Docker is a powerful tool that allows developers to build, test, and deploy applications in isolated environments. Over time, you may accumulate unused Docker images, which can take up space on your system. This guide will show you how to safely delete Docker images on a Linux-based system.

Step 1: List Docker Images

Before deleting any Docker images, it's important to first identify which images are present on your system. To list all Docker images, use the following command in your terminal:

docker images

This will display a table with the repository, tag, image ID, and other details for each Docker image.

Step 2: Delete a Specific Docker Image

To delete a specific Docker image, you need to reference either the image ID or the image name. Use the following command to delete a Docker image:

docker rmi <image-id>

For example:

docker rmi abc123def456

This will remove the Docker image with the ID abc123def456 from your system.

Step 3: Force Delete a Docker Image

If the image is being used by a container, you may encounter an error when trying to delete it. To force the deletion of an image, use the --force option:

docker rmi -f <image-id>

This will forcefully remove the image, even if it's in use by a container.

Step 4: Remove All Unused Docker Images

Over time, unused or "dangling" images (images not associated with any container) may accumulate. To delete all unused Docker images, run the following command:

docker image prune -a

This will remove all unused Docker images from your system, freeing up valuable disk space.

Managing Docker on a VPS

If you're running Docker on a VPS server and want to keep your system clean and optimized, deleting unused Docker images is a crucial step. Whether you're managing a personal project or a production environment, regular maintenance is key to ensuring your VPS runs smoothly.

Looking for Reliable VPS Solutions?

For those who need a powerful and reliable VPS server to manage Docker containers, consider WindowsVPS. With WindowsVPS, you can easily deploy and manage Docker, ensuring a seamless experience with high-performance servers.