Error AtlasError Documentation and Resolution
Back to searchMore Docker errors

Docker

Docker failed to register layer because lchown returned operation not permitted

docker: failed to register layer: ApplyLayer exit status 1 stdout: stderr: lchown <FILE>: operation not permitted

Docker could not unpack an image layer in rootless mode because the Docker data directory is on NFS, where the required ownership changes are not permitted.

failed to register layerinstallation

Observed message

docker: failed to register layer: ApplyLayer exit status 1 stdout: stderr: lchown <FILE>: operation not permitted

Why it happens

  • The rootless Docker data directory is located on an NFS mount.
  • The filesystem used for the Docker data root does not allow the ownership changes required while unpacking layers.

How to fix it

  1. Move the rootless Docker data-root to a non-NFS location.
  2. Update ~/.config/docker/daemon.json so Docker stores data on a local filesystem.
  3. Retry the image pull after restarting the rootless Docker environment.

Official reference

Docker Docs: Rootless troubleshooting

Related errors

Docker.app is damaged and can't be openedDocker Desktop on macOS reported Docker.app is damagedIncompatible CPU detectedDocker Desktop reported an incompatible CPU on macOSfailed to register layerDocker failed to register layer because lchown returned invalid argumentfailed to solveDocker build failed to solve

Explore more

DockerBrowse more Docker errorsinstallationBrowse more installation errors
Docker failed to register layer operation not permitted: fixes | Error Atlas