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Anti Virus Software Removal Tools Overview

Martin Brinkmann
Apr 16, 2009
Updated • Nov 26, 2017
Antivirus, Security
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11

Uninstalling anti virus software on a computer system is sometimes not a trivial task as security software tends to add components deep into the system to provide protection from various threats PC users face these days.

It is useful if you want to make sure that one product is removed completely from a computer running Windows, for instance before installing another product to replace it with.

The need for anti virus software removal tools arises, if the default removal process fails, for instance if the installation itself did not complete correctly.

This leads to a messed up computer system usually that could throw all kinds of errors at the user. It could also break other anti virus software either during installation or usage, for instance if the new program cannot be installed before the old one (or what is left of it) is removed first.

So-called anti virus removal tools have been created to remove traces of anti virus software effectively from the computer system without relying on the official uninstallation routine.

Anti Virus Software Removal Tools Overview

They run a series of processes that delete files, Registry settings and other parameters or options that have been installed by the antivirus software during installation.

Below is a collection of anti virus software removal tools that have been created by developers of said tools but also by third-parties.

First-party removal tools

Third-party removal tools

Manual Removal Instructions

Did we miss antivirus software uninstallation tools in the list? Let us know in the comments.

Update: The programs are regularly updated to keep up with the yearly new releases. It can happen that developers change the download urls of the programs when they release a new version. We try to keep up with the ever changing versions that get released. Some links may lead to pages that do not exist anymore. Please let us know about those in the comments so that we can fix them.

Update 2: We have updated a couple of links and added a few new ones to the list.

Summary
Anti Virus Software Removal Tools Overview
Article Name
Anti Virus Software Removal Tools Overview
Description
A list of removal tools and instructions for all popular antivirus programs that help you uninstall them from Windows if the default uninstaller does not work.
Author
Publisher
Ghacks Technology News
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Comments

  1. rono said on October 12, 2009 at 2:57 pm
    Reply

    try appremover it can remove any security software including antivirus antispyware or anything else.

  2. Jorgen said on June 21, 2009 at 1:30 pm
    Reply

    I miss a removal tool for NOD32 / ESET

  3. Will Garcia said on May 16, 2009 at 8:21 pm
    Reply

    Please inform me of any Avira AntiVirus software removal tool, can’t seem to remove mine at all… thanks

  4. Will said on April 17, 2009 at 7:47 am
    Reply

    Guy’s try to learn more on defending your system More than using any software. Use your self to learn on how to defend your system . The action of these Malicious ware is always evolving. So updating your self is just easy as you are updating your Antivirus. Try on checking this blog site for the latest and also try to check the site like this (http://www.systemsecurityinstitute.org/) to learn more on system defensive measures.

  5. anon509 said on April 17, 2009 at 3:57 am
    Reply

    computer associates: tinyurl.com/cat9wh

    trendmicro : tinyurl.com/cz46zj

    nod32: tinyurl.com/23fzxl

    norton/symantec removal tool: tinyurl.com/276bgo

  6. mewho said on April 16, 2009 at 3:56 pm
    Reply

    anyone know the password for the symantec corporate cleanup tool?

  7. mmatos said on April 16, 2009 at 11:47 am
    Reply

    I use Revouninstaler and it does a good job.

  8. Roman ShaRP said on April 16, 2009 at 10:59 am
    Reply

    FreewareGenius wrote about Appremover application for this purpose –
    http://www.freewaregenius.com/2009/04/13/how-to-uninstall-anything-free-apps-that-get-the-job-done/

    Didn’t tested it, but I think it can be useful.

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