My SQL server exits after running for a few seconds in docker

Question

My SQL server exits after running for a few seconds in docker

LALITHA MARUTHACHALAM 0

Hi,

I tried running MS SQL server in docker and it exiting withing a few seconds. I am running this on my MAC book. I want to connect Azure data studio to it. Can you please let me know a command that works. I have tried several options and nothing works.

Thanks,

Lalitha.M

Divyesh Govaerdhanan 10,515 Reputation points

2026-02-17T19:29:43.2866667+00:00
Hi LALITHA MARUTHACHALAM,

Welcome to Microsoft Q&A,

Do you see any errors in the Docker log file?

docker logs -n 200 sql1

The log will usually say exactly what’s wrong (password policy, memory, architecture, etc.).
Himanshu Shekhar 4,025 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-02-17T20:54:04.1466667+00:00

Thank you for reaching out and for providing the details of the issue you are experiencing. Based on your description, it appears that the concern is related to a SQL database query or either your machine setup with docker. To ensure that your query is properly reviewed and addressed from our end, we have engaged our internal Azure Database for MySQL team for further investigation.
Bruce (SqlWork.com) 83,421 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator

2026-02-21T19:12:47.2+00:00

Be sure you enabled x64 emulation in docker, and installed Rosetta. Please show the docker command line you used. Also the docker log should have the error that caused Sqlserver to exit. Please display this.

note: docker hosting Sqlserver on Mac does not support directly mounting host folders. You need to create a docker volume and mount the volume.

also azure studio is deprecated, you should use visual studio code with the Sqlserver extensions.
Pilladi Padma Sai Manisha 4,990 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-03-02T20:00:25.27+00:00

As this is a duplicate thread, the original thread https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/5775438/i-am-unable-to-run-ms-sql-server-on-docker has been shared. We are closing this thread due to no response received from the customer despite follow‑up and a call request.

1 answer

Your answer

Divyesh Govaerdhanan 10,515 Reputation points

2026-02-17T19:29:43.2866667+00:00

Hi LALITHA MARUTHACHALAM,

Welcome to Microsoft Q&A,

Do you see any errors in the Docker log file?

docker logs -n 200 sql1

The log will usually say exactly what’s wrong (password policy, memory, architecture, etc.).
Himanshu Shekhar 4,025 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-02-17T20:54:04.1466667+00:00

Thank you for reaching out and for providing the details of the issue you are experiencing. Based on your description, it appears that the concern is related to a SQL database query or either your machine setup with docker. To ensure that your query is properly reviewed and addressed from our end, we have engaged our internal Azure Database for MySQL team for further investigation.
Bruce (SqlWork.com) 83,421 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator

2026-02-21T19:12:47.2+00:00

Be sure you enabled x64 emulation in docker, and installed Rosetta. Please show the docker command line you used. Also the docker log should have the error that caused Sqlserver to exit. Please display this.

note: docker hosting Sqlserver on Mac does not support directly mounting host folders. You need to create a docker volume and mount the volume.

also azure studio is deprecated, you should use visual studio code with the Sqlserver extensions.
Pilladi Padma Sai Manisha 4,990 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-03-02T20:00:25.27+00:00

As this is a duplicate thread, the original thread https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/5775438/i-am-unable-to-run-ms-sql-server-on-docker has been shared. We are closing this thread due to no response received from the customer despite follow‑up and a call request.

Answer 1

Jose Benjamin Solis Nolasco 7,376

Hello Lalitha Maruthachalam,

This is a very common issue on Macs, probably could be:

Wrong Processor Type: Your Mac (M1/M2/M3) speaks a different language (ARM) than the standard SQL Server (Intel). It tries to start, gets confused, and quits.
Weak Password: If your password isn't "strong enough" (must have Uppercase, Lowercase, Numbers, AND Symbols), SQL Server automatically shuts down to protect itself.

Use the Azure SQL Edge version. It is made specifically for Macs and works exactly the same way for development.

I learn it watching this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-4Gg3yL2TE

😊 If my answer helped you resolve your issue, please consider marking it as the correct answer. This helps others in the community find solutions more easily. Thanks!

Jose Benjamin Solis Nolasco 7,376 Reputation points

2026-02-18T18:44:09.4766667+00:00

@LALITHA MARUTHACHALAM just following up do you need more guidance or assistance?
Jose Benjamin Solis Nolasco 7,376 Reputation points

2026-02-20T19:16:03.2766667+00:00

@LALITHA MARUTHACHALAM just following up do you need more guidance or assistance?

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My SQL server exits after running for a few seconds in docker

1 answer

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