Install Docker for Apprentice

Apprentice uses Docker to run agents in isolated local environments. Docker is what lets Apprentice give each agent a bounded runtime instead of letting agent code run directly on your computer.

Docker does not decide which AI model you use. You can connect Apprentice to cloud AI providers, CLI or subscription tools, or local runtimes separately. Docker provides the execution sandbox for agents.

Before You Start

You need:

• A supported Windows, macOS, or Linux computer.
• Permission to install system software.
• An internet connection.
• Docker installed and running before starting agents in Apprentice.

On Windows, Docker Desktop usually uses WSL 2. On macOS, Docker Desktop includes the required runtime. On Linux, you can use Docker Engine or Docker Desktop depending on your machine and preference.

Use Docker's official installation documentation for your operating system. Docker changes its installers, setup requirements, and troubleshooting steps over time, so the official docs should be treated as the source of truth.

Windows

Install Docker Desktop for Windows from Docker's official guide:

Install Docker Desktop on Windows

Recommended setup:

1. Install Docker Desktop.
2. Use the WSL 2 backend when prompted.
3. Restart your computer if Docker asks you to.
4. Start Docker Desktop.
5. Wait until Docker shows that it is running.

macOS

Install Docker Desktop for macOS from Docker's official guide:

Install Docker Desktop on Mac

Make sure you download the correct version for your Mac:

• Apple Silicon for M1, M2, M3, or newer Macs.
• Intel for older Intel Macs.

After installation:

1. Move Docker to Applications if prompted.
2. Start Docker Desktop.
3. Approve any system prompts Docker requires.
4. Wait until Docker shows that it is running.

Linux

On Linux, most users should install Docker Engine unless they specifically want Docker Desktop.

Start with Docker's official Linux installation guides:

• Install Docker Engine
• Install Docker Engine on Ubuntu
• Install Docker Desktop on Linux

Follow the instructions for your Linux distribution.

Verify Docker Works

Open a terminal and run:

docker version

Then run:

docker run hello-world

If both commands work, Docker is installed correctly.

Open Apprentice

Once Docker is running, open Apprentice.

Apprentice needs Docker for agent execution, but Docker alone is not enough to run AI agents. You also need to configure at least one AI provider or local runtime before agents can call a model.

Troubleshooting

If Apprentice cannot start an agent, check that Docker Desktop or the Docker service is running.

If Docker works in a terminal but Apprentice still cannot use it, restart Apprentice after starting Docker.

On Windows, make sure WSL 2 is installed and enabled.

On Linux, permission errors usually mean your user cannot access Docker yet. Follow Docker's official post-install instructions carefully. Adding your user to the docker group changes the machine's security boundary, so only do this on systems where you understand and accept that trust model.

If you are using Docker Desktop in a company environment, check Docker's current license terms for your organization.

Next Step

After Docker is installed, connect your first AI provider in Apprentice.