Many devices often come with pre-installed antivirus software. It might be a part of the bundle or a perk or buying devices in a certain store. Yet, some people prefer to use the software they have installed in the rest of the household PCs, smartphones, tablet, etc. In order to install it, the user needs to uninstall the old software. Otherwise, they might contradict each other and cause some unpleasant surprises. Let’s find out how to uninstall antivirus software and install the new one.
The algorithm of how to remover the old antivirus system
The conflicts caused by 2 antivirus programs can result in slow performance, constant failures, even viruses. That’s why you should stick to one program only.
Mind that by deleting the software you don’t cancel the subscription. You need to take care of that separately. Make a call or go to your profile in order to deactivate the subscription.
After that, you can use one of a few different ways to remove the system.
- Uninstall it from the Start menu. Every program has a pre-installed feature, a file that uninstalls the software. Just open the folder with the antivirus software and run this file. Then you simply follow the instruction. As a rule, you might need to restart your computer to finish the process.
- You can also get rid of the unwanted software using Add or Remove Programs section. Windows users have a special utility which has a list of all installed software along with some other information. Just click on your antivirus software and confirm you wish to remove it. Here you need to make sure you uninstall all of it since the system might have several components. All of them are listed separately, so you’ll need to uninstall all of them.
- Use Safe Mode to uninstall the software in case the previous methods didn’t work. In Windows Safe Mode the antivirus is not running and it’s easier to get rid of it.
- Get a special app or program to manage your software. For instance, CCleaner and Clean Master are likely to help you uninstall any program you wish. After that, it’ll scan the PC for the files that might stay and offer to delete them as well.
In most cases, it’s very easy to uninstall antivirus software. Just as simple as deleting any other program. However, if the 1st mentioned way doesn’t help, one of the other methods will definitely work.
How to install the new antivirus program?
Once you remove the unwanted security software, you can start the installation of the new system. Very often it’s very easy. You just open the folder and find the .exe file. Run it and follow the instruction. As a rule, the installation process requires you to pick the place/ folder where to install the program, the license key (if you have it), etc. When the program is installed, you will probably need to restart the computer (of the installation file will do it for you).