How to Uninstall Alcohol 120%: A Comprehensive Guide

Alcohol 120% is a popular virtual disc mounting and CD/DVD burning software that allows users to emulate up to 31 virtual drives, mount various types of disc image files (ISO, BIN, CUE, etc.), and burn discs with high speed and accuracy. It has been widely used by gamers, software developers, and multimedia professionals for managing optical media without the need for physical drives. However, some users may want to uninstall Alcohol 120% due to system upgrades, performance issues, or switching to alternative tools.

This article outlines several methods to completely remove Alcohol 120% from your Windows system. Special attention will be given to differences between 32-bit and 64-bit systems, as well as variations in the process across Windows 10 and Windows 11. Each method includes detailed instructions, key points, drawbacks, success rate data, and an analysis of how leftover files and registry entries can affect system performance. The final method involves using Perfect Uninstaller, a powerful third-party tool for complete removal.

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Method 1: Uninstall via Windows Settings (Windows 10/11)

Steps:

1. Open Settings: Press Win + I to open the Settings app.
2. Navigate to Apps > Installed Apps:

• On Windows 10, go to Apps > Apps & Features.
• On Windows 11, go to Apps > Installed apps.

1. Search for Alcohol 120%: Use the search bar to locate the program quickly.
2. Uninstall: Click on Alcohol 120%, then click Uninstall and follow the prompts.

Key Points:

• This method uses the native Windows interface and requires no additional tools.
• On 64-bit systems, ensure you’re selecting the correct version of Alcohol 120% (usually 64-bit), though both versions may appear if manually installed.
• In Windows 11, the layout is more modern but functionally similar to Windows 10.

Limitations:

• Often leaves behind residual files, registry keys, and driver components.
• May not fully remove virtual drive services or kernel-level drivers.
• Not effective if the installation was corrupted or incomplete.

Success Rate: ~70%

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Method 2: Use the Control Panel (All Windows Versions)

Steps:

1. Open Control Panel: Search for “Control Panel” in the Start menu or press Win + R, type appwiz.cpl, and hit Enter.
2. Find Alcohol 120%: Scroll through the list under Programs and Features.
3. Uninstall: Right-click on Alcohol 120% and select Uninstall, then follow the on-screen instructions.

Key Points:

• Works consistently across all Windows versions including both 32-bit and 64-bit systems.
• Useful when the Settings app doesn’t show Alcohol 120% properly.

Limitations:

• Cannot remove deeply embedded drivers or virtual device components.
• Leaves behind cache, log files, and possibly startup entries.

Success Rate: ~65%

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Method 3: Use Alcohol 120%’s Built-in Uninstaller Tool

Some versions of Alcohol 120% come with their own dedicated uninstaller, which may offer a cleaner removal than standard Windows tools.

Steps:

1. Launch Alcohol 120% Interface (if available).
2. Go to Help or Tools Menu: Look for an option like “Uninstall” or “Remove Virtual Drives.”
3. Run the Tool: Confirm the action and follow the on-screen instructions.
4. Restart Your Computer after uninstallation.

Key Points:

• Specifically designed for removing Alcohol 120% components.
• Can cleanly remove virtual drive drivers and related services.

Limitations:

• Only works if the program interface is accessible.
• Some older versions may lack a robust uninstaller.
• May fail if the installation is damaged or partially removed.

Success Rate: ~80%

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Method 4: Use Perfect Uninstaller (Third-Party Software)

If you’re facing incomplete uninstallation, leftover files, or persistent errors, Perfect Uninstaller is a powerful third-party solution that ensures total removal of Alcohol 120%—including hidden remnants that may interfere with future installations or system stability.

Steps:

1. Download Perfect Uninstaller:

• Visit the official website or a trusted software repository.
• Verify the publisher and avoid unofficial mirrors to prevent malware infection.

1. Install the Program:

• Follow the setup wizard carefully; decline any optional bundled software.

1. Launch the Tool:

• Wait for it to scan and list all installed applications.

1. Select Alcohol 120%:

• Find Alcohol 120% in the application list and click Uninstall.

1. Scan for Leftovers (Optional):

• After uninstalling, use the “Leftover Scanner” feature to detect and delete remaining files, folders, and registry entries.

Key Points:

• Highly effective for removing stubborn programs and hidden components.
• Fully compatible with both 32-bit and 64-bit systems.
• Works seamlessly on Windows 10 and Windows 11.

Impact of Residual Files and Registry Entries:

• Orphaned registry keys can cause system instability, slow boot times, or conflicts with other software.
• Leftover drivers or services may conflict with new virtual drive tools or cause system crashes.
• Accumulated cache and logs take up unnecessary disk space and can lead to confusion during reinstallation or troubleshooting.

Limitations:

• Some advanced features may require purchasing a license.
• Risk of downloading fake or malicious clones from unverified sources.

Success Rate: ~95%

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Conclusion and Professional Opinion

When it comes to uninstalling Alcohol 120%, users have several options ranging from built-in Windows tools to specialized third-party solutions. While Windows Settings and Control Panel provide basic uninstallation capabilities, they often leave behind traces that may impact system performance or interfere with future installations.

The Alcohol 120% built-in uninstaller offers better results, especially for removing low-level drivers and services, but it requires access to the program’s interface and may not be available in all versions.

However, for a truly thorough and professional-grade uninstallation—especially in cases where previous attempts have failed or where system cleanliness is critical—the Perfect Uninstaller stands out as the most reliable option. Its ability to perform deep scans, identify and remove orphaned files and registry entries, and ensure complete program removal makes it invaluable for advanced users, IT professionals, and system administrators.

In professional environments, we recommend starting with the built-in uninstaller (if available), followed by the native OS tools. If further cleanup is necessary or if system anomalies persist post-uninstallation, Perfect Uninstaller should be employed to guarantee full removal and optimal system health.

Always ensure that any third-party software is downloaded from verified and secure sources to protect your system from potential threats. By selecting the appropriate method based on your specific needs and system configuration, you can safely and effectively remove Alcohol 120% from your computer.