Uninstall Norton Antivirus Software

Norton software by Symantec offers Windows and Mac users the ability to keep their information secure and protected against viruses, malware, and other security threats. If you no longer want Norton software installed on your machine, you can remove it using the Norton Removal Tool, using run command or Control Panel in Windows, or by selecting the option to uninstall in Mac OS X.

Steps

Using the Norton Removal Tool

  1. Navigate to Norton’s website.
  2. Click on “Download Now,” and select the option to save the file to your desktop.
  3. Navigate to your computer’s desktop, and run the .exe file for the Norton Removal Tool. The program will launch immediately following installation.
  4. Click on “Next,” and follow the on-screen prompts to remove all Norton products from your computer. The Norton Removal Tool is designed to remove all Symantec programs from your machine, including Norton AntiVirus, Norton Ghost, Norton Password Manager, Norton 360, and all other Norton programs.
  5. Click on “Finish” when the Norton Removal Tool informs you that all Norton programs have been successfully removed.
  6. Restart your computer. All Norton products will now be uninstalled from your computer.[1]

Using Run Command in Windows

  1. Press the Windows + R keys on your keyboard. The Run dialog box will open and display on-screen.
  2. Type appwiz.cpl into the dialog box, then press “Enter.”
  3. Click on the Norton software product you want uninstalled, then click on “Remove” or “Uninstall.”
  4. Click on “Continue” when the User Account Control window displays on-screen.
  5. Follow the on-screen prompts to uninstall Norton from your computer.
  6. Select the option to restart your computer at the prompt.
  7. Repeat steps one through six for each Norton product you want uninstalled from your computer.[2]

Using Control Panel in Windows

  1. Click on the “Start” menu and select “Control Panel.” Control Panel will open and display on-screen.
  2. Click on “Add / Remove Programs.”
  3. Click on the Norton product you want uninstalled, then click on “Remove.”
  4. Click on “Remove All” to confirm you want Norton and all associated programs removed from your machine.
  5. Select the option to restart your computer at the prompt.
  6. Repeat steps one through five for each Norton product you want uninstalled from your computer.[3]

Removing Norton from Mac OS X

  1. Open the Applications folder and launch the Norton security program you want uninstalled.
    • If the Norton program isn’t displayed in the Applications folder, open the “Symantec Solutions” folder and launch the program entitled, “Symantec Uninstaller.”
  2. Click on “Norton Security” at the top of your session next to the Apple logo, and select “Uninstall Norton Security.”
    • If removing Norton using Symantec Uninstaller, select every Norton program you want uninstalled from your computer.
  3. Click on “Uninstall” when the “Uninstall Norton Security” window displays on-screen.
  4. Enter the administrator username and password for your computer at the prompt.
  5. Click on “Install Helper,” then click on “Restart Now.” Your Mac computer will restart, and your Norton product will be uninstalled.[4]

Tips

  • When browsing through the list of installed programs in Control Panel in Windows, look for any unfamiliar programs installed by Symantec, which is the creator of Norton products. If you’ve been experiencing software problems related to Norton products, removing all programs by Symantec could help resolve the issue.

Warnings

  • Keep in mind that uninstalling Norton security products could increase your computer’s risk for viruses, malware, and other security threats. Consider installing another effective security program after uninstalling Norton products, such as Bitdefender, Kaspersky Anti-Virus, and McAfee Anti-Virus.[5]

Related Articles

  • Remove Old (Expired) Norton Products from Norton Account

Sources and Citations

  1. Jump up ↑ https://support.norton.com/sp/en/us/home/current/solutions/kb20080710133834EN_EndUserProfile_en_us
  2. Jump up ↑ https://support.norton.com/sp/en/us/home/current/solutions/kb20080416133836EN_EndUserProfile_en_us
  3. Jump up ↑ http://www.pchell.com/virus/uninstallnorton.shtml
  4. Jump up ↑ https://support.norton.com/sp/en/us/home/current/solutions/v64924250_EndUserProfile_en_us
  5. Jump up ↑ http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2372364,00.asp
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