How to Exit from a Docker Container – With or Without Killing It

Introduction – Why Learn to Exit Docker Containers Properly?

When working inside a Docker container, knowing how to exit correctly is essential. Exiting the wrong way could stop or even kill the container unintentionally—disrupting services, background tasks, or development workflows.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

• How to create containers in attached and detached modes
• How to exit without stopping the container
• How to exit and kill the container (when needed)
• Answers to common exit-related questions

Creating a Docker Container – Attached vs. Detached Mode

How you start a container directly affects what happens when you exit it.

Attached Mode (-it)

In attached mode, you’re connected to the container’s terminal, and it runs in the foreground. If you exit the shell, the container usually stops, unless you explicitly detach.

Command:

docker run -it ubuntu /bin/bash

Breakdown:

Example:

docker run -it ubuntu /bin/bash
# You're inside...
exit  # or press Ctrl + D

Result: The container stops after exiting, since its main process (/bin/bash) has ended.

To keep it running, use Ctrl + P then Ctrl + Q instead of exit.

Detached Mode (-dit)

In detached mode, the container runs in the background, and you’re not connected to its shell.

Command:

docker run -dit ubuntu /bin/bash

Example:

docker exec -it <container_name> /bin/bash
# Work inside
exit  # or Ctrl + D

✔️ Result: The container continues running even after you leave.

How to Exit a Docker Container Without Killing It

You want the container to keep running? Use the following techniques:

Method 1: Detach from docker attach

When using docker attach, safely detach using:

Ctrl + P, then Ctrl + Q

This keeps the container running in the background.

Example:

docker run -it ubuntu /bin/bash
# Inside container...
Ctrl + P, Ctrl + Q  # Detached safely

Method 2: Exit from a docker exec Session

If you’re inside a container via docker exec, just type:

exit

or

Ctrl + D

This ends only your shell session, not the container itself.

Example:

docker exec -it my_container /bin/bash
exit

✔️ Container stays running in the background.

How to Exit a Docker Container By Stopping or Killing It

Sometimes, you do want to exit and stop the container. Here’s how:

🔪 Method 1: Ctrl + C in Attached Mode

If you launched the container using docker run -it ...:

• Pressing Ctrl + C sends a SIGINT (interrupt)
• It terminates the container’s main process

Example:

docker run -it ubuntu /bin/bash
Ctrl + C

Container stops immediately.

Method 2: Typing exit in Shell

When running in attached mode or inside a shell session, typing:

exit

Terminates the container if it’s the main process.

Example:

docker run -it ubuntu /bin/bash
exit

Container stops because the shell exits.

Summary Table – Exit Scenarios

Final Thoughts

Exiting a Docker container correctly is crucial to avoid accidentally terminating services or processes. Always remember:

• Use -it for interactive work, but detach carefully if you want the container to continue
• Use -dit for background services that shouldn’t stop
• Detach with Ctrl + P + Ctrl + Q to keep containers running

Knowing how and when to exit puts you in full control of container lifecycle management.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What happens if I exit a container started with -it?

It stops unless you detached it properly with Ctrl + P + Ctrl + Q.

How can I keep a container running after exiting?

Use the detach combo Ctrl + P, then Ctrl + Q.

How do I check if my container is still running?

docker ps

✔️ If listed, it’s running.
If missing, it’s stopped.

Can I re-enter a container after detaching?

Yes!

docker attach <container_name_or_id>

Or to open a new shell:

docker exec -it <container_name_or_id> /bin/bash

Will stopping a container delete its data?

No. Exiting/stopping doesn’t delete data unless you remove the container with:

docker rm <container_id>