Docker for Mac incompatible with Mid-2009 Macbook Pro

Expected behavior

Would like to run Docker for Mac on my Mid-2009 Macbook Pro.

Have been running Docker Toolbox (and it’s predecessor, boot2docker) for a year or so quite happily on this machine.

Actual behavior

Fatal Error

Incompatible CPU detected.

Docker requires a processor with virtualization capabilities.

Information

  • OSX El Capitan 10.11.4
  • Mid-2009 Macbook Pro 8GB RAM, 64-bit 2.66Ghz Core 2 DUO

Steps to reproduce the behavior

  1. Try to launch Docker for Mac.

Mac must be a 2010 or newer model, with Intel’s hardware support for memory management unit (MMU) virtualization; i.e., Extended Page Tables (EPT)

See Docker: Accelerated Container Application Development > System Requirements

Thanks. It didn’t cross my mind to check the requirements since Docker Toolbox (based on VirtualBox) works fine.

I guess my problems will be solved shortly when Apple announces the new MacBook Pros. I’m over due for an upgrade anyway!

Yeah I’m on the same boat we need to use Docker Toolbox instead: https://docs.docker.com/toolbox/toolbox_install_mac/