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.Â
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:
- Press the Windows key + R to open the “Run” dialog.
- Type “appwiz.cpl” and press Enter to open the Programs and Features list.
- Locate your specific Emsisoft product(s) in the list (e.g., Emsisoft Anti-Malware, Emsisoft Emergency Kit)
- Right-click on each Emsisoft product and select “Uninstall”.
- Follow the on-screen prompts provided by the uninstaller to complete the removal process.
Emsiclean Tool:
- Visit the Emsisoft support website and download the Emsiclean tool.
- Run the Emsiclean tool with administrator privileges (right-click the tool and select “Run as administrator”).
- Follow the instructions provided by the tool for a complete uninstall of Emsisoft components.
Mac
- Open Finder and navigate to your Applications folder.
- Locate your Emsisoft product(s). For example, the main Emsisoft Anti-Malware program or the Emsisoft Emergency Kit.
- 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 change your mind and return to Emsisoft, you can easily reinstall it. Visit the official Emsisoft website to download the latest installers for its products. If you had a paid subscription, remember to reactivate it after reinstallation.
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 available in both 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
Are there special instructions for uninstalling Emsisoft extensions?Â
Yes! Emsisoft sometimes includes browser extensions. To completely remove all traces, locate and delete any Emsisoft-related extensions in your browser’s settings (under extensions or add-ons).
What if I used a custom install location for Emsisoft?Â
If you deviated from the default install settings, make sure to manually delete leftover Emsisoft program folders from your chosen custom location.
What can cause issues during the uninstall process?Â
A common cause is Emsisoft or its related processes still running in the background. Use Task Manager (Windows) or Activity Monitor (Mac) to force close them. In rare cases, conflicting programs might also interfere; try a restart before uninstalling again.
Why would I choose to uninstall Emsisoft?
Reasons include:
- Experiencing performance impacts on your device.
- Preferring a security suite with a wider range of features (VPN, parental controls, etc.).
- Finding an antivirus with better malware detection rates reported by independent testing.
