Uninstalling Other Antivirus Products from Windows – Office of Information Technology (2024)

To uninstall an antivirus program use the general instructions on this page.

For additional details, see your antivirus program’s documentation. If you have problems while uninstalling, contact the NC State Help Deskfor assistance.

From Microsoft Windows 10

1. Close any open applications before you continue.
2. If the antivirus program is running in the System Tray (lower right corner), select the program and fully exit from it. (This may require you to right-click on the program icon in the system tray.)
3. On the Start menu select Settings.
4. Select System > Apps & features.
5. Select the antivirus program, and then select Uninstall.
6. Follow the directions on the screen.
7. If the antivirus software is successfully uninstalled, after a reboot Windows Defender should automatically be enabled. To check, select the Start button, then select Settings > Update & security > Windows Defender.

From Microsoft Windows 8

CAUTION: Following these instructions will leave you without antivirus protection.

1. Close any open applications before you continue.
2. If the antivirus program is running in the System Tray (lower right corner), select the program and fully exit from it. (This may require you to right-click on the program icon in the system tray.)
3. On the Start Screen, type the name of the antivirus application you want to remove.
4. From the list, select application and right click on the program.
5. From the menu select Uninstall.
6. Follow the directions on the screen.

To enable Windows Defender, see these instructions from Microsoft for more information. Alternately, install another approved antivirus software package.

From Microsoft Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008

CAUTION: Following these instructions will leave you without antivirus protection.

1. Close any open applications before you continue.
2. Click on the Start button (usually in the lower left corner of your screen).
3. In the right-hand menu, click on Control Panel.
4. In the Control Panel window, click on Programs.
5. Click on Uninstall a Program.
6. Scroll down and highlight the program you wish to uninstall.
7. In the menu bar just above the list of programs, click on Uninstall.
8. You will be asked to give permission to uninstall the application. Click Continue.
9. When you are prompted to confirm that you want to remove this program, select Yes.
10. If you are prompted to restart your computer now, choose Yes.
11. From the website of the antivirus program’s manufacturer, download and run any available tools for cleaning up your computer after that program has been uninstalled.
12. When the uninstall process is complete, reboot your computer.