How to Uninstall Kaspersky from Mac

Edited 1 week ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

KasperskyMacUninstallationSecurity SoftwareRemovalAntivirusSystem PerformanceCleanupInstructions

Kaspersky is widely known for its security solutions and is a popular choice for many Mac users. It provides excellent protection against viruses, malware, and other cybersecurity threats. However, there may be a number of reasons why you might want to uninstall Kaspersky from your Mac. Perhaps you're switching to another antivirus software, or perhaps you no longer need such comprehensive security measures. Whatever your reason, this guide will walk you through the process of uninstalling Kaspersky from your Mac, ensuring that you can do it effectively and that you won't have any residual files cluttering up your system.

Preparing to uninstall Kaspersky

Before we begin the uninstallation process, it's important to prepare your Mac. By taking a few preliminary steps, you can ensure a smooth uninstall operation.

1. Back up important data

First, it's important to back up any important information and data. Although uninstalling Kaspersky shouldn't affect your files, it's always wise to be cautious. Use Time Machine or another backup method to create a full backup of your system.

2. Turn off Kaspersky

Make sure Kaspersky is not running on your Mac. To do this, find the Kaspersky Internet Security icon in the upper-right corner of your screen. Click on it, and then select Quit from the dropdown menu. Alternatively, you can close it from the Dock if it's open.

Uninstalling Kaspersky

The steps below will help you remove Kaspersky from your Mac efficiently. You can accomplish this via the built-in uninstaller or manually via the system settings.

Using Kaspersky Internet Security Uninstaller

Kaspersky provides an uninstaller tool that makes it convenient to remove its software from your Mac. Follow these steps to use the uninstaller:

Step 1: Open Finder

Click the Finder icon in the Dock to open a new Finder window.

Step 2: Go to Applications

In the Finder sidebar, click Applications. Alternatively, you can use the shortcut
Press Shift + Command + A to quickly open the Applications folder.

Step 3: Locate Kaspersky Internet Security

In the Applications folder, find the Kaspersky Internet Security folder and open it.

Step 4: Launch the Uninstall Tool

Inside the folder, you will find the Kaspersky Internet Security uninstall tool. Depending on your version, it may be labeled as Uninstall Kaspersky Internet Security. Double-click this uninstaller to launch it.

Step 5: Follow the on-screen instructions

The uninstaller will guide you through the removal process with on-screen instructions. Follow these prompts to uninstall Kaspersky from your Mac. You may be asked to enter your system password, so have it ready.

Step 6: Restart your Mac

After the uninstallation process is complete, it is advisable to restart your Mac. This will ensure that any temporary files or processes related to Kaspersky are cleared from your system memory.

Manually uninstall via System Preferences

If you don’t want to use the uninstaller, you can uninstall Kaspersky manually through System Preferences and Library file deletion.

Step 1: Open System Preferences

Click the Apple icon in the upper-left corner of the screen and select System Preferences from the dropdown menu.

Step 2: Go to Users & Groups

In the System Preferences window, find Users & Groups and click on it.

Step 3: Find Login Items

Select your user account and click the Login Items tab.

Step 4: Remove Kaspersky from Login Items

In the list of Login Items, look for any entries related to Kaspersky. If found, select them and click the minus (-) button to remove them.

Step 5: Delete the application

Go to the Applications folder, find the Kaspersky Internet Security folder, and drag it to the Trash. Make sure you empty the Trash afterward to remove it completely.

Step 6: Delete the associated files

Delete all Kaspersky-related files from the Library folder. Open Finder, click Go in the menu bar, hold down the Option key, and select Library to open the Library folder. Find and delete Kaspersky-related files in the following directories:

• ~/Library/Application Support/
• ~/Library/Preferences/
• ~/Library/Caches/
• ~/Library/Logs/

Please note that the "~" symbol indicates your user's home directory.

Step 7: Restart your Mac

Finally, restart your Mac. This ensures that any pending processes or temporary files are finished and cleared.

Final thoughts

Removing Kaspersky from your Mac is a straightforward process. You have the option of using the dedicated uninstaller tool provided by Kaspersky, which is the simplest and most efficient method. For those who prefer a more hands-on approach, the manual removal process, although lengthy, is also quite effective. It is important to follow each step carefully to ensure that no residual files remain on your system. After uninstalling, consider evaluating other security solutions for your Mac to maintain an adequate level of security. Remember to regularly back up your data and stay informed about the latest cybersecurity threats to keep your machine safe. With these guidelines, your Mac will be free of Kaspersky, and you can proceed with the new security configuration you have chosen.

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