Some of you may be surprised to read this title. Do we really need antivirus removal tool? Why can’t we just use uninstaller of that particular antivirus or Add/Remove programs (from Control panel) to do this task. Yes, we can use these tools and there’s absolutely no problem with that. But have you come across an antivirus that you are not able to remove? Some antiviruses are too heavy on the system, they require many processes/services to run and create many registry entries. Because of some issues with its uninstaller, sometimes you may face problem in removing that antivirus.
That’s where antivirus removal tools can come to the rescue. Removal tool can also help to remove a failed installation or damaged product. The complete process to remove some popular antivirus from your system are explained below.
Bidefender Removal Tool
To uninstall/remove Bitdefender, you can use Bitdefender uninstall tool. This is the direct download link of the tool. Run the tool and click on “uninstall”. Wait for the tool to display the completion message and then restart your computer.
This tool can be applied to mostly every Bitdefender product like BitDefender Internet Security, BitDefender Total Security, etc.
Norton Antivirus Removal Tool
To remove Norton products, download and run the Norton Removal Tool and save it to Desktop. Now just double click the Norton Removal Tool icon and when the process completes restart the computer.
This should remove Norton Antivirus from the computer.
Kaspersky Removal Tool
This removal utility enables complete uninstall of the following products:
– Kaspersky PURE
– Kaspersky Anti-Virus (all versions)
– Kaspersky Internet Security (all versions)
– AVP Tool driver
Download the executable file kavremover.exe and save it. Run this tool, insert the captcha (if prompted) and select the product to uninstall/remove. The removal process may take some minutes and then you will see a dialog box to inform you that the product is successfully removed. Now just restart the computer and Kaspersky will be uninstalled from the system.
ESET Nod 32 Removal Tool
Method to manually uninstall ESET Nod 32 security:
- Download the ESET Uninstaller application (500 KB) and save it to your Desktop.
- Restart your computer in Safe Mode by repeatedly pressing the F8 key during startup until the advanced options are displayed. Select Safe Mode and press ENTER. Don’t try to run the ESET Uninstaller in normal mode.
- Double-click the ESETUninstaller icon on your Desktop to begin the uninstallation process.
F-Secure Removal Tool
To remove F-Secure, you can download F-Secure Uninstallation Tool. Unzip it and read the readme file. I would recommend you to carefully read the readme.txt file before running the uninstallation tool.
Run the UninstallationTool.exe file by double-clicking it and then accept the license agreement. Wait until the process is completed and then restart the computer.
McAfee Removal Tool
Download the removal tool from here and save it to your computer. Ensure that all McAfee windows are closed. Now double click MCPR.exe to run the removal tool.
You will receive a message such as “CleanUp Successful”. Your McAfee product will not be fully removed until the system is restarted. Therefore, it’s recommended to restart the system.
Avast Removal Tool
This “Avast Uninstall Utility” will help you when you are not able to uninstall avast the standard way – using the Add/Remove programs in control panel.
Here’s how to uninstall Avast:
- Download aswclear.exe on your desktop
- Start Windows in Safe Mode
- Double click the uninstall utility
- If you installed avast! in a different folder than the default, browse for it. (Note: Be careful! The content of any folder you choose will be deleted!)
- Click REMOVE
- Restart your computer
AVG Removal Tool
AVG Remover will remove all the parts of your AVG installation from your computer, including registry items, user files, installation files, etc. All AVG user settings will be removed after the uninstall process is complete, as well as content from the Virus Vault and all other items related to AVG installation and use. After the removal process is complete, you will need to restart the computer. Therefore, please make sure to finish your work and save all important data prior to launching AVG Remover.
Note: Check whether you are using 32bit or 64bit version and then download AVG remover from below link.
AVG Remover(32bit) 2012
AVG Remover(64bit) 2012
G-Data AntiVirus Removal Tool
This AntiVirus Cleaner removes all traces of any G Data product that were not removed during an ordinary uninstall procedure. This tool might be needed to enable a complete new installation of the software.
Please note that this tool can be used to remove only G Data Antivirus. To download this tool, click here to head over to official site. Now click on “AVCleaner 2012” and download the tool.
Trend Micro Removal Tool
This same process can be applied to Trend Micro Internet Security Pro and Trend Micro Internet Security.
- Download the Trend Micro Diagnostic Toolkit from below link and save it to your computer
Windows Vista or Windows 7 (32-bit)
Windows Vista or Windows 7 (64-bit) - Double click the downloaded file.
- Click the Uninstall tab, then click “1. Uninstall software”. The Toolkit will automatically detect the Trend Micro program that is currently installed.
- Click “Uninstall” and then when prompted, restarted the system.
Use these antivirus removal tools (also called as uninstallation tools) and free your computer from them. But of course, its always recommended to use Antivirus or Security Suite (which is a complete set of antivirus, antispyware, etc) and protect your computer from threats.
You can also use Microsoft Security Essentials, which is a free antivirus from Microsoft. Some other freeware antivirus are AVG Free edition, Avast and Avira.
Want a removal tool for some other antivirus? Just comment below and I will add removal tool for that antivirus.
Tech Tip: To run “uninstall utility” in Windows, just type appwiz.cpl in search box by clicking on start menu.
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