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How to uninstall VirtualBox on Mac completely

VirtualBox installs more than the app: drivers, command-line tools and settings in several folders. Its virtual machines live in a separate folder in your home folder and are often among the biggest files on the Mac. Here is how to remove VirtualBox and decide what happens to them.

Uninstaller: a list of apps sorted by size with when each was last opened, Google Chrome selected with its app and cache sizes
  1. Open MacWashing and choose Uninstaller in the sidebar.
  2. Click Show Apps and check VirtualBox in the list.
  3. Click Remove and confirm. Files that may be yours are listed as Possible and stay unchecked.
Download MacWashingHow it works

Free trial · macOS 14 or later

Decide what to do with your virtual machines

VirtualBox keeps virtual machines in the VirtualBox VMs folder in your home folder. Each machine’s disk holds the system and files installed inside it. If you may need one later, copy the folder to an external disk before you uninstall.

Shut down every running virtual machine, then quit VirtualBox: choose VirtualBox › Quit VirtualBox in the menu bar.

Uninstall VirtualBox with its own uninstaller

The VirtualBox manual’s way to uninstall on a Mac is the uninstaller in the installer’s disk image:

  1. Open the VirtualBox .dmg you installed from. If you no longer have it, download the macOS package for your Mac from virtualbox.org.
  2. In the disk image window, double-click the uninstall icon.
  3. Follow its instructions and enter your administrator password if macOS asks for it.

Afterwards, check the folders below: your settings and virtual machines are in your home folder.

Or delete VirtualBox in Finder

  1. Quit VirtualBox.
  2. Open Finder › Applications and drag VirtualBox to the Trash.
  3. Enter your administrator password if macOS asks for it.

This leaves the drivers and command-line tools in the system folders. Remove them as described below.

What VirtualBox leaves behind

After either way, check these places. The first ones are in the Library folder inside your home folder:

  • ~/Library/VirtualBox — global settings (the VirtualBox.xml file with the list of your virtual machines) and logs.
  • ~/Library/Preferences/org.virtualbox.app.VirtualBox.plist — the app’s settings.
  • /Library/Application Support/VirtualBox — VirtualBox files for all users of the Mac.
  • /Library/Extensions/VBoxDrv.kext and the other VBox kext files next to it — VirtualBox’s drivers (kernel extensions).
  • /usr/local/bin/VirtualBox and /usr/local/bin/VirtualBoxVM — command-line launchers.
  • /Library/StartupItems/VirtualBox — a startup item left by older versions.

Your virtual machines are in ~/VirtualBox VMs. They are your files, not leftovers: delete a virtual machine only when you’re sure you don’t need it, or move it to an external disk.

Remove the leftovers by hand

  1. In Finder, choose Go › Go to Folder (Shift-Command-G), type a path from the list above and press Return.
  2. Move the folder or file to the Trash. Files in /Library and /usr/local/bin need your administrator password.
  3. Repeat for the other paths.
  4. Restart your Mac, so the drivers are no longer loaded, then empty the Trash.

VirtualBox isn’t the only app that leaves files behind: see how to uninstall apps on Mac completely.

With MacWashing, it’s one click

Uninstaller: a list of apps sorted by size with when each was last opened, Google Chrome selected with its app and cache sizes

The Uninstaller in MacWashing knows the files VirtualBox creates — in your Library folder and in the system folders — and removes them together with the app. Folders that may hold your own files, like your virtual machines, are listed as Possible and stay unchecked until you check them yourself.

Download MacWashingHow it works

Free trial · macOS 14 or later

Questions and answers

Will MacWashing delete my own files when it removes VirtualBox?

No. The Uninstaller checks only what belongs to the app: its settings, caches, logs and background items. Folders that may hold your own files are listed as Possible and stay unchecked until you check them yourself, and apps go to the Trash by default, so you can put them back.

What if VirtualBox is still running?

MacWashing waits for it to quit, or quits it at your request, and only then removes its files.

Is it free to uninstall VirtualBox with MacWashing?

Yes, within the free trial: System Junk and the Uninstaller free up to 25 GB in total, with no account or card needed.

Does uninstalling VirtualBox delete my virtual machines?

Your virtual machines are stored in the VirtualBox VMs folder in your home folder, apart from the program. Copy that folder to another disk before uninstalling if you may need them, and delete it yourself only when you’re sure.

Where do I get the uninstaller if I deleted the installer?

Download the macOS package from virtualbox.org again. The uninstaller is in the same disk image as the installer.

Can I use my virtual machines again after reinstalling?

Yes, as long as you kept their folders. Install VirtualBox again and add a machine with Machine › Add, choosing its .vbox file.