Uninstall docker leaves executables.

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#648 opened on Sep 12, 2026 2 comments 0 reactions 0 assignees View on GitHub

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Assessment

Difficulty: 3/5
Estimated time: 1-2 days
Newbie friendliness: 55/100

Issue type: Bug
Clarity: Mostly clear
Activity status: Active
Tech stack: docker, powershell
Domain: devops, operating-systems

Research direction

Start by locating the current Docker installer and uninstaller scripts, then reproduce the issue on Windows Server 2022 using the reported install and uninstall steps. Compare the paths handled by both scripts, including Program Files and System32. Done means uninstall removes the executables installed by the current installer and confirms before removing System32 files.

Written by the indexing model from the issue text.

Description

bug triage

Please fill out all the sections below for bug issues, otherwise it'll be closed as it won't be actionable for us to address.

Describe the bug
Uninstall docker leaves executables from the current installer script.
The current installer script puts them in program files.

To Reproduce
Steps to reproduce the behavior:
Use the install script
Use the uninstall script.

Expected behavior
A clear and concise description of what you expected to happen.
Uninstall script should match current installer.
Uninstall script should probably remove system32 files only after a confirmation,

Configuration:

Edition: Window 2022
Base Image being used: none
Container engine: Windows
Container Engine version 29

Additional context
Add any other context about the problem here.

Docker service removed successfully.
Removing Docker registry keys...
Registry key removed: HKLM:\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\EventLog\Application\docker
Removing Docker binaries...
docker.exe not found in System32.
dockerd.exe not found in System32.
Removing Docker data directory...
Stopping additional Windows Container services...
Checking for lingering containers and compute processes...
Attempting standard removal of remaining windowsfilter contents...
Docker data directory removed.
Removing Docker download files...
Docker download files removed.

Docker CE uninstallation completed.

Dominant language: PowerShell
Stars: 551
Forks: 76
PR merge metrics: No merged PRs in 30d

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