Norton is a widely trusted antivirus and security software that protects millions of devices worldwide from malware, viruses, identity theft, and more. However, there may come a time when you decide to uninstall Norton completely from your device. Whether you’re upgrading to a different security suite, experiencing compatibility issues, or simply no longer needing the software, it’s important to follow the correct steps to delete Norton completely to ensure that no remnants are left behind on your system.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of how to remove Norton completely from your device, covering both manual uninstallation methods and using specialized tools for a thorough clean-up. By the end, you'll be able to remove Norton completely from your device and ensure a clean system without any leftover files or settings.

Why You May Want to Uninstall Norton Completely

There are several reasons why someone might want to delete Norton completely from their device. Here are a few common scenarios:

  1. Switching to Another Antivirus Software: If you’ve purchased a new antivirus program or want to try a different solution, you’ll need to uninstall your current Norton protection to avoid software conflicts.
  2. Device Issues: Sometimes, antivirus software can cause system slowdowns, crashes, or compatibility problems. Removing it completely might resolve these issues.
  3. Subscription Expiration or Renewal Issues: If your Norton subscription has expired, and you no longer wish to renew it, you can uninstall Norton completely to free up space and resources on your device.
  4. Discontinuing Service: Some users might decide to stop using Norton altogether due to personal preferences or a change in their needs. In these cases, it’s best to remove Norton completely from their devices.

No matter the reason, performing a thorough uninstallation is essential to prevent leftover files from interfering with other software or taking up valuable space.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Uninstall Norton Completely from Your Device

The process of uninstalling Norton completely can vary depending on the device and operating system you're using. Below is a comprehensive guide for removing Norton from both Windows and Mac devices.

How to Uninstall Norton Completely on Windows

Method 1: Using the Windows Control Panel

  1. Open the Control Panel:
    • Click the Start menu, type Control Panel, and select it from the list of results.
  2. Access Programs and Features:
    • In the Control Panel window, click Programs or Programs and Features.
  3. Find Norton in the List:
    • Scroll through the list of installed programs and locate your Norton software (e.g., Norton 360, Norton AntiVirus, etc.).
  4. Click on Norton and Select Uninstall:
    • Right-click on the Norton program and select Uninstall or Remove. A prompt will appear asking for confirmation to proceed.
  5. Follow the Uninstallation Wizard:
    • Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the uninstallation process. You may be asked to restart your computer after the uninstallation is complete.

Method 2: Using the Norton Remove and Reinstall Tool

Sometimes, the regular uninstallation method doesn’t remove all of Norton’s files, especially if there are issues with the software. To ensure Norton is deleted completely, you can use the Norton Remove and Reinstall tool, which is specifically designed to uninstall Norton products.

  1. Download the Norton Remove and Reinstall Tool:
    • Go to the official Norton website and download the Norton Remove and Reinstall Tool.
  2. Run the Tool:
    • Double-click the downloaded file to launch the tool. You may be asked for administrative permission to continue.
  3. Select Uninstall:
    • When prompted, select Remove to uninstall Norton. The tool will automatically begin the process of removing the software from your computer.
  4. Restart Your Computer:
    • Once the process is complete, restart your computer to ensure that all Norton files are completely removed from your system.

Method 3: Remove Norton Manually (For Advanced Users)

If you’re an advanced user and want to ensure Norton is deleted completely from your system, you can manually remove leftover files and registry entries.

  1. Navigate to the Norton Folder:
    • Go to the Program Files or Program Files (x86) folder on your computer and look for a folder named Norton or Symantec. Delete this folder.
  2. Delete Remaining Files:
    • Check other common locations, such as the AppData folder, for any residual Norton files and delete them.
  3. Edit the Windows Registry:
    • Use the Registry Editor to remove any Norton-related entries. Be careful when editing the registry, as incorrect changes can harm your system.

How to Uninstall Norton Completely on Mac

Method 1: Using the Finder

  1. Open Finder:
    • Click on the Finder icon in the dock.
  2. Navigate to the Applications Folder:
    • In the left sidebar, click on Applications.
  3. Find Norton:
    • Locate the Norton application (e.g., Norton 360 or Norton AntiVirus) in the Applications folder.
  4. Drag Norton to Trash:
    • Right-click on the Norton application and select Move to Trash. Alternatively, drag the application icon to the Trash bin in the dock.
  5. Empty the Trash:
    • After moving Norton to the Trash, right-click on the Trash bin and select Empty Trash to completely delete the Norton application.

Method 2: Using the Norton Uninstaller for Mac

  1. Download the Norton Removal Tool:
    • Download the Norton Remove and Reinstall Tool for Mac from the official Norton website.
  2. Run the Tool:
    • Open the downloaded file and follow the instructions to uninstall Norton from your Mac.
  3. Restart Your Mac:
    • Once the uninstallation process is complete, restart your Mac to ensure all Norton files are removed.

What to Do After Uninstalling Norton Completely

After you’ve successfully removed Norton completely from your device, it’s important to take the following steps:

  1. Install Alternative Security Software:
    • If you’re planning to use another antivirus program or security suite, download and install it right away to ensure your device remains protected from cyber threats.
  2. Check for Leftover Files:
    • Sometimes, traces of Norton software might remain even after an uninstallation. To ensure that Norton is deleted completely, run a disk cleanup tool or check your system for any leftover files.
  3. Update Your System:
    • After removing Norton, update your device’s operating system and other installed programs to keep your system secure.
  4. Restart Your Device:
    • Always restart your device after uninstalling software to ensure any final processes are completed and that there are no leftover processes running in the background.

Troubleshooting Common Issues When Uninstalling Norton

In some cases, you may encounter issues when attempting to remove Norton completely from your device. Here are some common problems and solutions:

  1. Norton Won’t Uninstall:
    • If you can’t uninstall Norton using the standard methods, try using the Norton Remove and Reinstall Tool. This tool is specifically designed to remove Norton products from your device.
  2. Residual Norton Files:
    • If you find leftover files or folders after uninstallation, manually delete them by searching for Norton files on your device. You can also use specialized cleanup tools to scan for and remove leftover files.
  3. Norton Error Messages:
    • If you’re seeing error messages during the uninstallation process, restart your computer and try again. If the issue persists, contact Norton customer support for assistance.

Conclusion

Uninstalling Norton completely from your device is a straightforward process if done correctly. Whether you’re switching to a different antivirus software, troubleshooting performance issues, or simply no longer needing Norton, it’s essential to follow the right steps to ensure that the software is removed thoroughly from your system.

By following the methods outlined in this guide, you can uninstall Norton completely from your Windows or Mac device, delete any residual files, and even troubleshoot common uninstallation issues. Once Norton has been successfully removed, make sure to install alternative security software to continue protecting your device from potential threats.

If you ever decide to return to Norton or require assistance during the uninstallation process, Norton’s support team is available to help guide you through any issues. Always ensure your devices are protected with robust cybersecurity solutions, even after removing Norton completely from your system.