Configure Container Resources in Docker Desktop

Docker allows you to configure container resources either by editing configuration files directly or through the docker desktop (opens in a new tab) of the application. Below is a detailed guide for both methods.

Method 1: Editing Configuration Files

All docker desktop settings are stored in settings-store.json file. The locations as per operating system are:

• Mac: ~/Library/Group\ Containers/group.com.docker/settings-store.json
• Windows: C:\Users\[USERNAME]\AppData\Roaming\Docker\settings-store.json
• Linux: ~/.docker/desktop/settings-store.json

To modify container resources, update the following parameters in the file:

• CPU: Adjust the cpus parameter.
• Memory: Change the memoryMiB parameter.
• Disk: Modify the diskSizeMiB parameter.

Method 2: Using the Docker Desktop Application

Follow these steps to configure resources via the Docker Desktop:

1. Click on the Docker menu and select Settings.

2. Select the Settings icon from the Docker Desktop Dashboard.

3. Select Resources menu.

4. Select Advanced sub-menu and adjust resource limits

• CPU Limit: Set the maximum number of CPUs Docker can use. By default, all available processors are utilized.
• Memory Limit: Adjust the amount of RAM allocated to Docker. By default, it uses up to 50% of the host’s memory.
• Swap File Size: Configure the swap file size (default is 1 GB).
• Virtual Disk Limit: Specify the maximum size of the disk image used by Docker.

Click Apply & restart to restart Docker Desktop with updated resource limits.