Help · Mac apps

How to uninstall OrbStack on a Mac.

By Grant and Brad, who make Pangalin's apps · Updated 11 October 2026

OrbStack is removed by deleting the app. Its containers and Linux machines stay until you remove its data folders too.

Uninstall OrbStack

Quit OrbStack and move it from Applications to the Trash.
To remove all its data, move ~/.orbstack and ~/Library/Group Containers/HUAQ24HBR6.dev.orbstack to the Trash. This deletes every OrbStack container and machine.
Going back to Docker Desktop? Run docker context use desktop-linux.

Afterwards

Check System Settings › General › Login Items & Extensions for anything still named OrbStack; see login items. An app that's still in your Trash can stay listed there until you empty the Trash or restart; that's normal macOS behaviour.
Empty the Trash when you're sure. Emptying the Trash is permanent.

More developer tools: clearing developer caches, Docker and Homebrew.

Based on OrbStack's own documentation, checked October 2026. Menu names can change between versions.

Then check for anything OrbStack left behind.

Once the app is gone, Pangalin Uninstaller's free Leftovers scan lists files left behind by apps that are no longer installed, by name and size. Apple's files are never included. It also shows where each one is and moves the ones you choose to the Trash in one go, with Undo. It's free.

Download free for Mac See the guide

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