4 days ago I updated docker desktop to the latest version and today I realized executables in my docker images no longer work. I tried uninstalling docker desktop and removing docker related files to then do a reinstall. I tried reinstalling a previous version via a forum post here: Where can i download an older version of Docker Desktop for Mac? - #4 by rimelek by the user rlmelek and after trying to open the software from my applications folder I get a message that the file is damaged and that I should move it to trash. I delete the application, eject, remove the download, and empty trash. I try to reinstall the latest version from docker hub release notes as a trial and I get the same message. I investigate further by going to the applications folder and opening the contents of docker in the macOS folder, I double click on install and a message pops up reading: “install” can’t be opened because the identity of the developer cannot be confirmed. Your security settings allow installation of only apps from the App Store and identified developers. Which doesn’t make sense to me since I previously had docker installed.
I have a Apple Mac Air M2 and I am running macOS 14.7.1 (23H222).
What kind of executables are those? You should probably find out what the problem is with the files instead of trying to install an old Docker Desktop.
Make sure you download the installer for the right architecture. In your case, arm64. If you downloaded the right one and still got the error message about a damaged file, there is probably nothing to do. The old installers are not supported so even if the files are actually damaged, it is unlikely that Docker will fix it. If you can share the link that you tried to download the the older version, I can try to check if it is really damaged.
So the same file once gives you a “damaged” error and later a “cannot be confirmed” error? Then maybe the older version was right as well and macOS returns a confusing error message.
I had the “cannot be confirmed” error message once, but in macOS 15 and possibly when I had the chance to try a pre-release. I’m not sure, but I know I could allow it by going to the Settings » Privacy & Security on macOS and saw the warning with an option to enable it at the bottom of the window. Then I tried again and Docker Desktop was installed again.
If you had the same version installed before, I don’t know why you get the error message. MAybe because previously you had it after upgrading from an older version automatically, and after you completeley deleted Docker DEsktop, macOS didn’t accept the new installer?