How to Uninstall Bitdefender From Mac or PC

Although Bitdefender is a great antivirus solution, if you want to change to another, or switch to a free solution, you need to know how to uninstall Bitdefender. Some have run into problems doing so due to the way Bitdefender software is structured and how it can have multiple applications per subscription, but just follow these steps and you'll uninstall Bitdefender in no time.

How to Uninstall Bitdefender on Windows

Windows has a robust uninstall system and remains the best way to uninstall Bitdefender, whatever version you're running. 

1. Search for Programs in the Windows search bar, then select Add or Remove Programs in Windows 10, or select Programs and Features if you're on Windows 7 or 8.1.

2. Use the list or search bar to find and select Bitdefender Antivirus, then select Uninstall > Uninstall. If asked for administrator approval, give it.

3. Bitdefender may ask if you want to go ahead with the uninstall process. Select Yes to confirm that you do.

   The uninstall process can take a short while depending on your system's specifications. You can wait it out, answer Bitdefender's survey to let the developers know why you're uninstalling the software, or do something else.

4. When the uninstall process is finished, select Finish.

How to Uninstall Bitdefender Agent From Windows

If you're happy enough with simply removing the main antivirus program, then you can stop your uninstall process there. However, if you want to remove any trace of Bitdefender from your system, then it's a good idea to follow these steps to remove the Bitdefender Agent, too.

1. Search for Programs in the Windows search bar, then select Add or Remove Programs in Windows 10, or select Programs and Features if you're on Windows 7 or 8.1.

2. Search for Bitdefender again, select Bitdefender Agent from the list, then select Uninstall > Uninstall.

3. Wait for the uninstall process to complete. After a few minutes your Windows PC should be entirely free of Bitdefender Antivirus.

How to Uninstall Bitdefender on macOS

Uninstalling Bitdefender on macOS is no more complicated than on Windows, but it does take a few different steps to complete. Follow these instructions to remove Bitdefender antivirus from your Mac for good.

1. Open Finder, then select Go > Utilities. Alternatively, press CMD+U.

2. Double-click or tap BitdefenderUninstaller to start the uninstallation process.

3. When the pop-up menu appears asking you to confirm your selection, click Uninstall.

4. If asked, enter your administrator password.

5. Wait for the uninstall to complete.

How to Completely Remove Bitdefender on macOS

Although you can technically now consider the removal of Bitdefender Antivirus complete, there are some elements left behind that the uninstaller doesn't remove. If you want to get rid of everything Bitefender originally installed, follow these steps.

1. Open Macintosh HD > Library and look for the Bitdefender folder. 

2. Click and drag the folder to Trash, or right-click the folder and click Move to Trash. Give administrator password approval if prompted.

3. The Bitdefender icon might remain in the Dock. If it does, right-click (or tap and hold) and click Options > Remove from Dock.

4. Navigate to Macintosh HD > Library > Application Support and look for the Antivirus for Mac folder. This is where quarantined elements are kept. If you want to remove those, too, click-drag the whole folder to Trash.

   There are some application cleaner apps out there that can remove software like Bitdefender antivirus. While they aren't strictly necessary, they can speed up the process.  

Can't Uninstall Bitdefender? Use the Bitdefender Uninstall Tool

Some users have run into issues uninstalling Bitdefender using the above methods. Sometimes, they find the uninstall process is interrupted, or there's no listing for Bitdefender or Bitdefender Agent on their system, even while the application remains working.

If that sounds like you, then your best bet is to use a Bitdefender Uninstall tool. Here's how to do it.

1. Visit the Bitdefender Uninstall Tool webpage and select the product you're trying to uninstall.

2. Look for the Bitdefender product you wish to uninstall, then select its green Uninstall tool. When prompted, select Directly download the uninstaller.

3. A black window will appear telling you it wants to uninstall Bitdefender. Select Uninstall.

4. You're then shown a loading bar while the uninstall process completes. When it's finished, select Restart to reboot your system and finalize the process.