Uninstalling Antivirus Software, the Clean Way: 40 Removal Tools & Instructions

Whether you just bought a new system with bloatware or you're just seeking greener pastures, you'll eventually have to uninstall security software. Unfortunately, that's not always as easy as it could be, especially with solutions on mass market retail machines. Shady business tactics aside, making security software tricky to remove increases the chances that clueless users don't mistakenly scrap their protection.

It can also wreak havoc if the same inexperienced user installs new security software without removing their previous solution. Fortunately, most companies provide tools and guides on properly uninstalling their products and we thought it'd be handy to provide a consolidated resource with links to removal tools and/or removal instructions.

Security Software Removal Utilities
Agnitum Outpost	Avast
AVG	Avira*
BitDefender	BullGuard*
CA Antivirus	Computer Associates
Comodo Internet Security	CounterSpy
Cyber Defender Early Detection Center*	Dr. Web
eScan	ESET*
FRISK F-PROT Antivirus*	F-Secure
G Data	IObit Software
Kaspersky	Kingsoft*
K7 Total Security	LavaSoft*
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware	McAfee
Microsoft OneCare	Microsoft Security Essentials*
Norman	Norton
Panda	Pareto Logic*
PC Tools*	Prevx
Sophos*	SuperAntiSpyware
Trend Micro / Titanium*	ThreatFire
Vipre	Webroot*
Zondex removal tool 1 & 2 (run both in order)	Zone Alarm

*Note: Developer doesn't provide a separate uninstall tool, instead relies on Windows' traditional Add/Remove method or additional manual steps