Docker / Docker
Docker BuildKit — 'failed to solve: failed to compute cache key: path does not exist'
Fix Docker BuildKit failing to resolve COPY/ADD paths in Dockerfiles, especially in CI environments with changed directory structures Includes evidence for Docker troubleshooting demand.
- Category
- Docker
- Error signature
failed to solve: failed to compute cache key: /path/to/context does not match specified location- Quick fix
- Compare the failing environment with a known working setup, then change one configuration value at a time.
- Updated
What this error means
failed to solve: failed to compute cache key: /path/to/context does not match specified location is a Docker failure pattern reported for developers trying to fix docker buildkit failing to resolve copy/add paths in dockerfiles, especially in ci environments with changed directory structures. Based on the imported evidence, treat this as a tool-specific troubleshooting page rather than a generic API error.
Why this happens
BuildKit changed how it resolves COPY paths compared to legacy builder. Very common in CI/CD pipelines (GitHub Actions, GitLab CI) after repo restructuring. Not in covered list (which only has daemon/connection/permission/space errors). Strong commercial value: breaks CI/CD builds.
Common causes
- BuildKit changed how it resolves COPY paths compared to legacy builder. Very common in CI/CD pipelines (GitHub Actions, GitLab CI) after repo restructuring. Not in covered list (which only has daemon/connection/permission/space errors). Strong commercial value: breaks CI/CD builds.
Quick fixes
- Confirm the exact error signature matches
failed to solve: failed to compute cache key: /path/to/context does not match specified location. - Check the Docker account, local tool state, and provider configuration involved in the failing workflow.
- Compare the failing environment with a known working setup, then change one configuration value at a time.
Platform/tool-specific checks
- Verify the command, editor, extension, or API client that produced the error.
- Compare local settings with CI, deployment, or editor-level settings when the error appears in only one environment.
- Avoid deleting credentials, local model data, or project settings until the failing scope is clear.
Step-by-step troubleshooting
- Capture the exact error message and the command, editor action, or request that triggered it.
- Check whether the failure is account/auth, quota/rate, model/provider, local runtime, or deployment configuration.
- Review the source evidence below and compare it with your environment.
- Apply one change at a time and rerun the smallest failing action.
- Keep the working fix documented for the team or deployment environment.
How to prevent it
- Keep provider/tool configuration documented.
- Record non-secret diagnostics such as tool version, provider name, model name, and command path.
- Add a lightweight check before CI or production workflows depend on the tool.
Sources checked
Evidence note: BuildKit changed how it resolves COPY paths compared to legacy builder. Very common in CI/CD pipelines (GitHub Actions, GitLab CI) after repo restructuring. Not in covered list (which only has daemon/connection/permission/space errors). Strong commercial value: breaks CI/CD builds.
Related errors
- Docker
FAQ
What should I check first?
Start with the exact failed to solve: failed to compute cache key: /path/to/context does not match specified location text and the smallest action that reproduces it.
Can I ignore this error?
No. Treat it as a failed Docker workflow until the root cause is understood.
Is this guaranteed to have one fix?
No. The imported evidence supports the troubleshooting path above, but tool behavior can vary by account, plan, version, provider, and local configuration.
How do I know the fix worked?
Rerun the same command, editor action, or request. The fix is working when that action completes without failed to solve: failed to compute cache key: /path/to/context does not match specified location.