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Delete, Remove or Uninstall Norton Completely Using Removal ToolUpdated a day ago
If you've tried to delete Norton completely, only to find it still lurking in your system tray or registry, you're not alone. Many users report that traditional uninstall methods leave behind traces of Norton security software, which can interfere with other antivirus tools or simply clutter your system. Whether you're switching antivirus providers or troubleshooting a persistent Norton installation issue, it's essential to know how to remove Norton completely and properly.
You might think that a simple uninstall from the Control Panel or Settings menu is enough to uninstall Norton completely, but Norton often embeds itself deeply into your system. Leftover files, drivers, or registry entries can continue to affect performance or cause conflicts with other software. That’s why the best solution is to use the Norton Removal Tool, also known as the Norton Remove and Reinstall Tool, which ensures that you delete Norton completely, removing every last remnant.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through how to delete Norton completely, remove Norton completely, and uninstall Norton completely from your PC using both manual methods and Norton’s own dedicated removal tool. This is your one-stop resource for clearing out Norton for good.
Why Uninstall Norton Completely?
There are several valid reasons you may want to remove Norton completely:
You're switching to another antivirus or security suite
You're experiencing issues with your Norton installation
Your subscription has ended, and you don’t plan to renew
You're performing a fresh OS installation or cleanup
Norton is interfering with other apps or system performance
Regardless of the reason, a partial uninstall won’t do. You need to delete Norton completely to ensure no conflicts or system slowdowns arise.
Step 1: Try the Built-in Uninstall Method First
Before using the removal tool, try the basic uninstall process through Windows. This works in some cases, especially for lighter versions of Norton software.
For Windows 10 or 11:
Open the Start Menu and go to Settings.
Click Apps > Apps & Features.
Find Norton Security, Norton 360, or your specific Norton product.
Click Uninstall, then follow the prompts.
For Windows 7 or 8:
Go to Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features.
Find your Norton product in the list.
Click Uninstall and follow on-screen instructions.
If you see a prompt asking if you want to retain Norton account settings, uncheck this box if your goal is to uninstall Norton completely.
But What If Norton Still Isn’t Gone?
In many cases, the default uninstall only removes part of the software. Background services, drivers, or settings may still persist. That’s when it’s time to bring out the big guns—the Norton Remove and Reinstall Tool.
Step 2: Download the Norton Removal Tool
To truly delete Norton completely, you’ll want to use the official Norton Remove and Reinstall Tool from Symantec/Norton.
Here’s how to get it:
Open your browser and visit the official Norton support page:
https://support.norton.comSearch for “Remove and Reinstall Tool” or directly go to:
https://www.norton.com/nrnrClick Download to get the latest version of the tool (NRnR.exe).
Make sure you only download the tool from the official Norton site to avoid counterfeit or harmful tools.
Step 3: Use the Tool to Uninstall Norton Completely
Once you’ve downloaded the Norton Remove and Reinstall Tool:
Double-click the NRnR.exe file.
Accept the license agreement by clicking Agree.
Click the Advanced Options button (important).
Select Remove Only (this is what ensures complete uninstallation).
Click Remove.
The tool will begin removing all Norton software from your system, including:
Norton Security / Norton 360
Norton Antivirus Basic/Deluxe/Premium
Norton Utilities
Norton Backup
All associated services, drivers, and registry entries
Once done, you’ll be prompted to Restart your computer. Be sure to do this immediately, as the full removal isn’t complete until after the reboot.
What Happens After Reboot?
When your system restarts, the Norton removal process is finalized. You should notice:
Norton no longer appears in the system tray or taskbar
No Norton-related entries in Control Panel or Settings
No background Norton services running
No notifications or update prompts
Free system memory and improved performance (in some cases)
Congratulations—you’ve now successfully used the official method to remove Norton completely.
Step 4: Check for Leftovers (Just in Case)
While the removal tool is thorough, it’s always a good idea to double-check for remnants.
Here’s how:
File Explorer Search:
Open File Explorer and search for “Norton” in:
C:\Program Files
C:\Program Files (x86)
C:\ProgramData
Delete any leftover Norton folders.
Windows Registry (Advanced Users Only):
Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
Use Ctrl + F to search for “Norton” or “Symantec”.
Carefully delete any keys that clearly belong to Norton.
Only do this if you are experienced with the Windows Registry.
Step 5: Install Alternative Antivirus Software
Once you’ve been able to delete Norton completely, it’s important to protect your system with another antivirus solution. Running your computer without protection—even temporarily—can leave you vulnerable.
Consider installing:
Windows Defender (built-in and effective for most users)
Bitdefender
Kaspersky
McAfee
Avast
Or any other reputable antivirus
Having a clean system after you remove Norton completely makes installation of other antivirus software smoother.
Troubleshooting: What If Norton Still Shows Up?
Even after using the removal tool, you might still encounter traces like:
Pop-ups
Norton Safe Web extensions in your browser
Norton identity protection features
To handle these:
Browser Extensions:
Open your browser settings and go to Extensions/Add-ons.
Look for any Norton or Symantec extensions and remove them.
Scheduled Tasks:
Open Task Scheduler and check for any tasks related to Norton.
Delete them if present.
Startup Items:
Use Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) to remove Norton-related startup items.
Third-Party Uninstaller:
If the official tool fails, use trusted third-party tools like Revo Uninstaller or IObit Uninstaller in advanced mode.
FAQs About Uninstalling Norton Completely
Q1. Will I lose my subscription if I uninstall Norton?
No, your Norton subscription is tied to your Norton account, not your device. You can reinstall it anytime using your account credentials and product key.
Q2. Can I reinstall Norton later if I change my mind?
Yes. Just log into my.norton.com and download your product again. The removal tool doesn't affect your account or license.
Q3. Is it safe to use the removal tool?
Absolutely. It’s the official tool designed by Norton and is safe for all Windows versions. Just be sure to download it from the Norton website.
Q4. Can I use the tool on Mac?
No, the Norton Remove and Reinstall Tool is only for Windows. Mac users should use the standard uninstall method or contact Norton support.
Q5. Will deleting Norton improve performance?
It depends on your system. Some users report faster boot times and better memory usage after removing Norton, especially on older PCs.
Conclusion
Whether you're experiencing conflicts, upgrading your security suite, or simply want to declutter your device, it’s essential to delete Norton completely using the proper tools. The built-in uninstaller often leaves remnants behind, which is why the Norton Remove and Reinstall Tool is the go-to solution for anyone looking to remove Norton completely and efficiently.
Following this step-by-step guide ensures that Norton and all its components are completely uninstalled from your system. After you've taken this step, don't forget to install a new security solution to keep your device protected.
Now that you know how to uninstall Norton completely, you can take control of your system’s security and performance with confidence.