Antivirus software is a prerequisite for the normal functionality of a computer. Especially considering the fact that today there are a lot of dangerous viruses and unwanted programs walking on the network. But what if there is a need to replace an antivirus? After all, removing the antivirus from the PC is not so simple.
Basic steps for uninstalling an antivirus program
Actually, it’s easy to figure out how to remove the antivirus from the computer. Nevertheless, it is worth noting that the uninstallation procedure is performed in several ways:
- Removal using standard operating system tools
- use of special utilities from anti-virus manufacturers;
- using uninstall programs.
Each method is good in its own way, but one should not forget that the anti-virus software files are registered in the system registry, so a regular deletion may not always help. And when installing new software, conflicts can arise. Therefore, you need to know how to remove the antivirus correctly and completely.
For a better understanding of the situation, you should consider special cases of the removal of the most popular antivirus programs.
Uninstall Avast Free Antivirus
This program is one of the most popular today. And there is no particular problem how to remove Avast antivirus from PC. There are two guaranteed ways to do this without consequences in your computer.
The first method involves the use of the aswclear profile utility, which not only deletes all program files, but also cleans the entries in the system registry. After the uninstallation procedure is completed, the PC restarts and that’s all - you can install a new antivirus.
The second method is relevant if you have a special uninstaller program (for example, you can take Revo Uninstaller). It operates in a similar way to the utility, with the difference that you need to select Avast antivirus, click “Delete”, and then confirm the search and delete the entries for this software in the registry. The end result is a reboot of the device.
Uninstall ESET NOD 32
Another powerful representative of the antivirus industry is NOD 32. It is really good, but quite voluminous and uses many OS resources. Although this disadvantage is offset by reliability and reliability. To figure out how to completely remove ESET NOD 32 antivirus is also quite easy.
The first way. Standard Windows tools are used (through the "Programs" menu and components in the "Control Panel"), although there may be complications in the form of resetting the network settings of the PC. Therefore, it is better to use a different way.
The second way. Complete uninstallation of this antivirus is guaranteed by a special utility ESET Uninstaller. She herself starts the removal procedure in safe mode, automatically restarts the computer and cleans all the data about the program in the registry, so there is no problem how to remove the antivirus. There is no need to worry about this at all.
How to remove Kaspersky Anti-Virus
Another good antivirus software, Kaspersky internet Security, also has its own specific removal. You can use the standard OS tools or the native uninstaller of the program, or you can use the special KAV Remover Tool utility.
The first way. To remove Kaspersky Anti-Virus, you need to go to the root folder of the program and run the “uninstall Kaspersky” shortcut. It’s worth mentioning right away that this method, how to remove the antivirus from a PC, is relevant only for versions below KAV 2013. For new versions, you need to go into the program settings and disable the self-protection functions from deletion. And, in any case, manual registry cleaning is inevitable.
The second way. Everything is clear here, since the Remover Tool itself performs the complete removal and cleaning of registries, without user intervention. If the utility does not recognize the installed antivirus on the PC, you can add it manually from the list provided.