Virtualization
Clear VirtualBox Cache on Mac
VirtualBox does not have a single dedicated cache folder; its data resides in specific directories. To reclaim space, you must target the VirtualBox VMs directory, which holds your personal virtual machines and can range from 10 GB – 500 GB. Clearing this area only helps if you intentionally remove unused machines, as it deletes the user's own data.
Clear the VirtualBox cache without guessing
VirtualBox data usually takes 10 GB – 500 GB on a Mac. The free scan shows the exact size on your Mac before you change anything.
Free scan · No account · Nothing is deleted without your OK · Moves to the Trash first · macOS 14+
OptiClear is a Mac app. Copy this page's link and open it on your Mac.
Email me the link- Application
- VirtualBox
- Typical data size
- 10 GB – 500 GB
- Category
- Virtualization
- File Location
~/VirtualBox VMs
VirtualBox cache folders you can clear
VirtualBox has no separate cache folder. Its folders hold settings and your own data, so there is nothing to clear safely by hand.
VirtualBox cache and when clearing helps
Specific to VirtualBox
The app stores virtual machine folders, including disks and logs, in a specific user directory. This location contains your own data, so clearing it is not a routine maintenance step. You should only remove content here if you intend to permanently delete specific virtual machines. The app keeps global settings and registered machine lists in a separate library folder. Deleting the application itself does not remove these data folders, leaving them on your disk.
VirtualBox state after clearing cache
If you remove the preferences file, the app will rebuild it automatically upon next launch. You may need to re-enter global settings, but your virtual machines remain intact if you did not delete their folders. Deleting the VMs folder removes the actual disk images, so ensure you have backups. The command-line links and kernel extensions remain on your system until you run the official uninstaller. The app will not automatically delete these background helpers when you clear data folders.
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Try it without risk
- Download and scan for freeSee every VirtualBox file and its size. No account needed.
- Clean free for 7 daysStart the 7-day free trial of the yearly plan inside the app.
- Keep it or cancelCancel in your App Store settings at least 24 hours before the trial ends and you won't be charged.
After the free trial, Pro costs $39.99 per year in your country's App Store; cancel any time.