Get rid of Norton Internet Security on your Windows 11 computer? Maybe you want to try an antivirus. Maybe your subscription has. Norton is making your computer slow. No matter what the reason is you can get rid of it in a few minutes. In this guide you will find two ways to uninstall Norton. You will also find out what to do after you remove it so your computer stays secure.
Short answer: Open Settings go to Apps. Remove Norton. If that does not work, use the Norton Remove and Reinstall tool.
Why Get Rid of Norton?
- People get rid of Norton for reasons:
- Their subscription has ended and they do not want to pay again.
- They want to use an antivirus program.
- They want to use Windows Security, which is already built into Windows 11.
- Norton is making the computer run slowly.
- Norton is showing errors or many pop-up messages.
- No matter why you want to do this the steps below will help you.
Before You Start
- Take a few minutes to prepare. This will make everything easier.
- Save your work. Close all open. Programs. Your computer will need to restart.
- Remember your Norton login. You will need your Norton account email and password if you want to cancel your subscription or install Norton again later.
- Save your passwords. If you use Norton Password Manager export your passwords first. This keeps them safe.
- Check your internet. You do not need to turn off the internet. Just make sure your computer has battery or is plugged in.
Method 1: Remove Norton from Windows 11 Settings
- This is the way. Try this first.
- Press the Windows key. I on your keyboard. This opens Settings.
- Click Apps on the side.
- Click Installed apps.
- In the search box type Norton.
- Click the three dots (⋯) to the Norton program.
- Click Uninstall. Click Uninstall again to confirm.
- A Norton window will open. Click Remove.
- Wait for the process to finish.
- Click Restart Now when you see the message.
- After your computer restarts Norton should be gone.
Another way: Press Windows key + R, type appwiz.cpl and press Enter. Select Norton in the list. Click Uninstall. This opens the Control Panel and gives the same result.
Method 2: Use the Norton Remove and Reinstall Tool
Sometimes the normal uninstall does not work. The button may be grey. You may see an error. In this case use the Norton removal tool. Go to the Norton support website and download the Norton Remove and Reinstall tool. Do not download it from websites. They may be unsafe.
- Open the downloaded file.
- Click Agree to accept the license.
- Click Advanced Options.
- Choose Remove
- Click Continue.
- Wait until the tool finishes. This may take a minutes.
- Restart your computer.
- This tool removes all Norton files and settings so it is a clean way to uninstall.
What to Do After Removing Norton
Removing the program is not the step. Please check these four things.
1. Make sure Windows Security is on
Your computer must always have some protection. Windows 11 has an antivirus called Windows Security (also known as Microsoft Defender).
- Open Settings.
- Click Privacy & security.
- Click Windows Security.
- Click. Threat protection.
Make sure Real-time protection is turned On. Usually Windows turns it on by itself after Norton is removed. If it does not turn it on yourself.
2. Remove Norton programs
Norton sometimes installs extra programs, such as Norton Security Scan, Norton Password Manager or Norton Family. Go back to apps and search for “Norton” again. If you see anything uninstall it too.
3. Cancel auto-renewal
This is very important. Uninstalling Norton does not cancel your subscription. Norton may still take money from your card.
- Log in to your Norton account on the website.
- Go to My Subscriptions.
- Turn off auto-renewal.
4. Choose your antivirus
You can use Windows Security alone or you can install another antivirus. Never use two antivirus programs at the time. They can fight each other. Make your computer very slow.
Should I Delete Norton Files by Hand?
No. Many old guides say you should delete the Norton folder inside “Program Files.” This is not an idea. The Windows uninstall and the Norton tool already remove the files for you. If you delete folders yourself you may remove something by mistake and cause errors.
Conclusion
Removing Norton Internet Security, from Windows 11 is easy. Go to Settings choose Apps, Installed apps and find Norton to uninstall it. If you run into any errors use the Norton Remove and Reinstall tool.
After that restart your computer. Make sure Windows Security is turned on. Also cancel your auto-renewal so you do not get charged again.