How to Uninstall Norton from Windows

Edited 3 weeks ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

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Uninstalling Norton software from your Windows computer may be necessary for a variety of reasons. Perhaps you are switching to another antivirus solution, experiencing problems, or you no longer need the service. Whatever the reason, the process can be simple if you follow the right steps. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the entire process in detail so that you can uninstall Norton without any hassle.

Understanding why you would want to uninstall Norton

Before we move ahead into the step-by-step guide, let us understand some of the common reasons for uninstalling Norton:

• Changing software: You may prefer another antivirus software.
• Performance issues: Norton sometimes causes system slowdowns, prompting users to look for lighter alternatives.
• Expired subscription: If your Norton subscription has expired, you probably don't want to renew it.
• Unnecessary software: Your computer may already have built-in protection measures or another antivirus.

Preparation before uninstalling

Before you begin the uninstallation process, make sure you have prepared your system and your data:

• Back up important data: Although uninstalling Norton won't affect your files, it's always wise to keep a recent backup of important data on an external drive or cloud storage.
• Close running applications: It is recommended to close all other running applications before starting the uninstallation process to prevent data loss or software conflicts.
• Make sure you have administrator rights: You must have administrator privileges on your computer to uninstall Norton. Without these rights, Windows may prevent you from making important changes to your system.

Ways to uninstall Norton

There are several ways to uninstall Norton from a Windows PC. We will explore using the standard "Control Panel" method and the "Norton Removal Tool". Let's look at each approach:

Method 1: Using the Control Panel

The most straightforward way to uninstall Norton from your Windows PC is through the Control Panel. Follow these steps:

1. Open the Control Panel. Access the Control Panel. You can do this by typing "control panel" into the Windows search bar and pressing Enter.
2. Go to Programs. After the Control Panel window opens, click "Programs." This option may be labeled "Programs and Features" in some Windows versions.
3. Select Norton Software: You will see a list of all the programs installed on your computer. Scroll to find "Norton" or "Norton Antivirus" or "Norton Security Suite," depending on your installed version.
4. Uninstall Norton: Click the Norton program and then click the "Uninstall" button that appears above the list, or you can right-click the Norton program and select "Uninstall" from the drop-down menu.
5. Follow the instructions: A setup wizard will now guide you through the uninstallation process. Follow the on-screen instructions. You may be asked to restart your computer to complete the process. Make sure all your work is saved before doing this.

This method works for most users and is the simplest and quickest way to uninstall Norton through Windows Settings.

Possible alternative uninstallation steps

Sometimes, when you try to uninstall Norton, you may face some challenges. If you get any errors or the uninstallation process hangs, you may need to delete the files manually. Here's how:

1. Disable Product Tamper Protection: Open Norton, go to 'Settings' → 'Administrative Settings', and disable Norton Product Tamper Protection. This security feature can sometimes prevent software from being removed.
2. End Norton processes: Press `Ctrl+Shift+Esc` to access Task Manager. End any Norton-related processes by selecting them and clicking "End Task."
3. Delete leftover files: Sometimes, after uninstalling software, you may find some leftover files or folders. Access Program Files and delete any folders related to Norton if they were not removed automatically.

After these additional steps, restart your computer and check if Norton has been completely removed.

Method 2: Using Norton Removal Tool

Norton provides a special tool to remove its software from Windows systems. This can be especially useful if the standard uninstallation process fails. Follow these steps:

1. Download Norton Removal Tool: Open your favorite web browser and visit the official Norton website. Search for Norton Removal Tool and download it to your computer.
2. Run the tool: Find the downloaded file (usually in the "Downloads" folder) and double-click it to run it. If prompted by User Account Control (UAC), click "Yes" to allow the tool to make changes to your device.
3. Follow the instructions: This tool will guide you through the removal process. Follow the commands on the screen, accept any terms and conditions.
4. Restart your computer: After the Norton Removal Tool is finished, it will prompt you to restart your computer. Save your work and allow the computer to restart to complete the uninstallation.

This Norton-specific tool ensures that all traces of Norton software, including hidden files and registry entries, are removed from your system.

Things to consider after uninstallation

Now that Norton is uninstalled, it's important to make sure your computer remains safe:

• Choose an alternative antivirus: Your system needs constant protection. Consider installing an alternative antivirus solution to protect your computer from threats.
• Verify complete removal: After using any method, it is essential to ensure that Norton is completely uninstalled. Check the 'Programs and Features' section in Control Panel to confirm that no Norton software is listed.
• Clean the registry: If you are well versed and comfortable editing the Windows registry, you may want to delete the leftover Norton entries. Use the Registry Editor by typing "regedit" in the search bar. Navigate to `HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\` and delete the Symantec folder (if present). Always backup your registry before making any changes.

Common problems and troubleshooting

Although the primary methods are usually effective, you may encounter some problems during the process. Here are some common problems and their solutions:

• Problem: The uninstallation process gets stuck or crashes.
• Solution: Restart your computer and try using the Norton Removal Tool. If that fails, contact Norton Support for further guidance.
• Problem: You are unable to find Norton in Control Panel.
• Solution: Make sure Norton is still installed. If the files have been manually deleted, it may not appear. Use the Norton Removal Tool to clean up any remaining components.
• Issue: Errors during uninstallation claim files cannot be deleted.
• Solution: Disable Norton Product Tamper Protection and close all Norton processes in Task Manager before trying again. You may also need to start Windows in Safe Mode to prevent Norton from starting and try removing it again.

Conclusion

Uninstalling Norton from your Windows PC may seem daunting, but it is not complicated if you follow the right procedures. Using the Control Panel or Norton Removal Tool, you can effectively remove the software without leaving residual files on your system. Always make sure your system is secure afterward and consider alternative antivirus solutions for continued protection. Remember, keeping your system secure is important in this digital age, and regular software updates and backups are essential practices for maintaining a healthy computer environment.

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