How to Uninstall Your Norton Device Security Product on Windows?Updated 3 days ago

If you're trying to uninstall Norton security from your Windows computer and find it more difficult than expected, you’re not alone. Many users encounter challenges when attempting to remove Norton completely, especially since it integrates deeply into system services, startup processes, and even browser extensions. Whether you’re switching antivirus providers, troubleshooting a bug, or simply performing system maintenance, learning how to properly uninstall Norton security is crucial to avoid conflicts or performance issues.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through all the effective methods you can use to uninstall Norton security from a Windows computer. From using the built-in Windows uninstall option to Norton’s official removal tool, we’ll ensure you leave no trace of the software behind. If your goal is to regain full control of your system resources and eliminate pop-ups, services, and any leftover files, this tutorial will help you do it right the first time.

By the end, you’ll be equipped with all the tools and steps needed to uninstall Norton security successfully and completely.

Why You Might Want to Uninstall Norton Security

Before diving into the how-to part, let’s address the “why.” There are many valid reasons a user might want to uninstall Norton security:

• You're experiencing issues like high CPU usage, slow system performance, or update failures.

• You’ve decided to switch to another antivirus provider.

• Your Norton subscription has expired, and you no longer want to renew.

• The software is interfering with other apps or services.

• You’re performing a fresh system install or cleanup.

No matter the reason, understanding the correct uninstallation process ensures your system remains stable and secure afterward.

Method 1: Uninstall Norton Security Using Windows Settings

The first and most straightforward method to uninstall Norton security is by using the native Windows Settings interface. Here's how:

1. Open Settings
   Click the Start Menu and select Settings (gear icon), or press Windows + I on your keyboard.

2. Navigate to Apps
   Click Apps, then go to Apps & features on the left-hand panel.

3. Find Norton
   Scroll through the list or search for Norton Security, Norton 360, or the specific Norton product installed.

4. Uninstall
   Click on the Norton entry and hit Uninstall. Confirm any prompts that appear.

5. Follow the Wizard
   A Norton-specific uninstallation wizard may appear. Follow the on-screen steps. You may be asked whether to keep user data or preferences. If you want a clean removal, choose No.

6. Restart
   After the process completes, restart your PC to finish the process.

This method works in many cases, but it may leave behind residual files, registry entries, and scheduled tasks. If you're looking to uninstall Norton security completely, proceed to the next method.

Method 2: Use the Norton Remove and Reinstall Tool

Norton provides an official utility called the Norton Remove and Reinstall Tool, which is designed to remove all Norton-related files and services from your system.

Steps:

1. Download the Tool
   Go to the official Norton website at https://www.norton.com/nrnr and download the Norton Remove and Reinstall Tool.

2. Run the Tool

   • Double-click the downloaded NRnR.exe file.

   • Accept the license agreement.

3. Select Remove Only

   • Click Advanced Options.

   • Choose Remove Only (not the reinstall option).

4. Begin Uninstallation
   Click Remove to start. The tool will begin uninstalling all Norton products on your system.

5. Restart
   After the process, restart your computer when prompted.

Using this method, you can uninstall Norton security thoroughly, including background processes, hidden services, and leftover files.

Method 3: Manually Delete Norton Leftovers (Optional Advanced Step)

Even after using Norton’s tool, you may want to double-check for any remaining components. This step is for advanced users who want a truly clean slate.

1. Delete Program Files

• Go to C:\Program Files and C:\Program Files (x86).

• Delete any folders labeled Norton or Symantec.

2. Delete ProgramData

• Navigate to C:\ProgramData (this folder is hidden by default; enable “Hidden items” in File Explorer).

• Delete NortonInstaller and any other Norton-related directories.

3. Clear Registry Entries

⚠️ Warning: Editing the Windows registry can cause system issues. Only do this if you're confident.

• Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter.

• Use Ctrl + F to search for “Norton” and “Symantec.”

• Delete entries that clearly belong to Norton.

4. Remove Scheduled Tasks

• Open Task Scheduler.

• Check under Task Scheduler Library for any Norton tasks and delete them.

5. Check Services

• Open Services (press Windows + R, type services.msc, press Enter).

• Look for services like NortonSecurity, Norton Internet Security, or Symantec and disable or delete them if present.

6. Clear Temporary Files

Use Windows’ Disk Cleanup utility or press Windows + R, type %temp%, and delete temporary files manually.

Common Issues When Trying to Uninstall Norton Security

Sometimes, users face roadblocks when trying to uninstall Norton security. Here are a few common ones:

1. Norton Won’t Uninstall or Crashes During Removal

• Restart your PC in Safe Mode and attempt the uninstall again.

• Alternatively, use the Norton Remove and Reinstall Tool.

2. Norton Keeps Asking for Admin Privileges

• Right-click the uninstaller or tool and choose Run as Administrator.

3. Norton Reinstalls Itself After Restart

• Check your Norton account settings. If you have device management turned on with auto-reinstall, you may need to remove the device from your Norton account first.

• Visit https://my.norton.com and log in to manage your devices.

What Happens After You Uninstall Norton Security?

Once you've managed to uninstall Norton security, your system will no longer be protected by Norton’s antivirus and firewall. Windows Defender, Microsoft’s built-in protection, usually activates automatically, but it’s best to confirm.

To Check Windows Defender Status:

1. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security.

2. Click Open Windows Security.

3. Ensure Virus & threat protection is turned on.

Should You Install Another Antivirus?

If you’re not planning to use Norton anymore, you should install another antivirus to maintain protection. Windows Defender is a solid default, but you can also choose from trusted third-party options like:

• Bitdefender

• Kaspersky

• Avast

• ESET

• McAfee

Choose one that fits your needs, whether it’s for real-time protection, malware detection, or performance optimization.

FAQs About Uninstalling Norton Security on Windows

Q1. Will uninstalling Norton delete my account or license?
No. Your Norton account and license remain intact. You can reinstall the software later if needed using your product key.

Q2. How do I cancel my Norton subscription after uninstalling?
Visit https://my.norton.com, log in, go to My Subscriptions, and select Cancel Renewal.

Q3. Can I uninstall Norton without the removal tool?
Yes, but the removal tool is recommended for a thorough uninstall. Built-in Windows methods might leave behind services or drivers.

Q4. Is it necessary to uninstall Norton before installing another antivirus?
Yes. Running multiple antivirus programs can cause conflicts, slowdowns, and incorrect threat detections.

Q5. How do I uninstall Norton from multiple devices?
You’ll need to uninstall manually on each device or remotely remove the device via your Norton account dashboard.

Q6. Does uninstalling Norton improve system performance?
In some cases, yes—especially on older machines. Norton is comprehensive, but it can use considerable system resources. After uninstalling, you might notice faster boot times or quicker app launches.

Final Thoughts

Uninstalling Norton security from a Windows PC doesn’t have to be a headache. Whether you're transitioning to another antivirus, cleaning up your system, or resolving a software issue, this guide provides a complete roadmap for safe and total removal.

Using a combination of Windows uninstall settings and the Norton Remove and Reinstall Tool ensures that you uninstall Norton security effectively and thoroughly. For advanced users, manual cleanup can help polish off any lingering remnants.

Now that your system is free of Norton, remember to re-enable Windows Defender or install a new antivirus to keep your device protected. The internet is filled with security threats, and every moment unprotected is a potential risk.