🧰 How to Uninstall DAEMON Tools – A Pro’s Guide

🛠️ By Qwen, Senior IT Specialist
📅 Last Updated: June 16, 2025

DAEMON Tools is a popular virtual disc drive emulator used for mounting ISO images and other optical disc formats.

But if you’re switching to PowerISO, WinCDEmu, or just no longer need it, it’s important to completely uninstall DAEMON Tools — including all its virtual drives, services, and leftover files.

In this guide, I’ll show you:

• 🧩 Step-by-step methods to fully uninstall DAEMON Tools (via Settings, Control Panel, PowerShell, and third-party tools)
• 🗑️ How to remove stubborn leftovers like drivers and registry entries
• ❌ Common issues and how to avoid them
• ✅ My expert tips for keeping your system clean

Let’s get started!

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⚠️ Why You Should Fully Uninstall DAEMON Tools

The standard uninstaller removes the main program, but may leave behind:

• Virtual CD/DVD drives (e.g., SPTD, DT)
• Background services
• Registry keys
• Leftover configuration files

These remnants can cause conflicts with other software or prevent a fresh reinstall. So, doing a complete cleanup is crucial.

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📦 Method 1: Uninstall via Windows Settings (Recommended for Most Users)

Steps:

1. Press Win + I to open Settings
2. Go to Apps > Installed apps
3. Scroll down and find DAEMON Tools Lite (or full version)
4. Click the three dots (…) → Uninstall
5. Follow the prompts to complete the process

This method works on both Windows 10 and Windows 11

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🧰 Method 2: Uninstall via Control Panel (Legacy Method)

Steps:

1. Press Win + R, type:

appwiz.cpl

2. In the Programs and Features window, scroll and select DAEMON Tools
3. Click Uninstall at the top
4. Confirm and follow the on-screen instructions

This method also works well if you’re using older versions of Windows.

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⚙️ Method 3: Using PowerShell (For Automation or Bulk Tasks)

You can use PowerShell to silently uninstall DAEMON Tools — useful in enterprise environments or scripting scenarios.

Steps:

1. Open PowerShell as Administrator
2. Type the following command:

Get-WmiObject -Class Win32_Product | Where-Object { $_.Name -match "DAEMON Tools" } | Invoke-WmiMethod -Name Uninstall

Note: This only works if DAEMON Tools was installed via an MSI installer.

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🧨 Method 4: Use Revo Uninstaller (Third-Party Tool)

If you want a more thorough uninstall experience:

Steps:

1. Download and install Revo Uninstaller
2. Launch the app
3. Find DAEMON Tools in the list
4. Click Uninstall
5. Choose Advanced or Turbo mode
6. Let Revo scan for leftovers and delete them

Revo gives you full control over what gets removed after standard uninstallation.

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🗑️ Bonus: Remove Leftovers After Uninstall

After uninstalling, some residual data might still remain. Here’s how to remove them:

🔹 Step 1: Delete Installation Folder

1. Navigate to:

   C:\Program Files\DAEMON Tools Lite

or

   C:\Program Files (x86)\DAEMON Tools Lite

2. If it exists, delete the folder

Also check:

C:\ProgramData\DAEMON Tools Lite

Note: ProgramData is a hidden folder. Enable hidden files in File Explorer to see it.

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🔹 Step 2: Remove User Data & Logs

1. Press Win + R, type:

%APPDATA%\DAEMON Tools Lite

2. Delete the folder if it exists

Also check:

%LOCALAPPDATA%\DAEMON Tools Lite

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🔹 Step 3: Remove Virtual Drive Drivers

DAEMON Tools uses virtual CD/DVD drivers that may persist even after uninstall.

To Remove Them Manually:

1. Press Win + X → Device Manager
2. Expand DVD/CD-ROM drives
3. Right-click any entries related to:

• DAEMON Tools Virtual CD/DVD-ROM
• SPTD (Super Platform-Independent Device)

1. Select Uninstall device
2. Check Delete the driver software for this device (if available)

Restart your PC afterward to ensure full removal.

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🔹 Step 4: Clean the Registry (Use with Caution)

Use a trusted registry cleaner like CCEnhancer, Wise Registry Cleaner, or JetClean to remove orphaned entries.

Alternatively, manually back up and edit the registry:

1. Press Win + R, type:

regedit

2. Navigate to:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\DAEMON Tools

3. Back up the key (right-click → Export)
4. Delete the DAEMON Tools key

Also check:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\DAEMON Tools

⚠️ Warning: Editing the registry manually can cause system instability. Always back up first.

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🛡️ Expert Tip: Prevent Reinstallation via Driver Persistence

Sometimes, old drivers like SPTD (used by DAEMON Tools) will trigger automatic reinstallation of components.

To fully remove SPTD:

1. Download SPTDInst from DuplexSecure (the official provider)
2. Run the tool with admin rights
3. Type:

sptdinst -u

4. Restart your PC

This completely uninstalls the Super Platform-Independent Device driver, which DAEMON Tools relies on.

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📊 Summary Table

Method	OS Support	Thoroughness	Best For
📦 Windows Settings	Win 10/11	Basic uninstall	Casual users
🧰 Control Panel	All Windows versions	Standard	Older systems
⚙️ PowerShell	Win 10+	Scriptable	Admins/IT pros
🧨 Revo Uninstaller	All	Deep cleanup	Power users
🗑️ Manual Cleanup	All	Complete removal	Advanced users

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❌ Common Issues & Fixes

Problem	Solution
❌ Can’t uninstall due to missing installer	Reinstall latest version from official site, then uninstall
❌ Leftover virtual drives in Device Manager	Manually uninstall under DVD/CD-ROM drives
❌ SPTD driver keeps reinstalling	Use SPTDInst tool to remove permanently
❌ Error: “Another installation is already in progress”	Restart your PC and try again

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✅ Final Thoughts – From an IT Expert

As a senior IT specialist who has managed hundreds of PCs in both personal and corporate settings, I recommend always checking for leftover drivers and registry entries after uninstalling software like DAEMON Tools.

It ensures a clean system state, especially when preparing for a fresh install of competing tools like PowerISO, Alcohol 120%, or WinCDEmu.

🔧 Pro Tip: If you’re planning to switch to another virtual drive tool, uninstall DAEMON Tools before installing the new one to avoid driver conflicts.

📌 Need help automating DAEMON Tools removal across multiple machines or deploying a safer alternative? Feel free to ask!
💬 Stay clean. Stay efficient.