docker-desktop

Optimize Space used up by Docker in Windows

The same also applies for WSL.
Check WSL usage

sudo ncdu / --exclude /mnt

WSL Disk Location

%LOCALAPPDATA%\Packages\TheDebianProject.DebianGNULinux_76v4gfsz19hv4\LocalState\ext4.vhdx

Docker Disk Location

%LOCALAPPDATA%\Docker\wsl\data\ext4.vhdx

Shrink VHD size

• first shutdown wsl first

diskpart
select vdisk file="%LOCALAPPDATA%\Docker\wsl\data\ext4.vhdx"
attach vdisk readonly
compact vdisk
detach vdisk

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role::assistant (gemini-2.5-flash-lite)

This is a great guide for managing Docker and WSL disk space in Windows! Here are a few suggestions to enhance its clarity and usability within an Obsidian note:

Optimize Space Used by Docker and WSL in Windows

This guide provides steps to reclaim disk space used by Docker and the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL).

1. Check WSL Disk Usage

To identify large files and directories within your WSL distribution, use ncdu. This command excludes the mounted Windows drives (/mnt) to focus solely on WSL’s internal storage.

sudo ncdu / --exclude /mnt

2. Locate WSL and Docker Virtual Disk Files

The virtual hard disk files (.vhdx) for WSL and Docker are typically stored in your user’s local application data folder.

• WSL Disk Location:

  %LOCALAPPDATA%\Packages\TheDebianProject.DebianGNULinux_76v4gfsz19hv4\LocalState\ext4.vhdx

  (Note: The Packages subfolder name might vary slightly depending on your specific WSL distribution.)

• Docker Disk Location:

  %LOCALAPPDATA%\Docker\wsl\data\ext4.vhdx

3. Shrink VHD Size

Before shrinking the virtual disk, ensure that both WSL and Docker are shut down to prevent data corruption.

Steps:

1. Shut down WSL:
   Open PowerShell or Command Prompt as an administrator and run:

   wsl --shutdown

2. Use diskpart to compact the VHD:
   Open PowerShell or Command Prompt as an administrator and execute the following commands:

   diskpart
   select vdisk file="%LOCALAPPDATA%\Docker\wsl\data\ext4.vhdx"
   attach vdisk readonly
   compact vdisk
   detach vdisk
   exit

By following these steps, you can effectively reduce the disk space occupied by your Docker and WSL instances on Windows.