Virus scanners are a must in Windows, but the protection software digs very deeply into the system. When switching to a different antivirus, you should uninstall the previous one. This sometimes works without problems, but it can happen that the uninstallation fails. For these cases, there are helpers to completely remove a virus scanner.
As a Windows user, we recommend a virus scanner, Microsoft also sees it that way and has installed a solid on-board tool in Windows 10 and Windows 11 with Windows Defender. In the last test, Microsoft’s virus protection didn’t come out particularly well, but overall it still provides “good” protection. But there is also a wide range of third-party virus scanners.
Anyone who frequently changes their virus scanner should be careful when making the switch. As a rule, a new virus scanner deactivates its predecessor when it is installed. If it’s Windows Defender, then that’s fine, but if you have Avira, Avast, Kaspersky or another virus scanner on it, you should remove it completely beforehand. There are different ways and solutions for problem cases.
Remove like any other program
Of course you can also remove a virus scanner via “Apps and Features” in the Windows settings. At least that should work. There you simply select the virus protection and click on “Uninstall”. In this way, the virus protection installer usually starts and tries to undo its work.
If that works, you’re done there. What is important: Current virus scanners often come with a large number of modules, which are then listed individually under “Apps and Features”. It is possible that, in addition to the virus scanner itself, there is a separate update component on the system, as well as a password manager, a VPN tool and more. You then have to remove all of these components one after the other using on-board tools.
Additional uninstallers help
If you want a little more convenience when uninstalling programs, you may have already discovered an uninstaller for yourself. These programs make it easier to remove programs and there are one or two additional functions. Geek Uninstaller, for example, works quite quickly.
The freeware also tracks down program remnants after installation that were forgotten during removal. If you use the paid Pro version, you can also remove several programs in one go, which of course also applies to the components of a virus scanner.
In case of problems use manufacturer tools
Virus scanners sit very deep in the system so that you can monitor other programs. This is like riding a razor blade, because problems with virus scanners can really take a toll on Windows. This also applies to uninstallation. If you do not get any further with the standard tools shown above, it is advisable to use the special tools from the virus scanner manufacturer.
Basically, every well-known manufacturer has such a tool at hand with which the in-house software can be completely removed from the system. Here some examples:
Make sure that you use the appropriate uninstall tool for your virus scanner.
All-purpose Antivirus Removal Tool
If you often struggle with virus scanner residue, you should take a look at the Antivirus Removal Tool. It bundles the steps mentioned above and thus also leads technically less experienced users to the goal. At the beginning, the program checks which virus scanners are actually installed. You can also search for remnants of older virus protection packages on the system.
You can then conveniently open the uninstaller built into Windows. If that doesn’t work, then start the appropriate special tool from the manufacturer. Antivirus Removal Tool integrates an extensive list from Adaware to ZoneAlarm.