How To Uninstall Docker: A Step-By-Step Guide

Are you looking to uninstall Docker from your system? Maybe you no longer need it, or you want to install a different version. Whatever the reason may be, we've got you covered. In this guide, we will walk you through the process of uninstalling Docker from your machine.

Table of Contents

1. Why Uninstall Docker?
2. Preparing for Uninstallation
3. Uninstalling Docker
4. Cleaning Up Leftover Files
5. Reinstalling Docker

Why Uninstall Docker?

Docker is a powerful tool that allows you to create, deploy, and run applications using containers. However, there may be instances where you need to uninstall Docker from your system. Some common reasons include:

• Switching to a different version of Docker
• No longer needing Docker for your projects
• Experiencing issues or conflicts with Docker

Regardless of the reason, uninstalling Docker is a straightforward process that can be completed in a few simple steps.

Preparing for Uninstallation

Before you uninstall Docker, it is important to back up any important data or containers that you may have. This will ensure that you don't lose any valuable information during the uninstallation process.

Additionally, make sure to stop and remove any running containers before proceeding with the uninstallation. You can do this by running the following command in your terminal:

docker stop $(docker ps -a -q) docker rm $(docker ps -a -q) 

Once you have backed up your data and stopped any running containers, you are ready to uninstall Docker.

Uninstalling Docker

The process of uninstalling Docker varies depending on your operating system. Here, we will provide instructions for uninstalling Docker on the most common operating systems: Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Uninstalling Docker on Windows

To uninstall Docker on Windows, follow these steps:

1. Open the Control Panel by searching for it in the Start menu.
2. Click on “Programs” or “Programs and Features”.
3. Scroll through the list of installed programs and locate “Docker” or “Docker Desktop”.
4. Right-click on “Docker” or “Docker Desktop” and select “Uninstall”.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the uninstallation process.

Uninstalling Docker on macOS

To uninstall Docker on macOS, follow these steps:

1. Open the “Applications” folder on your Mac.
2. Locate the “Docker” or “Docker Desktop” application.
3. Drag the application to the Trash.
4. Right-click on the Trash and select “Empty Trash”.

Uninstalling Docker on Linux

To uninstall Docker on Linux, follow these steps:

1. Open a terminal window.
2. Run the following command to uninstall Docker:

sudo apt-get purge docker-ce docker-ce-cli containerd.io 

After running the command, Docker should be uninstalled from your system.

Cleaning Up Leftover Files

After uninstalling Docker, it is a good idea to clean up any leftover files or directories that Docker may have created during the installation process. These files are typically located in the following directories:

• /var/lib/docker
• /etc/docker
• /etc/systemd/system/docker.service.d

You can remove these directories by running the following command in your terminal:

sudo rm -rf /var/lib/docker /etc/docker /etc/systemd/system/docker.service.d 

Make sure to double-check the directories before running the command to avoid accidentally deleting important files.

Reinstalling Docker

If you decide to reinstall Docker after uninstalling it, you can do so by following the official Docker installation guide for your operating system. The installation process is typically straightforward and only requires a few commands.

Once you have reinstalled Docker, you can start using it again to create and manage containers for your projects.

Conclusion

Uninstalling Docker from your system is a simple process that can be completed in a few easy steps. By following the instructions outlined in this guide, you can safely remove Docker and any leftover files from your machine. Whether you are switching to a different version of Docker or no longer need it for your projects, uninstalling Docker is a hassle-free process.

Remember to back up any important data or containers before uninstalling Docker and to clean up any leftover files afterwards. If you decide to reinstall Docker in the future, you can easily do so by following the official installation guide for your operating system. Happy uninstalling!