Openshift: Step-by-Step CRC Full Cleanup (macOS)

To fully clean up and remove CRC (OpenShift Local) from your Mac — including all configuration, VM, cache, and logs — follow this step-by-step CRC full cleanup guide.

🧹 Step-by-Step CRC Full Cleanup (macOS)

⚠️ WARNING:

This removes everything related to CRC including:

• the OpenShift cluster
• your persistent data
• configs, credentials, cached images, and logs

✅ Step 1: Stop CRC (if running)

crc stop

✅ Step 2: Delete the CRC VM and data

crc delete --force
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✅ Step 3: Remove CRC config, cache, logs, and binary

# Remove config and cache directories
rm -rf ~/.crc

# Optional: If you installed the binary in /usr/local/bin
sudo rm -f /usr/local/bin/crc

# Optional: If you installed with Homebrew
brew uninstall crc

# Optional: Also remove the downloaded bundle (huge file)
rm -rf ~/Library/Caches/crc
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✅ Step 4: Remove networking artifacts (if any)

If you used older CRC versions or have custom DNS entries:

sudo rm -f /etc/resolver/testing

✅ Step 5: Clean Hypervisor Artifacts

If you’re using vfkit (on Apple Silicon) or HyperKit (older Intel-based setup), also run:

# Remove hyperkit or vfkit remnants (if you used it)
rm -rf ~/Library/Containers/com.redhat.crc
rm -rf ~/Library/Preferences/com.redhat.crc.plist
rm -rf ~/Library/Application\ Support/crc
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✅ Step 6: Clean up logs (optional)

rm -rf ~/Library/Logs/crc
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✅ Step 7: Restart the system (recommended)

To clean up any lingering Hypervisor or DNS state:

sudo shutdown -r now

✅ CRC Is Now Fully Removed

You’re now ready for a fresh CRC install or can switch back to Docker Desktop or another tool safely.

Rajesh Kumar

I’m Rajesh Kumar, a DevOps, SRE, DevSecOps, Cloud, and Platform Engineering expert passionate about sharing practical knowledge, real-world experiences, and industry best practices. I have worked at Cotocus and regularly write about technology, travel, investing, health, product reviews, and digital marketing through my various platforms.

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