What is Daemon.exe? Should I remove it?
Daemon.exe is a background process of a virtual imaging application
Daemon.exe is a part of Daemon Tools shareware software for file image managing. This program is used to run CDs on a computer without the cd in the CD-ROM (a virtual CD ROM). It can also be used to create virtual drives to mount .ISO and similar files without having a physical disc or drive. The software was especially popular during Windows XP and Windows Vista times, although a newer version of it is still viable to this day.
Name | Daemon.exe |
Type | Application files |
Dependency | Daemon Tools |
Location | C:\Program Files (x86)\DAEMON Tools Lite or C:\Program Files (x86)\KTS |
Risks | Can be classified as adware which may collect various user data and deliver advertisements |
Removal | Uninstall the associated program via the Control Panel. If the process belongs to malware, perform a full system scan with SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or another reliable antivirus |
System fix | If your system was infected with malware, it could start crashing or suffering from other stability issues after its elimination. If you want a quick fix, use FortectIntego |
If you have installed Daemon Tools on your computer to create virtual drives or for other purposes, do not be surprised that the Daemon.exe process is running in the background. It is typical behavior for many applications, as these processes help them to operate properly and incorporate a variety of functions. For example:
- Automatic software updates
- Background downloads
- Error crash reports
- Various other data collection, etc.
Some users have expressed concerns about the software, however, is it is considered to be shareware/adware (unless a full license is purchased). Those who have the program installed might be subjected to intrusive and unwanted advertisements on Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or another web browser.
Besides, the component might also be used for data tracking, including information like visited websites, links clicked, ads interacted with, IP address, technical device details, and more. While this might be a cause of concern to some, all the gathered information is anonymous and does not identify the person in question.
Remove the file if it does not belong to Daemon Tools app
Genuine Daemon.exe files and the process of the program should be located in the C:\Program Files folder. If you have found that this process is running from some other location or you never installed the associated software in the first place, it might indicate malware infection and that the file is malicious.
However, shutting the process down will not do much, as it might respawn very soon after. This is because malware is designed in a way to stay on the infected system as long as possible. Instead, you should perform a full system scan with reliable anti-malware software, such as SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes. These programs can find all the malicious components of the virus and delete them immediately.
If you are dissatisfied with the Daemon.exe process due to its data collection practices or ad delivery, you should uninstall the associated application via the Control Panel. You should also clean your web browsers – FortectIntego can help you do that automatically.