What’s DaVinciPanelDaemon.exe? Is it safe or a virus?

The DaVinciPanelDaemon.exe file is associated with Blackmagic Design's DaVinci Resolve, specifically relating to the functionality of connecting Mini or Micro panels via USB without needing to restart Resolve. It runs in the background to support the auto-detection of these panels when they're plugged in. This functionality is part of the software's design to enhance user experience by allowing seamless integration of hardware without requiring additional setup steps after every connection​

Some users have reported receiving virus warnings from antivirus software like Avast when installing DaVinci Resolve, specifically mentioning DaVinciPanelDaemon.exe as well as DPDecoder.exe being flagged. These warnings were identified as false positives, a common occurrence where antivirus software mistakenly identifies legitimate files as threats. Blackmagic Design suggests ensuring the installer is downloaded directly from their official website to avoid any security issues and has released updates to address these false positive detections​

Furthermore, changes have been made in more recent versions of DaVinci Resolve, such as version 18.5, where the DaVinciPanelDaemon process no longer runs to support the Mini/Micro panels in USB mode, indicating ongoing adjustments and improvements to the software's backend processes and their interaction with operating systems and antivirus software​

Lastly, it's worth noting that interactions between DaVinci Resolve and Windows Security have been discussed in the community. Some users have experienced issues with applications being blocked or not starting correctly, which were not directly related to DaVinciPanelDaemon.exe but highlight the importance of proper settings and permissions for DaVinci Resolve to function smoothly on Windows systems​

Researched by Carl @ SpyShelter Labs