# How to remove unused Docker resources # Introduction Chances are that you've been running Docker for some time and found out that your system's storage is almost full. This is completely normal as Docker bundles all the needed dependencies with each container and doesn't remove anything if you don't explicitly tell it to do so. So let's learn how to prune unused and unnecessary **images, containers, volumes and networks**! > This tutorial will help you liberate space on your system without breaking anything in the process. --- ## Before we start We will be using the Docker CLI, so I expect you to be a bit familiar with it. Otherwise, just use `docker --help` on the terminal and toy with it a little. ### Requisites - A bit of Docker knowledge --- ## Images Remove all images that are not tagged or referenced by any container ```sh docker image prune ``` --- ## Containers Remove all stopped containers ```sh docker container prune ``` --- ## Volumes Remove all volumes not used by at least one container ```sh docker volume prune ``` --- ## Networks Remove all networks not used by at least one container ```sh docker network prune ``` --- ## Everything To finalize, lets remove everything --_but volumes_-- with a single command. ```sh docker system prune ``` If you want to remove volumes too, just append `--volumes` at the end. ```sh docker system prune --volumes ``` And if you want to remove EVERYTHING, just append `--all` at the end. ```sh docker system prune --all ``` **And voilà, that removed every single resource that was unnecessary on your system!** --- ## Troubleshooting You might find that some images can't be removed because they are used. In this case you want to remove the resource that is using it, most likely a container. --- ## End ### What's next? If you want to read more, please check out the [official Docker guide to pruning](https://docs.docker.com/config/pruning/). ### Self-promotion If you have found this useful, then you should follow me, I will be posting more interesting content! 🥰 - [GitHub](https://redirect.akbal.dev/github) - [Twitter](https://redirect.akbal.dev/twitter) - [Dev.to](https://redirect.akbal.dev/dev.to) Or support me financially. 💸 - [GitHub Sponsors](https://redirect.akbal.dev/github/sponsor) - [LiberaPay](https://redirect.akbal.dev/liberapay) - [PayPal](https://redirect.akbal.dev/paypal) ### Conclusion Today you have learned how to free up space on your system by removing Docker's unused images, containers, volumes and networks. **Let me know how much space you have recovered in the comments!**