Completely Uninstall Norton: A Step-by-Step Guide
Norton antivirus software, while providing essential protection against malware and other online threats, can sometimes become problematic. You might experience performance slowdowns, conflicts with other software, or simply decide to switch to a different security solution. Whatever the reason, completely uninstalling Norton requires more than just dragging the application to the Recycle Bin. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the various methods to ensure a clean and complete removal of Norton from your Windows or macOS system.
Why a Complete Uninstall is Crucial
Simply deleting the Norton application icon or using the standard uninstall process might leave behind residual files, folders, and registry entries. These remnants can lead to several issues:
* System Performance Degradation: Leftover files can consume system resources, slowing down your computer’s overall performance.
* Software Conflicts: Residual Norton components can interfere with the installation or operation of other software, including other antivirus programs.
* Installation Problems: Incomplete uninstallation can prevent you from reinstalling Norton or installing other security software in the future.
* Security Vulnerabilities: Abandoned files and processes can potentially create security loopholes.
Therefore, a thorough uninstall is essential to maintain a healthy and efficient system.
Before You Begin: Important Preparations
Before you start the uninstallation process, consider these preliminary steps:
1. Back Up Your Data: Although unlikely, data loss can occur during software uninstallation. It’s always prudent to back up your important files and folders to an external hard drive, cloud storage, or another secure location.
2. Gather Your Norton Account Information: Keep your Norton account username and password handy. You might need them to deactivate your subscription during the uninstallation process.
3. Close All Norton Programs: Ensure that all Norton-related programs are closed before proceeding. Look for the Norton icon in the system tray (the area near the clock) and right-click to exit the program. Also, check Task Manager (Windows) or Activity Monitor (macOS) to ensure no Norton processes are running in the background.
4. Disconnect from the Internet (Optional): While not strictly necessary, disconnecting from the internet during the uninstallation can prevent Norton from attempting to reinstall itself or reactivate its services.
Method 1: Using the Standard Uninstall Program (Windows)
The first step in uninstalling Norton is to use the built-in uninstall program provided by Windows. This method is generally sufficient for basic uninstallation, but it may not remove all residual files.
Steps:
1. Open the Control Panel:
* Windows 10/11: Click the Start button, type “Control Panel,” and press Enter.
* Windows 7/8: Click the Start button and select “Control Panel.”
2. Navigate to Programs and Features:
* In the Control Panel, click on “Programs” and then “Programs and Features.”
* If you are in “Category” view, click on “Uninstall a program” under the “Programs” section.
3. Select Norton and Uninstall:
* In the list of installed programs, locate your Norton product (e.g., Norton 360, Norton Security).
* Click on the Norton product to select it.
* Click the “Uninstall” button at the top of the program list. If you see a “Change” button instead of “Uninstall”, click that. It will usually present you with options to Repair, Modify or Uninstall. Choose Uninstall.
4. Follow the On-Screen Instructions:
* The Norton uninstaller will launch and guide you through the uninstallation process. Read each screen carefully and follow the instructions. You might be asked to provide your Norton account credentials or choose whether to save certain settings.
* You may be prompted to restart your computer during the uninstallation process. If so, save your work and allow the restart.
5. Reboot Your Computer: After the uninstallation is complete, restart your computer to ensure that all Norton components are removed.
Method 2: Using the Norton Remove and Reinstall Tool (Windows)
The Norton Remove and Reinstall Tool is a specialized utility designed by Norton to completely remove its products from your computer. This tool is more effective than the standard uninstall program and is recommended for a thorough removal.
Download the Norton Remove and Reinstall Tool:
1. Visit the Norton Support Website: Go to the official Norton support website (usually support.norton.com) and search for “Norton Remove and Reinstall Tool” or “NRR Tool.”
2. Download the Tool: Locate the download link for the NRR Tool and download it to your computer. Make sure you download the tool from the official Norton website to avoid downloading malicious software.
Run the Norton Remove and Reinstall Tool:
1. Close All Programs: Before running the tool, close all open programs and save your work.
2. Run as Administrator: Right-click on the downloaded NRR Tool file and select “Run as administrator.” This will ensure that the tool has the necessary permissions to remove all Norton components.
