both Intel and Apple Silicon), you may encounter a warning claiming: "Docker.app" will damage your computer. You should move it to the Bin. This alert is caused by Docker Inc. revoking a signing certificate for the com.docker.vmnetd component, triggering macOS security warnings. The issue often coincides with installing security tools like Zscaler, but occurs independently after Docker's certificate revocation.

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Recommended Solutions

1. Reinstall Latest Docker Version (Official Fix)

Updating to Docker Desktop v4.37.2+ (released January 2025) resolves the certificate issue.

Steps:

1. Uninstall existing Docker:

   brew uninstall --cask docker --force  # Brew users

   • Non-Brew users: Drag Docker.app to Bin.
2. Remove leftover files:

   sudo rm -rf /Library/PrivilegedHelperTools/com.docker.*
   sudo rm /usr/local/bin/docker*  # Clean Homebrew binary conflicts

3. Download the latest installer from Docker’s official site.
4. Reinstall:
   • Mount the downloaded .dmg, drag Docker.app to /Applications.
   • If using installer: Run:

     sudo /Volumes/Docker/Docker.app/Contents/MacOS/install

2. Post-Reinstall Certificate Verification

Ensure the new certificate is valid:

# Download verification script
curl -fLO https://github.com/docker/for-mac/files/18378854/check.sh.txt
mv check.sh.txt check.sh && chmod +x check.sh

# Run check
./check.sh /Applications/Docker.app/Contents/Library/LaunchServices/com.docker.vmnetd

Expected Output:

com.docker.vmnetd is signed with a correct certificate

3. Persistent Post-Reinstall Errors

If Docker fails to start after reinstallation ("Docker is damaged" alert), reset privileged tools:

# Ensure Docker processes are stopped  
sudo pkill '[dD]ocker'

# Remove revoked helper binaries  
sudo launchctl remove com.docker.vmnetd  
sudo rm -f /Library/PrivilegedHelperTools/com.docker.vmnetd  
sudo rm -f /Library/PrivilegedHelperTools/com.docker.socket  

# Reinstall core binaries from the fixed app  
sudo cp /Applications/Docker.app/Contents/Library/LaunchServices/com.docker.vmnetd /Library/PrivilegedHelperTools/  
sudo cp /Applications/Docker.app/Contents/MacOS/com.docker.socket /Library/PrivilegedHelperTools/

Restart your Mac afterward.

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Prevention Tips

1. Avoid Moving Files to Bin During Alert
   Moving Docker.app to Bin may cause incomplete removal—use proper uninstall steps.
2. Prefer Official Installers Over Homebrew
   Docker's direct download avoids path conflicts with Homebrew.
3. Check .docker/config.json
   Remove "credsStore": "desktop" if credentials cause issues.

WARNING

Never run unreviewed scripts from the internet. Audit code snippets (like the check.sh script) before execution.

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Root Cause Explanation

Apple's Gatekeeper blocks applications with revoked developer certificates. Docker revoked a certificate for com.docker.vmnetd, a network helper tool, causing macOS to flag the app. The fix replaces this component and updates the signing certificate in newer releases.

For ongoing issues, consult Docker's GitHub:

• Malware detection prevents start (#7527)
• "Docker is damaged" errors (#7046)