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How to Restart Docker Daemon: A Comprehensive Guide

Docker is a powerhouse for containerization, but what happens when the Docker daemon decides to take a nap? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the nuances of restart Docker daemon—your gateway to seamless container orchestration. Whether you’re a seasoned developer or a Docker enthusiast, mastering this skill is crucial for maintaining a robust containerized environment. If you need a trustworthy company to help you with this issue, consult SuportFly. They are the best Docker consulting service provider and have qualified administrators with many years of experience.

Many developers face challenges on a daily basis, including dealing with Docker and encountering barriers in their work. One of these challenges that frequently presents itself, even for experienced professionals, is not being able to understand how to restart Docker. It can save a lot of time to be familiar with this method, whether it’s because of an update to the system, an error that was completely unexpected, or some configuration modifications. In this article, we are going to explain the procedure to Restart Docker Daemon in an easy-to-understand way, removing any uncertainty.

Understanding the Docker Daemon

The Docker daemon is the unsung hero behind the scenes, responsible for managing and executing containers. However, even heroes need a break sometimes. If you find yourself in a situation where your Docker daemon is unresponsive, fear not; we’ve got you covered.

The Docker Daemon is the most important component of the Docker platform. It is in control of managing all of the containers, images, and networks. It is a process that operates in the background on the computer that is hosting Docker and listens for requests made to the Docker API. It is responsible for managing the Docker objects such as images, containers, networks, and volumes. It also provides an interface for users to interact with the Docker objects.

Reason to Restart Docker Daemon

You might need to restart the Docker Daemon for a number of different reasons. If you are having problems with the Docker objects such images, containers, networks, or volumes, it is possible that you may need to restart the Docker Daemon. If you are having problems using the Docker API or are attempting to upgrade the Docker version, it is possible that you may need to restart the Docker Daemon.

Also Check: Our blog post on docker daemon not running

When to Restart Docker Daemon

Before we jump into the how-to, let’s briefly explore when and why restarting the Docker daemon becomes necessary. Common scenarios include:

  • Resource Conflicts: Other applications might be hogging the ports Docker needs.
  • Configuration Changes: After making changes to Docker configurations, a restart is often required.
  • Performance Optimization: Regular restarts can improve Docker’s performance and clear any lingering issues.

Step-by-Step Guide to Restart Docker Daemon

Step 1: Check Docker Daemon Status

The first step is to assess the current state of your Docker daemon. Open your terminal or command prompt and type:

- docker info

This command provides valuable information about the Docker daemon. If it’s not running, you’ll get an indication of the issue.

Step 2: Restart Docker Service

Restarting the Docker service is a straightforward yet effective approach. Execute the following command:

- sudo service docker restart # Use 'sudo' if you're on Linux

For Windows users, a simple restart of the Docker Desktop application might do the trick.

Step 3: Investigate Resource Conflicts

Docker might struggle to start if there are conflicts with other services using the same ports. Ensure that no other applications are occupying these ports.

Also Read: Our blog post on cannot connect to the docker daemon

Advanced Troubleshooting

For more persistent issues, consider these advanced troubleshooting steps:

Check System Logs

Inspect system logs for Docker-related error messages. Use commands like:

For Linux

- journalct1 -xe | grep docker

For Windows: Check the Windows Event Viewer for Docker-related entries.

Reinstall Docker

As a last resort, if issues persist, uninstall Docker and download the latest version from the official Docker website.

Check Out: Our blog post on lxd vs docker

How to Restart Docker Daemon Using Command Line on Windows?

In order to restart Docker on Windows utilising the command line, you must initially launch Windows PowerShell in the role of administrator. The Docker Daemon should then be stopped by issuing the “net stop docker” command, and it should be restarted by issuing the “net start docker” command.

If you want a deeper understanding, follow the instructions that have been given to you.

Step 1: Stop Docker Daemon

To begin, stop the Docker Daemon by executing the command that has been provided:

- net stop docker
Stop Docker Daemon

With the above commnad, Docker has been stopped.

Step 2: Restart Docker Daemon

You can then restart the Docker Daemon using the following command:

- net stop docker

The docker has been restarted successfully, as indicated by the above output.

Read More: About how to list docker containers

How to Restart Docker Daemon on Linux Using Command Line?

You need to run the Ubuntu terminal as an administrator in order to restart Docker using the command line on Linux. Use the “sudo systemctl restart docker” command to restart the Docker Daemon. The next step is to verify that Docker is running by typing “sudo systemctl status docker”.

Step 1: Restart Docker Daemon

For Linux, run the following command to restart the Docker Daemon:

- sudo systemctl restart docker
Restart Docker Daemon

In this way, Docker has been restarted successfully.

Step 2: Verification

After that, run the following commands to verify the Docker is running:

- sudo systemctl status docker
Verification

You can see that Docker was restarted successfully.

How to Restart Docker Daemeon on MacOs Using Command Line?

You can use the command line to restart Docker on your MacOS. Open the terminal window. To do this, run the command “killall Docker && open /Applications/Docker.app”:

- killal1 Docker && open /Applications/Docker.app

The Docker server will be stopped first by this command, and then the Docker Application is going to start.

Conclusion

The restart Docker Daemon process is an easy process that only requires a few steps to complete. If you are having problems with the Docker objects such as images, containers, networks, or volumes, it is imperative that you restart the Docker Daemon. Restarting the Docker daemon is a skill every Docker aficionado should master. By following these steps, you ensure the continuous, smooth operation of your containerized applications. Stay updated, consult official documentation, and embrace the evolving world of Docker.

If you are having problems using the Docker API or if you are attempting to upgrade the Docker version, it is essential that you restart Docker Daemon. If you want to know more about docker and having any issues you can contact SupportFly which provides the best docker consulting services and available 24/7 to solve your all queries.