Complete Guide: How to Remove Norton from PC Solution
Are you struggling to remove Norton from your PC? You’re not alone. Many users face issues when trying to uninstall Norton Security, Antivirus, or Norton 360 products. This comprehensive guide walks you through the most effective methods to ensure a clean and trouble-free Norton uninstallation. Whether you want to get rid of Norton completely, fix slow computers, or upgrade to different security software, we have got your back.
Table of Contents
- Why Remove Norton from Your PC?
- Preparing for Norton Uninstallation
- Method 1: Uninstall Norton via Control Panel
- Method 2: Using Norton Removal Tool (NRnR)
- Removing Norton Leftover Files
- Fixing Common Uninstall Issues
- What to Do After Removing Norton?
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why Remove Norton from Your PC?
There are several reasons to completely remove Norton from your PC:
- You’re switching to a different antivirus or security suite
- Norton subscription has expired and you don’t want to renew it
- Performance issues – Norton may impact your PC speed
- Compatibility conflicts with other installed programs
- Repeated detection of false positives or popups
No matter the reason, following the right solution for removing Norton is essential to avoid leftover files or security holes.
Preparing for Norton Uninstallation
Before starting, make sure to:
- Back up important data in case you need to restore your system.
- Save all ongoing work and close open applications.
- Update Windows to the latest version.
- Check that you have Administrator privileges on your PC.
Method 1: Uninstall Norton via Windows Control Panel
The simplest way for most users to remove Norton Security from PC is through the Control Panel:
- Press Windows + R, type
appwiz.cpl, and hit Enter. - Find Norton product in the list (e.g., Norton Security, Norton 360, Norton Antivirus), right-click and select Uninstall/Change.
- Follow prompts to complete the uninstall wizard. If asked, indicate whether you want to keep or remove subscription information — for a full removal, choose to remove everything.
- Restart your computer after completion.
This process may leave traces or registry entries. For stubborn cases, see the dedicated removal method below.
Method 2: Using Norton Removal Tool (NRnR Solution)
When the manual uninstall fails, use the official Norton Removal Tool — Norton Remove and Reinstall (NRnR) Utility:
- Download the official NRnR tool from the Norton website.
- Open the file as Administrator.
- Follow on-screen instructions to remove all Norton products completely.
- Restart your PC when prompted.
Tip: This method also works to remove stubborn Norton leftovers such as Norton Utilities, Antivirus Plus, or incomplete previous installations.
Removing Norton Leftover Files and Registry Entries
Uninstallers may leave unnecessary files and registry keys. To fully remove Norton from your Windows system:
- Open File Explorer and check the following locations:
C:\Program Files\Norton*C:\Program Files (x86)\Norton*C:\ProgramData\Norton
- Manually delete Norton folders if any remain (skip if you plan to reinstall Norton).
- Use Windows Registry Editor (
regedit) to search for “Norton” and, if you are comfortable, carefully delete leftover registry entries. (Backup your registry first!)
Fixing Common Uninstall Issues
Uninstall stuck? Error messages during removal?
- Make sure all Norton tasks and background processes are closed via Task Manager.
- Disable any Windows Defender or third-party antivirus during uninstallation.
- Boot into Safe Mode and repeat the uninstall process.
- If issues persist, use the NRnR tool as explained above.
What to Do After Removing Norton?
Once Norton is uninstalled:
- Restart your PC to finish the process.
- Check for leftover files/folders using the steps above.
- Install an alternative antivirus or enable Windows Defender for continued protection.
- Run a system file check (
sfc /scannow) to ensure Windows integrity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Removing Norton
- Will removing Norton leave my computer unprotected?
- Yes. After removing Norton you should enable Windows Defender or install another security solution to avoid vulnerabilities.
- Why can’t I uninstall Norton using standard Windows tools?
- Some Norton files run in the background or require special permissions, which may cause standard uninstalls to fail. That’s why the NRnR tool is often needed.
- Does Norton Removal Tool delete my other files?
- No, it targets only Norton-related files. Always download the official tool from Norton’s website.
- How do I ensure all traces of Norton are gone?
- Use both NRnR and manual file/registry cleanup as described above for a complete removal solution.
