How to uninstall ESET Internet Security: Full removal instructions

ESET Internet Security packs a robust set of features for online and offline protection. However, it’s not for everyone. Whether you’re switching to a different antivirus, troubleshooting issues, or simply removing pre-installed bloatware, this guide offers foolproof strategies to wipe ESET off your system for good.

How to Uninstall ESET the TL: DR

ESET Internet Security offers robust protection features, but it may not be the right fit for everyone. You’re in the right place if you’re looking to switch antivirus solutions, troubleshoot issues, or remove pre-installed software. Here’s how to ensure ESET leaves no digital footprint on your system.

Here’s how to uninstall ESET fast:

Pressed for time? Follow these quick steps to remove ESET Antivirus from your Windows PC. Note that this method removes the core application but may leave some residual files.

1. Navigate to Settings: Click on the Start menu, go to Settings, and then open the Apps section.
2. Locate ESET: Scroll through the list of installed apps until you find ESET Antivirus, then click Uninstall.
3. Follow the Wizard: An uninstall wizard will appear. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
4. Reboot: Restart your device to complete the uninstallation.

For a more thorough removal that ensures ESET leaves no traces, consider using the ESET Uninstaller Tool, which we detail later in this article.

The best ESET alternatives

It’s not unheard of for users to face issues with ESET Internet Security which may lead to you looking for the next best alternative to protect your devices.

Here’s a list of the best ESET antivirus alternatives:

1. McAfee Total Protection: Our number one ESET Internet Security alternative includes advanced protection features like identity monitoring, malicious link scanning, a file shredder, and password manager.
2. Norton 360: Comprehensive protection includes social media monitoring, parental controls, and a secure VPN to enhance your privacy further.
3. Bitdefender Premium Security: An all-around internet protection powerhouse offers Wifi a security advisor, webcam and microphone protection, and web attack prevention.

How to uninstall ESET from Windows 10 and 11

If you’ve had issues uninstalling ESET using the Windows removal method, ESET offers another way to remove all of its products from your system using the ESET uninstaller tool.

Here’s how to uninstall ESET from Windows 10 and 11:

1. Download the ESET Uninstaller Tool.
2. Restart your device in safe mode.
3. Open the ESET Uninstaller Tool downloaded in step one.
4. Read the warning prompt and press y to continue.
5. The next screen will show all the installed ESET products on your system. Press the corresponding number next to the software you’d like to uninstall and hit enter.
6. Press y to confirm the software you wish to remove.
7. The software will be uninstalled, and you can press any key to exit.
8. Repeat the steps above for each ESET product you want to uninstall.

How to uninstall ESET from Mac

The ESET removal process for Mac users consists of fewer steps than Windows users need to perform, so the process is still pretty easy to follow.

Here’s how to uninstall ESET from Mac:

1. Close any open apps and click the Finder icon.
2. Select Applications from the left-hand menu, hold CTRL, and click ESET Cyber Security. While the context menu is open, click Show Package Contents.
3. Expand the Contents folder, then expand Helpers. Find and double-click the Uninstaller.app file to begin the removal process.
4. Follow the prompts in the setup wizard to complete the uninstallation.
5. Login Items, and click the minus next to each product you wish to uninstall.

If you don’t see any entries for ESET Cyber Security in step 2, follow these steps:

1. Click Finder>Applications and then double-click Utilities>Activity Monitor.
2. Select ESET Cyber Security, click Quit process, and then click Force Quit.
3. Repeat step 5 for ESET Cyber Security Pro. If there’s no entry for this, move on to the next step.
4. Click Finder, select Applications, then right-click ESET Cyber Security and choose Show Package Contents.
5. Click the arrow next to Contents, then expand Helpers.
6. Double click the uninstaller and click Uninstall in the ESET Cyber Security setup wizard. Close the wizard when it completes.
7. Navigate to Finder>Applications and then head to Utilities> Terminal.
8. Type the following command: Sudo rm ‐Rf “/Library/Application Support/ESET” and hit Enter. Enter your admin password into the command line and hit Enter.
9. Repeat the step with the following commands:

• sudo rm ‐Rf “/Applications/ESET\ Cyber\ Security.app/”
• sudo rm ‐Rf “/Library/LaunchAgents/com.eset.esets_gui.plist”
• sudo rm ‐Rf “/Library/LaunchAgents/com.eset.firewall.prompt.plist”
• rm ‐Rf ~/.esets

10. Reboot your device.
11. Open Finder>Applications. If you still see ESET Cyber Security listed, drag the app into your trash, and if prompted, enter your password and hit Enter to complete the removal process.

See also: The best antivirus programs in 2024

ESET uninstallation FAQs