3. Follow the On-Screen Instructions:
* The NRR Tool will launch and guide you through the removal process. Read each screen carefully and follow the instructions.
* You may be prompted to restart your computer during the removal process. If so, save your work and allow the restart.
4. Advanced Options (If Available): Some versions of the NRR Tool may offer advanced options, such as removing all Norton data or only removing specific components. Use these options with caution and only if you have a specific reason to do so.
5. Reboot Your Computer: After the NRR Tool has finished, restart your computer to complete the removal process.
Method 3: Manual Removal (Advanced Users – Windows)
This method is for advanced users only, as it involves manually deleting files, folders, and registry entries associated with Norton. Incorrectly modifying the registry can cause serious system problems, so proceed with caution and only if you are comfortable with these steps.
Warning: Incorrectly editing the Windows Registry can cause severe system problems that may require you to reinstall Windows. Back up your registry before making any changes.
Steps:
1. Show Hidden Files and Folders: By default, some Norton files and folders may be hidden. To make them visible, follow these steps:
* Open File Explorer: Press the Windows key + E to open File Explorer.
* Click on “View”: In the File Explorer ribbon, click on the “View” tab.
* Check “Hidden items”: In the “Show/hide” section, check the box next to “Hidden items.”
2. Stop Norton Services:
* Press Windows Key + R, type `services.msc` and press Enter.
* In the Services window, locate any services that start with “Norton.” Right-click on each service and select “Stop.”
* Set the Startup type to ‘Disabled’ for each of these services.
3. Delete Norton Files and Folders: Manually delete the following Norton-related files and folders (if they exist):
* `C:\Program Files\Norton Antivirus`
* `C:\Program Files (x86)\Norton Antivirus`
* `C:\Program Files\Norton Internet Security`
* `C:\Program Files (x86)\Norton Internet Security`
* `C:\Program Files\Norton 360`
* `C:\Program Files (x86)\Norton 360`
* `C:\ProgramData\Norton`
* `C:\Users\
* `C:\Users\
* `C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared`
* `C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Symantec Shared`
4. Remove Norton Registry Entries:
* Open the Registry Editor: Press the Windows key + R, type `regedit`, and press Enter.
* Back Up the Registry: Before making any changes, back up the registry by clicking on “File” and then “Export.” Save the backup to a safe location.
* Delete Norton Registry Keys: Carefully delete the following Norton-related registry keys (if they exist):
* `HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Norton`
* `HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Symantec`
* `HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Norton`
* `HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Symantec`
* `HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\Norton`
* `HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\Symantec`
* `HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Norton`
* `HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Symantec`
5. Reboot Your Computer: After deleting the files, folders, and registry entries, restart your computer to complete the removal process.
Method 4: Uninstalling Norton on macOS
The process of uninstalling Norton on macOS is slightly different from Windows, but equally important to ensure a complete removal.
Steps:
1. Quit Norton Applications: Make sure all Norton applications are closed. Check the Dock for any Norton icons and right-click to quit them. Also, check the menu bar for any Norton menu items and quit them as well. Use Activity Monitor to ensure there are no Norton Processes running in the background.
2. Open Finder: Click on the Finder icon in the Dock.
3. Go to the Applications Folder: Click on “Applications” in the Finder sidebar.
4. Locate Norton: Find your Norton product (e.g., Norton 360, Norton Security) in the Applications folder.
5. Run the Uninstaller: Most Norton installations on macOS include a dedicated uninstaller application. Look for an application named “Uninstall Norton,” “Norton Uninstaller,” or something similar within the Norton application folder. Double-click the uninstaller to launch it.
6. Follow the On-Screen Instructions:
* The uninstaller will guide you through the removal process. Read each screen carefully and follow the instructions. You may be asked to provide your administrator password.
* Some uninstallers provide an option to remove all Norton data. Choose this option if you want to completely remove all traces of Norton from your system.
