Where Are Docker Volumes Stored?

Docker volumes are a handy way to save data so it doesn’t disappear when a container stops or gets deleted. But where does this data actually go on your computer? Let’s break it down simply.

Linux Systems

On Linux, docker volumes are usually stored in /var/lib/docker/volumes. Each volume gets its own folder, and inside that folder, there’s a _data subfolder with the actual files. For example, a volume called "my_volume" would be at /var/lib/docker/volumes/my_volume/_data. You can check this by running docker volume inspect my_volume—it will show you the exact spot.

Most Linux setups use this default path, but if someone changed the docker settings (called the data root), the location might be different. Still, /var/lib/docker/volumes is what you’ll see most of the time.

One tip: don’t mess with these files directly. Use docker commands instead to avoid breaking things.

Windows and macOS

On Windows or macOS, it’s a bit trickier. Docker runs inside a Linux virtual machine (VM), so the volumes are stored there, not directly on your main system. This means you can’t just open a folder and see them easily. The exact spot depends on the VM setup, like WSL on Windows or a hidden VM on macOS. If you really need to find them, you’ll have to dig into the VM, but it’s not simple like on Linux.

Why It Matters

Knowing where volumes are stored helps if you’re troubleshooting or managing space. On Linux, it’s straightforward—just look in /var/lib/docker/volumes. On other systems, it’s less direct because of the VM. Either way, stick to docker commands like docker volume ls or docker volume inspect to handle volumes safely.

Quick Summary

• Linux: /var/lib/docker/volumes (default).
• Windows/macOS: Inside a Linux VM, harder to access.
• Tip: Don’t edit files by hand—use docker tools.

That’s it! Now you know where docker keeps your volume data. For more, check the official docker docs or community forums.