The short answer
Usually, after a check. Might hold something you care about. Look inside before removing it.
What is it?
Docker Desktop runs a Linux virtual machine whose disk, Docker.raw, lives under ~/Library/Containers/com.docker.docker/Data/vms. It holds every image, container, volume and build cache you have. It is a sparse file that grows with use and is typically tens of GB.
Holds all images, containers and volumes. Prune, then reclaim space instead of deleting the file.
What happens if you delete it?
It does not come back as it was: deleting the file erases all images, containers and volumes, including databases stored in volumes. Docker Desktop creates a new, empty disk image at its next start.
How to remove it properly
Clean up from Docker instead of deleting the file: docker system prune --all --force removes stopped containers, unused images, unused networks and build cache, but keeps volumes; it deletes permanently. Docker Desktop then gives the freed space back to macOS, which can take a few minutes. To erase everything, use Troubleshoot › Clean / Purge data in Docker Desktop.
Use the tool’s official command: docker system prune --all
Before you delete it
Volumes are not pruned by that command on purpose; run docker volume ls and remove only volumes you are sure you no longer need. Images you built locally and never pushed cannot be downloaded again.
How MoreRoom helps
MoreRoom recognises this item and labels it “Review first”: it shows what’s inside, its size and last use, so you can decide. Nothing is removed without your say, and everything goes to the Trash first, with Undo.
When the tool is installed, MoreRoom runs its official command for you (docker system prune --all) instead of deleting files — and tells you that this step can’t be undone.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to delete Docker Desktop’s Docker.raw disk image?
Usually, after a check. Might hold something you care about. Look inside before removing it. It does not come back as it was: deleting the file erases all images, containers and volumes, including databases stored in volumes. Docker Desktop creates a new, empty disk image at its next start.
Will Docker Desktop disk image come back after I delete it?
No. It does not come back as it was: deleting the file erases all images, containers and volumes, including databases stored in volumes. Docker Desktop creates a new, empty disk image at its next start.
How do I remove Docker Desktop disk image properly?
Clean up from Docker instead of deleting the file: docker system prune --all --force removes stopped containers, unused images, unused networks and build cache, but keeps volumes; it deletes permanently. Docker Desktop then gives the freed space back to macOS, which can take a few minutes. To erase everything, use Troubleshoot › Clean / Purge data in Docker Desktop.