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Norton Won’t Uninstall: 5 Ways to Remove it by Force

Learn to get rid of this unwanted program from your device

5 min. read

Updated onFebruary 25, 2024

updated onFebruary 25, 2024

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Key notes

Users who intend to add a new antivirus utility to Windows 10 should always uninstall the currently installed antivirus package first.

Norton Antivirus is one utility that many users find comes pre-installed with Windows 10. Thus, users often need to remove it before they add an alternative utility.

Sometimes, you can’t remove an app from the Control Panel for good. This is howyoucan uninstall Norton Antivirus on Windows 10.

Why won’t Norton let me uninstall it?

There are several reasons whyNortonmight not allow you to uninstall:

The solutions we recommend below should help you resolve this issue quickly.

How can I uninstall Norton on Windows 10?

1. Remove Norton Antivirus with a third-party uninstaller

If you uninstall Norton Antivirus from Programs and Features, the program will be removed, which won’t erase all software residual files and registry entries.

Those leftovers can generate installation issues for replacement antivirus utilities. A third-party uninstaller software or Norton removal tool erases leftover files and registry entries.

The tool is a replacement and a supplement to the built-in functionality in Windows. First, it runs the built-in uninstaller for the desired program and then scans for leftover data.

This is extremely useful when a program won’t uninstall or you have doubts that a program has not been completely uninstalled.

IObit Uninstaller

2. Uninstall Norton Antivirus via Programs and Features

Uninstalling Norton Antivirus via the Control Panel might leave some leftover files behind. As such, check for remaining Norton folders with File Explorer.

Users might find some leftover folders: Norton Antivirus, Norton Personal Firewall, Norton Internet Security, and Norton SystemWorks.

You must manually delete any of the above folders in File Explorer by selecting them and pressing theDeletebutton.

3. Use Norton’s dedicated tool

1. Get theNorton Remove and Reinstall toolfrom the official website.

Next, right-click the NrnR.exe and selectRun as administratorto open Norton Antivirus.
Click theAgreebutton.
Then clickAdvanced Optionsand select theRemove Onlyoption.
Press theRemovebutton to confirm.
The utility will then prompt users to restart. Click theRestart Nowbutton to do so.

If you’re looking to uninstall the Norton Antivirus from your Windows 10 device, and cannot do it using Control Panel, we recommend the Norton Remove and Reinstall tool for Windows.

This is a tool specially created by Norton to help you out when you want to remove the software. It completely uninstalls the Norton currently installed and restarts your computer.

By using this tool, you ensure a clean and complete removal of the Norton program from your device, without any leftover files on your device.

4. Uninstall Norton Antivirus in Safe Mode

Usually, the Safe Mode option exists to help you start your PC, bypassing problems that prevent you from bootingnormally. It is also helpful in this case.

IfWindows 10 Safe Mode option is not working on your PC, check our detailed guide for quick solutions.

5. Run the Uninstall troubleshooter

The Program Install and Uninstall troubleshooter helps you automatically repair issues when blocked from installing or removing programs. It also fixescorrupted registry keys.

You canalso uninstall it with System Restore by selecting a restore point that predates the software’s installation date. But you’ll also uninstall everything that was installed after that point.

Thus, instead of a System Restore, it is best to use the uninstaller we recommended above or any of thesebest tools to remove stubborn software. Pay particular attention to processes like thewindoc.exe filewhich could be causing issues with uninstallation.

However, if you have changed your mind and want to give Norton another chance, check out our interesting and detailedreview of Norton 360 Deluxeto understand how it can protect all your devices.

So, these are the simplest methods to uninstall Norton Antivirus. Lastly, in the comments section below, you can tell us which one you found the easiest.

Norton Won’t Uninstall: 5 Ways to Remove it by Force#

How can I uninstall Norton on Windows 10?#

1. Remove Norton Antivirus with a third-party uninstaller#

IObit Uninstaller#

2. Uninstall Norton Antivirus via Programs and Features#

3. Use Norton’s dedicated tool#

4. Uninstall Norton Antivirus in Safe Mode#

5. Run the Uninstall troubleshooter#