How to Uninstall Kaspersky Antivirus From Mac or PC

This article explains how to uninstall Kaspersky antivirus software from a Mac or Windows computer.

How to Uninstall Kaspersky From Mac

Kaspersky makes itself at home on macOS, and the typical way of uninstalling an app (by dragging it to the trash and emptying the bin) doesn't work. It'll leave behind a slew of registry entries that can be a pain to get rid of, and can potentially cause other errors. The best way to remove Kaspersky Antivirus from your Mac is using the Kaspersky uninstall tool.

1. Launch the Kaspersky.dmg file.

   If you've already deleted the installation file, you can download a trial that allows you to access the uninstall tool from Kaspersky's website for free.

2. Double-click the trashcan icon that says "Uninstall Kaspersky Internet Security."

3. Another splash window will appear asking if you are sure you want to proceed. Click Uninstall.

4. You'll need to enter your administrator name and password on your Mac to continue.

5. It may take several minutes for the uninstall to complete. Once it does, a screen will appear stating the uninstallation has finished. Click Quit.

How to Remove Kaspersky Antivirus From Windows

Removing Kaspersky from Windows isn't too dissimilar from removing it from Mac, but there are a few major variations you need to know about. Here's how to get rid of the pesky antivirus once and for all.

1. Open the Control Panel.

2. Select Programs and Features.

3. Right-click Kaspersky Antivirus (whichever version you have), then select Uninstall/Change.

4. When User Account Control prompts, select Yes.

5. The installation wizard will run. Once it finishes, it will prompt you to restart your computer. Select Yes. Restarting Windows after removing a program usually removes all traces of the software, including entries in the registry and the logs.

   Even after a program is uninstalled, it's a good idea to run a registry cleaner and make sure there are no .dll files or other remnants left behind. Doing this on a regular basis can improve your PC's performance.

A quick search for anything related to Kaspersky Antivirus will show dozens of queries about how to completely uninstall Kaspersky from your system. Allegations in recent years of cybersecurity breaches have cast the antivirus program in a negative light, and this was further inflamed when the U.S. government removed Kaspersky from its list of approved software.

Uninstalling Antivirus Software

Antivirus software can be difficult to remove because it creates files and folders outside of the standard Applications or Program Files folders. The traditional method of uninstalling a program may remove the core of the antivirus software, but it often leaves remnants behind. If you want to completely uninstall Kaspersky Antivirus from your Mac or PC, start by uninstalling the program—but if that doesn't work, you might need to make use of a registry cleaner to finish the job.