π οΈ By Qwen, Senior IT Specialist
π
Last Updated: June 16, 2025
Virtual Drive Creator (VDC) is a utility used to create and manage virtual drives (often ISO mounting tools or RAM disks). It’s commonly used by developers, testers, or power users. However, if you no longer need it or suspect itβs part of unwanted bloatware, it’s important to remove it completely.
In this guide, Iβll show you how to:
- π§© Fully uninstall Virtual Drive Creator
- ποΈ Remove leftover files, registry entries, services, and drivers
- β Fix common uninstallation issues
- β Prevent future reinstallation
Letβs begin!
β οΈ Why You Should Fully Uninstall Virtual Drive Creator
Even after standard uninstallation, some components may remain:
Component | Description |
---|---|
π Leftover Files | Configuration, logs, cache, or mounted image data |
πͺ Registry Entries | Keys under HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE or user-specific keys |
π Drivers | Virtual drive drivers (e.g., .sys files) might persist |
π Scheduled Tasks | Auto-mount or cleanup tasks |
π οΈ Services | Background processes for managing drives |
Removing these ensures your system remains clean and secure.
π¦ Method 1: Uninstall via Windows Settings (Recommended for Most Users)
Steps:
- Press
Win + I
to open Settings - Go to Apps > Installed apps
- Scroll down and locate Virtual Drive Creator
- Click the three dots (β¦) β Uninstall
- Confirm and follow the prompts
This method works best if VDC was installed from the Microsoft Store or as a modern app package.
π§° Method 2: Uninstall via Control Panel (Legacy Method)
Steps:
- Press
Win + R
, type:
appwiz.cpl
- In the Programs and Features window, scroll and select Virtual Drive Creator
- Click Uninstall at the top
- Follow the on-screen instructions
Use this method for older or traditional installer-based versions.
βοΈ Method 3: Use PowerShell to Uninstall (For Advanced Users & Automation)
If you’re managing multiple systems or prefer scripting:
Steps:
- Open PowerShell as Administrator
- Run the following command to list all installed apps containing “Virtual Drive”:
Get-WmiObject -Class Win32_Product | Where-Object { $_.Name -match "Virtual Drive Creator" }
- To uninstall:
Get-WmiObject -Class Win32_Product | Where-Object { $_.Name -match "Virtual Drive Creator" } | Invoke-WmiMethod -Name Uninstall
Note: This only works if VDC was installed using an MSI installer.
𧨠Method 4: Use Revo Uninstaller (Third-Party Tool)
For deeper removal:
Steps:
- Download and install Revo Uninstaller
- Launch the app
- Find Virtual Drive Creator in the list
- Click Uninstall
- Choose Advanced or Turbo mode
- Let Revo scan for leftovers and delete them
Revo gives you full control over what gets removed after standard uninstallation.
ποΈ Bonus: Remove Leftovers After Uninstall
After uninstalling, residual data may still exist. Here’s how to remove them:
πΉ Step 1: Delete Installation Folder
- Navigate to:
C:\Program Files\Virtual Drive Creator
or
C:\Program Files (x86)\Virtual Drive Creator
- If it exists, delete the folder
Also check:
C:\ProgramData\Virtual Drive Creator
Note:
ProgramData
is a hidden folder. Enable hidden files in File Explorer to see it.
πΉ Step 2: Remove User Data & Logs
- Press
Win + R
, type:
%APPDATA%\Virtual Drive Creator
- Delete the folder if it exists
Also check:
%LOCALAPPDATA%\Virtual Drive Creator
These folders may contain preferences, cache, logs, or mounted disk images.
πΉ Step 3: Remove Scheduled Tasks
VDC may create background tasks for auto-mounting or cleanup.
To Remove Them:
- Press
Win + R
, type:
taskschd.msc
- In Task Scheduler:
- Look under Task Scheduler Library
- Right-click any tasks related to Virtual Drive Creator β Delete
πΉ Step 4: Remove Virtual Drive Drivers (Important!)
Some virtual drive creators install kernel-mode drivers (.sys
files).
To Remove:
- Press
Win + X
β Device Manager - Expand Disk drives or Storage devices
- Look for entries like:
- Virtual CD/DVD-ROM
- RAM Disk Device
- ImDisk, Daemon Tools, PowerISO, etc.
- Right-click β Uninstall device
- Check Delete the driver software for this device (if available)
Some drivers may require reboot or manual deletion from:
C:\Windows\System32\drivers\
πΉ Step 5: 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:
- Press
Win + R
, type:
regedit
- Navigate to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Virtual Drive Creator
- Back up the key (right-click β Export)
- Delete the Virtual Drive Creator key
Also check:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Virtual Drive Creator
β οΈ Warning: Editing the registry manually can cause system instability. Always back up first.
πΉ Step 6: Remove Context Menu Integrations (Optional)
VDC sometimes adds right-click options like βMount with Virtual Drive Creatorβ.
To remove them:
- Use CCleaner β Tools β Startup β Context Menu tab
- Or use ShellExView from NirSoft to disable unwanted entries
π‘οΈ Expert Tip: Prevent Future Reinstallation or Bloatware
Virtual Drive Creator often comes bundled with other utilities like:
- Daemon Tools
- PowerISO
- Alcohol 120%
- Third-party installers
To avoid future issues:
- β Always choose Custom Install when installing new software
- β Deselect optional offers like “Install Virtual Drive Creator”
- π§ Download software directly from official sites β avoid third-party portals like Softonic, CNET, etc.
- π Use a limited user account instead of Admin for daily use
π Summary Table
Method | OS Support | Thoroughness | Best For |
---|---|---|---|
π¦ Windows Settings | Win 10/11 | Basic uninstall | Casual users |
π§° Control Panel | All Windows versions | Standard | Older systems |
βοΈ PowerShell | Win 10+ | Scriptable | Admins/IT pros |
𧨠Revo Uninstaller | All | Deep cleanup | Power users |
ποΈ Manual Cleanup | All | Complete removal | Advanced users |
β Common Issues & Fixes
Problem | Solution |
---|---|
β Can’t uninstall due to missing installer | Reinstall latest version from official site, then uninstall |
β Leftover shortcuts in Start Menu | Manually delete from C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Virtual Drive Creator |
β VDC tasks still appear in Task Scheduler | Disable/delete related tasks manually |
β Error: βAnother installation is already in progressβ | Restart your PC and try again |
β Virtual drive still shows in File Explorer | Reboot or manually uninstall associated drivers in Device Manager |
β Final Thoughts β From an IT Expert
As a senior IT specialist who has helped hundreds of users optimize their systems, I strongly recommend fully removing tools like Virtual Drive Creator if theyβre not actively used.
While useful for certain workflows, leftover drivers and services can pose security risks or performance issues.
π§ Pro Tip: If you still need virtual drive functionality but want something safer and more transparent, consider switching to:
- Microsoft’s built-in ISO mounter (Windows 10/11)
- OSFMount (lightweight, free for personal use)
- ImDisk Toolkit (open source)
π Need help automating Virtual Drive Creator removal across multiple machines or deploying a safer alternative? Feel free to ask!
π¬ Stay clean. Stay secure.