Home • Explore • Blog • CI
☰



docker
1st chunk of `content/manuals/desktop/use-desktop/resource-saver.md`
6c455df4a557c856e822e888da7010792c1fe23de86c1d8600000001000007a1
---
description: Understand what Docker Desktop Resource Saver mode is and how to configure it
keywords: Docker Dashboard, resource saver, manage, containers, gui, dashboard, user manual
title: Docker Desktop's Resource Saver mode
linkTitle: Resource Saver mode
weight: 50
---

Resource Saver mode significantly reduces Docker
Desktop's CPU and memory utilization on the host by 2 GBs or more, by
automatically stopping the Docker Desktop Linux VM when no containers are
running for a period of time. The default time is set to 5 minutes, but this can be adjusted to suit your needs.

With Resource Saver mode, Docker Desktop uses minimal system resources when it's idle, thereby
allowing you to save battery life on your laptop and improve your multi-tasking
experience.

## Configure Resource Saver 

Resource Saver is enabled by default but can be disabled by navigating to the **Resources** tab, in **Settings**. You can also configure the idle
timer as shown below.




If the values available aren't sufficient for your
needs, you can reconfigure it to any value, as long as the value is larger than 30 seconds, by
changing `autoPauseTimeoutSeconds` in the Docker Desktop `settings-store.json` file (or `settings.json` for Docker Desktop versions 4.34 and earlier): 

  - 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`

There's no need to restart Docker Desktop after reconfiguring. 

When Docker Desktop enters Resource Saver mode: 
- A leaf icon displays on the
Docker Desktop status bar as well as on the Docker icon in
the system tray. The following image shows the Linux VM CPU and memory utilization reduced
to zero when Resource Saver mode is on.
Title: Docker Desktop Resource Saver Mode
Summary
Docker Desktop's Resource Saver mode minimizes CPU and memory usage by automatically stopping the Docker Desktop Linux VM when no containers are running. It is enabled by default with a 5-minute idle timer, which can be configured in the Resources tab of Settings or by modifying the `autoPauseTimeoutSeconds` value in the Docker Desktop `settings-store.json` file. When active, a leaf icon appears in the status bar and system tray, indicating reduced resource utilization.