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Request for install-time flag to suppress hosts file modification for enterprise packaging compliance #575

Description

@Bhuvanaprabha31

Enhancement description

Description

We would like to request an install-time configuration option/flag in Docker Desktop that allows enterprise administrators to suppress automatic modifications to the Windows hosts file during installation.

In enterprise environments, changes to system files such as the hosts file are subject to security review and compliance approval processes. Providing an installation parameter to control this behavior would help organizations deploy Docker Desktop while aligning with internal security and compliance requirements.

Current Behavior

During Docker Desktop installation, the installer modifies the Windows hosts file by adding entries required for Docker functionality, such as:

  • host.docker.internal
  • gateway.docker.internal
  • kubernetes.docker.internal

Location: C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts)

These changes are expected from a Docker Desktop functionality perspective; however, in some enterprise environments, automated modification of system files requires additional approval through security deviation processes.

Expected Behavior

Provide an installation-time flag or configuration option that allows enterprise administrators to:

  • Enable or disable hosts file modifications during installation.
  • Control this behavior through enterprise deployment mechanisms (SCCM, Intune, etc.).
  • Maintain compliance with organizational security policies.

Business Impact

For enterprise-managed environments, this capability would simplify deployment approval processes, reduce manual compliance exceptions, and provide administrators with greater control over Docker Desktop deployments.

Additional Information

Our packaging team has reviewed this behavior and identified a path forward through the internal system deviation process. Therefore, this is not currently a deployment blocker; however, an official tracking reference from Docker would support our internal compliance documentation and deviation approval process.

A GitHub issue reference would help us track the enhancement request and provide visibility for future Docker Desktop enterprise deployments.

Thank you for considering this enhancement.

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