cleaning-wsl-docker

Docker prune and cache cleanup reclaim space by removing unused images, containers, and build cache inside WSL. Run `docker system prune` and `docker builder prune` to delete dangling artifacts, then check ext4.vhdx size in PowerShell to confirm space recovery before compacting the virtual disk.

The ext4.vhdx grows as Docker stores images, containers, and logs. Shrink it by running cleanup commands inside WSL, then use Windows PowerShell compact steps to reclaim unused space from the virtual disk file itself, restoring SSD capacity.

Yes, configure preventive maintenance by enabling sparse VHD reclaim and setting up automatic cleanup cadence in .wslconfig. Restart WSL to apply these settings, which help maintain space automatically without repeated manual intervention.

Use Docker commands like `docker system df` and `docker image ls` inside WSL to identify large images and unused containers, then cross-check against ext4.vhdx size diagnostics in PowerShell to pinpoint storage bottlenecks before cleanup.

Diagnose ext4.vhdx and Docker usage, run Docker prune and cache cleanup to free space, then compact the VHDX file. Afterward, enable preventive sparse VHD configuration to prevent future build failures from disk exhaustion.