How to uninstall Emsisoft on PC and Mac – removal guide

Sometimes, an antivirus solution you chose might no longer be the optimal fit for your needs. Whether you’ve found a more feature-rich security suite, experienced compatibility issues with Emsisoft, or simply want to try something different, this guide makes it easy to switch. 

We’ll walk you through the steps of removing Emsisoft products from your Windows or Mac devices, along with troubleshooting tips and recommendations to keep your system safe after the process.

Uninstalling Emsisoft products

Windows

Standard uninstall:

1. Press the Windows key + R to open the “Run” dialogue.
2. Type “appwiz.cpl” and press Enter to open the Programs and Features list.
3. Locate your specific Emsisoft product(s) in the list (e.g., Emsisoft Anti-Malware, Emsisoft Emergency Kit)
4. Right-click on each Emsisoft product and select “Uninstall”.
5. Follow the on-screen prompts provided by the uninstaller to complete the removal process.

Emsiclean Tool:

1. Visit the Emsisoft support website and download the Emsiclean tool.
2. Run the Emsiclean tool with administrator privileges (right-click the tool and select “Run as administrator”).
3. Follow the instructions provided by the tool for a complete uninstall of Emsisoft components.

Mac

1. Open Finder and navigate to your Applications folder.
2. Locate your Emsisoft product(s). For example, the main Emsisoft Anti-Malware program or the Emsisoft Emergency Kit.
3. Drag each Emsisoft product icon individually to the Trash (or Bin) and empty the Trash to finalize the removal.

Important considerations

Removing Emsisoft extensions: Check your browsers for installed Emsisoft extensions and remove them from your browser’s extension/add-on settings.

Clearing leftover files (advanced)

Note: Manually deleting files is generally for advanced users. If unsure, it’s safest to rely on the Emsiclean tool.

While Emsiclean typically handles leftover files, advanced users may consider manually deleting additional traces from these locations:

• Windows:
  • C:\Program Files (x86)\Emsisoft
  • C:\ProgramData\Emsisoft
• Mac:
  • /Library/Application Support/Emsisoft/
  • ~/Library/Application Support/Emsisoft/

Uninstalling additional Emsisoft software

If you have multiple Emsisoft products installed (antivirus, emergency kit, etc.), repeat the uninstall using the standard method or the Emsiclean tool for each product separately.

Reinstalling Emsisoft later

If you decide to return to Emsisoft after uninstalling it, reinstalling it is straightforward. Visit the official Emsisoft website to download the latest version of the product you wish to reinstall, such as Emsisoft Anti-Malware or the Emsisoft Emergency Kit. The website provides clear instructions and access to the most up-to-date installers, ensuring you get the latest features and security updates.

For users with a paid subscription, reactivating your license is simple. After reinstalling the software, log in with your Emsisoft account credentials or enter your license key during setup. If you’ve misplaced your license key, you can retrieve it by logging into your Emsisoft account on their website or contacting their support team for assistance.

Tips for a smooth reinstallation

1. Ensure your system is clean: Before reinstalling, make sure no remnants of the previous installation remain. Use the Emsiclean tool to verify that all components have been removed. This prevents potential conflicts or errors during the reinstallation process.
2. Check for compatibility: If you previously experienced compatibility issues with Emsisoft, ensure that the new version is compatible with your operating system and other software. Emsisoft frequently updates its products to address compatibility concerns and improve performance.
3. Update your system: Before reinstalling, make sure your operating system and other critical software are fully updated. This ensures optimal performance and compatibility with the latest version of Emsisoft.
4. Customize your settings: After reinstalling, take some time to configure the software to suit your needs. Emsisoft allows you to customize features like real-time protection, scheduled scans, and notifications, ensuring the software works seamlessly with your workflow.
5. Stay informed: Keep an eye on updates and new features from Emsisoft. Regular updates not only improve security but also enhance usability and performance. Consider subscribing to their newsletter or checking their blog for the latest news.

Why return to Emsisoft?

Emsisoft is known for its strong malware detection rates and lightweight design, making it a great choice for users who prioritize both security and system performance. Its dual-engine scanning technology provides robust protection against various threats, including ransomware, spyware, and phishing attacks.

If you’ve tried other solutions and found them lacking, Emsisoft remains a reliable option for safeguarding your devices. Whether you’re reinstalling Emsisoft for its advanced features, ease of use, or trusted reputation, the process is quick and user-friendly. Just ensure your system is prepared, and you’ll be back to enjoying comprehensive protection in no time.

Stay safe! Switching to a new antivirus

Uninstalling Emsisoft leaves your system vulnerable. Ensure you have an alternative security solution ready. Consider these powerful options:

• Malwarebytes Anti-Malware: Well-known for robust protection in free and premium versions.
• Norton 360: Comprehensive suite offering an extensive set of security features.
• Kaspersky Antivirus: Excellent protection renowned for its reliable detection rates.

Uninstall Emsisoft FAQs