docker-compose: command not found
This error matches known, documented patterns with reliable solutions.
Quick Fix (Most Common Solution)
- Install docker-compose
- Use docker compose (no hyphen) on newer Docker
Seeing "docker-compose: command not found"? This error can be frustrating, but it's usually fixable. It typically affects your development workflow or system. Below you'll find clear, step-by-step solutions to resolve this issue.
What This Error Means
Docker Compose is not installed or not in PATH.
Frequently documented in developer and vendor support forums.
Not affiliated with browser, OS, or device manufacturers.
New here? Learn why exact error messages matter →
Common Causes
- Not installed
- Wrong PATH
- New syntax: docker compose
How to Fix
- Install docker-compose
- Use docker compose (no hyphen) on newer Docker
- Add to PATH
Last reviewed: March 2026 How we review solutions
Optional follow-up
Some users ask whether saving fixes for recurring errors would be useful when the same issue appears again.
Was this explanation helpful?
Frequently Asked Questions
V1 vs V2?
V2 uses docker compose instead of docker-compose.
How to install?
apt install docker-compose-plugin for V2.
Also Known As
- Docker container error
- Docker build failure
- Container runtime error
- Docker daemon error
Common Search Variations
- "docker container won't start"
- "docker build error fix"
- "docker image not found"
- "container exited with error"
- "docker daemon not responding"
- "fix docker network error"
Related Errors
Still Stuck?
Paste a different error message or upload a screenshot to get help instantly.