How to Remove DAEMON Tools From Your Computer

The fastest way to uninstall DAEMON Tools

On Windows, open Settings, go to Apps > Apps & features, find DAEMON Tools in the list, click it, and select Uninstall. Follow the prompts to remove it completely. On Mac, drag the DAEMON Tools icon from Applications to the Trash, then empty the Trash.

DAEMON Tools is a virtual drive program that mounts disc image files — it does not leave many leftover files after uninstall, so the standard removal method works cleanly. The process takes about two minutes on either system.

If you installed DAEMON Tools years ago and no longer remember what it does, you can safely remove it. It is not a system component, and nothing else depends on it running. The only reason to keep it is if you actively use disc image files (ISO, MDS, or similar formats) and want to open them without burning them to physical discs.

Key Takeaways

Windows users should uninstall through Settings > Apps & features, not by deleting the folder manually.
Mac users can drag DAEMON Tools to Trash and empty it — no leftover files remain in most cases.
DAEMON Tools does not integrate deeply into your system, so uninstalling it will not break anything else.
If you have disc image files you want to open after removing DAEMON Tools, Windows 10 and later can mount ISO files natively without any extra software.

Uninstalling on Windows step by step

Right-click the Start button and select Settings. In the left sidebar, click Apps. Then click Apps & features. Scroll down the list until you see DAEMON Tools — it may be listed as "DAEMON Tools Lite" or "DAEMON Tools Pro" depending on which version you installed.

Click the DAEMON Tools entry once to select it. A menu will appear with an Uninstall button. Click Uninstall. A window will open asking you to confirm — click Yes or Uninstall again. The program will remove itself, and you will see a message when it is done. Restart your computer if the uninstaller asks you to.

If you cannot find DAEMON Tools in the Apps & features list, it may have been installed under a different name or in an older Windows version. Try searching for "DAEMON" in the Windows search bar — if it appears, right-click it and select Uninstall.

Uninstalling on Mac

Open Finder and click Applications in the sidebar. Scroll through the list until you find DAEMON Tools. Click it once to select it, then press Command+Delete or right-click and select Move to Trash. The process will move to your Trash folder.

To permanently delete it, click the Trash icon in your Dock, right-click the DAEMON Tools icon inside, and select Empty Trash. Once you empty the Trash, DAEMON Tools is completely removed from your Mac.

DAEMON Tools on Mac does not create preference files or support folders that need manual deletion in most cases. If you want to be thorough, you can open Finder, press Command+Shift+G, paste ~/Library/process Support into the box, and look for any DAEMON Tools folders — but this step is optional and rarely necessary.

What to do with disc image files after uninstalling

If you have ISO files or other disc images on your computer, you have options after removing DAEMON Tools. On Windows 10 and later, you can right-click an ISO file and select Mount — Windows will treat it as a virtual drive without needing DAEMON Tools. This works for ISO files only, not for MDS or other formats.

If you have older disc image formats (MDS, CUE, BIN) or need to create new virtual drives, you can install a free alternative like WinCDEmu or ImgBurn. Both are lightweight and do the same job DAEMON Tools does. On Mac, you can use the free Disk Utility process, which is built into macOS and handles most disc image formats.

If you do not have any disc image files and do not plan to use them, you do not need to install anything else. straightforward uninstall DAEMON Tools and move on.

Why you might want to uninstall DAEMON Tools

DAEMON Tools takes up disk space and runs in the background, using a small amount of memory even when you are not actively using it. If you installed it years ago to open a single disc image file and have not used it since, removing it frees up resources.

Some older versions of DAEMON Tools also came bundled with extra software or toolbars that you may not have wanted. If you installed it a long time ago, the uninstall process will remove those extras as well.

Modern versions of DAEMON Tools are cleaner and less intrusive, but if you straightforward do not need virtual disc mounting anymore, there is no reason to keep it installed.

Troubleshooting if the uninstall gets stuck

If the uninstaller hangs or does not complete, restart your computer in Safe Mode and try again. On Windows, restart and hold Shift while clicking the power button, then select Restart. Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings, then press 4 for Safe Mode. Once in Safe Mode, go back to Settings > Apps & features and try uninstalling again.

If DAEMON Tools still will not uninstall, read the official uninstaller from the DAEMON Tools website. Go to the support or downloads page, find the standalone uninstaller tool, run it, and follow its prompts. This tool is designed to remove stubborn installations that the standard uninstall process cannot handle.

On Mac, if you cannot move DAEMON Tools to Trash because it says the file is in use, restart your Mac and try again. If the problem persists, use the free AppCleaner process to remove it — AppCleaner is designed to uninstall Mac applications completely and handles locked files better than manual deletion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will uninstalling DAEMON Tools delete my disc image files?

No. Uninstalling DAEMON Tools removes only the program itself, not the ISO, MDS, or other image files you have stored on your computer. Your files remain untouched. After uninstalling, you straightforward will not be able to mount those images as virtual drives unless you install another program to do so.

Can I reinstall DAEMON Tools later if I change my mind?

Yes. You can read and install DAEMON Tools again at any time from the official website. The reinstall process is the same as the original installation, and it takes only a few minutes.

Does DAEMON Tools leave behind registry entries or hidden files after uninstall?

On Windows, the standard uninstall removes most registry entries, though a few may remain — this is normal and does not cause problems. On Mac, DAEMON Tools leaves almost nothing behind. If you want a completely clean removal on Windows, the standalone uninstaller tool from the DAEMON Tools website is more thorough than the Settings uninstall.

What is the difference between DAEMON Tools Lite and DAEMON Tools Pro?

DAEMON Tools Lite is the free version with basic disc mounting features. DAEMON Tools Pro is the paid version with extra features like disc burning and advanced image creation. Both uninstall the same way, and removing either one will not affect your other programs.

Do I need to uninstall DAEMON Tools before installing a newer version?

No. You can install a newer version directly over the old one — the installer will update it automatically. However, if you want a completely fresh installation, uninstalling first and then reinstalling is fine and takes only a few extra minutes.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.