feat(extensions): support install extensions from local docker/podman archive

Author: axel7083Created Sep 16, 2026Updated Sep 18, 2026
Labelsdomain/extensibilityfeaturetriaged

Is your feature request related to a problem? Please describe

See parent for more details (https://github.com/podman-desktop/podman-desktop/issues/19270).

Describe the solution you'd like

A user should be able to load a docker/podman archive directly from the Custom Install modal, we could enhance the modal to allow the user to directly pick a file locally.

Describe alternatives you've considered

No response

Additional context

POC branch https://github.com/axel7083/podman-desktop/tree/feat/install-extension-from-archive splited in 5 commits

  • (1) refactor(main): extract layer unpacking into ImageLayerExtractor
  • (2) refactor(main): route ExtensionInstaller through a single image source pipeline
  • (3) feat(main): install extensions from a local docker-archive image
  • (4) feat(preload): expose extensionInstallFromArchive over IPC
  • (5): feat(renderer): choose OCI image or local file in Install Custom Extension

Source: podman-desktop/podman-desktop