How to uninstall Sophos on PC and Mac

Sophos offers endpoint protection solutions for Windows and Mac. However, you might eventually decide to switch to a different security solution, experience compatibility issues, or no longer need such comprehensive security. 

This guide will walk you through removing Sophos from your computer.

Before you uninstall: a note on protection

Uninstalling Sophos will temporarily leave your computer unprotected. Ensure you have an alternative antivirus solution or are ready to enable Windows Defender (on Windows devices).

Uninstalling Sophos on Windows

Sophos provides a few different uninstall methods, depending on how it was initially installed:

Option 1: standard uninstall (for standalone products)

1. Open the Windows Start menu and go to Settings -> Apps (or Apps & Features).
2. Locate your Sophos product(s) (e.g., Sophos Endpoint Agent, Sophos Home Premium).
3. Click “Uninstall” for each Sophos product and follow the onscreen prompts.
4. You may need to reboot your device to complete the uninstall process.

Option 2: Using Sophos removal tools

Sophos provides specialized removal tools for situations like:

• Incomplete uninstalls using the standard method.
• Uninstalling Sophos Central managed products.

You can find the appropriate removal tools and instructions directly on the Sophos support website.

Uninstalling Sophos on Mac

1. Open Finder and navigate to your Applications folder.
2. Find the Sophos program icon(s).
3. Drag the Sophos program icon(s) to the Trash (or Bin) and empty the Trash.

Important: removing additional components

Tamper Protection in Sophos prevents unauthorized changes to your security software. Before attempting to uninstall Sophos, disable Tamper Protection within your Sophos settings. This will ensure the uninstallation goes smoothly.

Additionally, check your web browsers for any installed Sophos extensions. If they are present, remove them from your browser’s extension or add-on settings for a complete removal.

Troubleshooting and getting help

• Sophos still running: Use the Task Manager (Windows) or Activity Monitor (Mac) to force quit any Sophos processes.
• Can’t uninstall: Refer to detailed instructions on the Sophos support website or contact their team.

Staying secure after Sophos

Uninstalling Sophos is just one step on your security journey. Before you choose a replacement, take a moment to reassess your needs. Do you prefer a simple and focused antivirus solution, or would you benefit from a comprehensive security suite with features like firewalls and parental controls? Understanding your own security priorities will guide you to the right fit.

Don’t just pick a name out of a hat. Consult our reviews and independent testing sites like AV-Test or AV-Comparatives to compare antivirus solutions objectively. Additionally, user reviews can offer valuable real-world experiences and insights to supplement the technical test results.

Choosing a new antivirus: stay protected

If you’re looking for a solid new antivirus, consider these options:

• Bitdefender Antivirus Plus: Powerful, user-friendly protection.
• Norton 360: Comprehensive suite with antivirus, VPN, and more.
• Kaspersky Antivirus: Renowned for its robust protection and strong detection rates.

Troubleshooting Sophos uninstallation issues

Force quitting stubborn processes

When Sophos refuses to close normally, you must take manual control. On Windows, launch Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc and look for any processes containing “Sophos” or “SAV.” Systematically end each process, working from child processes to parent processes to ensure complete termination. For Mac users, the process is similar but uses Activity Monitor, which can be found in the Utilities folder. Search for Sophos-related processes and force them to quit one by one, paying special attention to background services that might restart automatically.

Safe mode operations

Sometimes, a clean uninstall requires working in safe mode, especially when dealing with stubborn protection features. Boot into safe mode on Windows by holding Shift during restart and selecting the appropriate boot option. For Mac users, hold the Shift key during startup until you see the login window. Working in a safe mode often bypasses the security measures that might prevent a complete uninstall. This environment gives you better control over system processes and typically allows for a smoother removal process.

Finding and removing remnant files

A thorough cleanup is essential after the main uninstallation. On Windows, check the Program Files and ProgramData directories for any remaining Sophos folders. The Windows Registry may also contain leftover entries, though exercise extreme caution when making registry modifications. Mac users should investigate the Applications folder and Library directories for Sophos-related items. Pay special attention to preference files and launch agents that might persist after the main uninstall.

Professional support options

When all else fails, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Document your troubleshooting steps and any error messages you’ve encountered. Sophos support can be reached through their official website, where you can access live chat or submit a detailed support ticket. Remember to maintain system security throughout this process. Have an alternative security solution ready to deploy once Sophos is successfully removed to ensure your system remains protected.

Uninstall Sophos FAQs