7. Manually Remove Remaining Files (If Necessary): Even after running the uninstaller, some files and folders may remain. Manually delete the following files and folders (if they exist):
* `/Applications/Norton Antivirus.app`
* `/Applications/Norton Internet Security.app`
* `/Applications/Norton 360.app`
* `/Library/Application Support/Norton`
* `/Library/LaunchAgents/com.symantec.nortonantivirus.plist`
* `/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.symantec.nortonantivirus.plist`
* `/Library/Preferences/com.symantec.norton.plist`
* `~/Library/Application Support/Norton`
* `~/Library/Preferences/com.symantec.norton.plist`
8. Empty the Trash: After deleting the files and folders, empty the Trash to permanently remove them from your system.
9. Restart Your Mac: Restart your Mac to complete the uninstallation process.
Alternative Method (If No Uninstaller is Available):
If you can’t find a dedicated uninstaller application, you can try the following steps:
1. Drag Norton Application to the Trash: Drag the Norton application icon from the Applications folder to the Trash.
2. Remove Supporting Files (As Above): Manually remove the supporting files and folders mentioned in Step 7 above.
3. Empty the Trash: Empty the Trash.
4. Restart Your Mac: Restart your Mac.
Verifying a Successful Uninstall
After following any of the above methods, it’s a good idea to verify that Norton has been completely uninstalled. Here are some ways to check:
* Check the Program List (Windows): Open the Control Panel and go to Programs and Features. Verify that Norton is no longer listed in the installed programs list.
* Check the Applications Folder (macOS): Open the Applications folder and verify that the Norton application is no longer present.
* Check for Remaining Files and Folders: Manually search for any Norton-related files and folders in the locations mentioned above.
* Check the Registry (Windows): Use the Registry Editor to search for any remaining Norton registry entries. However, be very careful when editing the registry.
* Monitor System Performance: Observe your computer’s performance after the uninstallation. If you notice a significant improvement, it’s a good sign that Norton has been successfully removed.
* Scan with a Registry Cleaner (Windows – Optional): For Windows users, you can use a reputable registry cleaner to scan for and remove any remaining Norton registry entries. However, use registry cleaners with caution, as they can sometimes cause system instability.
What to Do After Uninstalling Norton
After successfully uninstalling Norton, consider the following steps:
* Install Another Antivirus Program: If you removed Norton because you wanted to switch to a different antivirus program, install your new program immediately to maintain protection against malware.
* Run a Full System Scan: After installing your new antivirus program, run a full system scan to ensure that your computer is clean of any malware that may have been present before the Norton uninstallation.
* Update Your Operating System and Software: Ensure that your operating system and all your software are up to date with the latest security patches. This will help protect your computer from vulnerabilities that malware can exploit.
* Practice Safe Browsing Habits: Be cautious when browsing the internet, downloading files, and opening email attachments. Avoid visiting suspicious websites or clicking on links from unknown sources.
Troubleshooting Common Uninstall Problems
Sometimes, you might encounter problems during the Norton uninstallation process. Here are some common issues and their solutions:
* Norton Won’t Uninstall: If the uninstaller fails to run or gets stuck, try running the Norton Remove and Reinstall Tool in Safe Mode. To start Windows in Safe Mode, restart your computer and press the F8 key repeatedly during startup. On macOS, restart your computer and hold down the Shift key until the Apple logo appears.
* Error Messages During Uninstallation: If you encounter error messages during the uninstallation process, try searching online for the specific error message to find solutions. You can also contact Norton support for assistance.
* Cannot Delete Norton Files: If you cannot delete certain Norton files, it may be because they are still in use. Restart your computer and try deleting the files again. You can also try using a file unlocker tool to unlock the files before deleting them.
* Norton Reinstalls Itself: If Norton keeps reinstalling itself after you uninstall it, disconnect from the internet during the uninstallation process. This will prevent Norton from automatically downloading and reinstalling itself.
Conclusion
Uninstalling Norton completely requires a systematic approach to ensure all components are removed without leaving behind residual files that can affect system performance or cause conflicts. By following the methods outlined in this guide, you can effectively remove Norton from your Windows or macOS system and maintain a healthy and secure computing environment. Remember to always back up your data before making any changes to your system and to proceed with caution when manually editing the registry.