Uninstall Intego VirusBarrier

Intego VirusBarrier offers real-time antivirus protection specifically designed for macOS devices. If you decide to switch to a different security solution, find it conflicts with other software, or simply no longer need it, here’s how to remove it from your Mac:

Uninstalling antivirus software temporarily exposes your Mac. Ensure you have a replacement solution in mind, or be prepared to rely on Apple’s built-in security features.

How to uninstall Intego VirusBarrier

Intego offers a few different uninstall methods depending on your product version and installation method. Here’s a breakdown of both options:

Option 1: Using the Intego Uninstaller

  1. Navigate to your Applications folder and locate the Intego folder.
  2. Open the Intego folder and find the Uninstaller application (named similarly to “Intego Uninstaller”).

    macos finder screenshot
    Screenshot
  3. Double-click the uninstaller application and follow the on-screen prompts. You may be asked for your administrative password. intego uninstaller screenshot

Option 2: Manual uninstall (If the uninstaller is unavailable)

  1. Ensure Intego VirusBarrier and any related components are closed.
  2. Navigate to the following locations in Finder and delete any associated Intego files/folders:
    • /Library/Application Support/Intego/
    • /Library/LaunchAgents/
    • /Library/LaunchDaemons/
    • ~/Library/Preferences/ intego uninstall prompt
  3. Empty your Trash.

Uninstalling other Intego software

Intego offers a range of security products beyond VirusBarrier. If you have multiple Intego products installed, remember that the uninstall process for specific ones might have slight variations. To ensure a complete removal of any additional Intego software, it’s best to consult the Intego Support Website. Search the site for instructions tailored to the specific software you want to remove. It often has separate uninstall guides and even specialized removal tools for its various product lines.

Important notes

Always consult the official Intego support website for the most up-to-date and product-specific uninstall instructions. It often provides specialized uninstall tools and troubleshooting guides. If you opt to manually delete files and folders related to Intego VirusBarrier, proceed with caution. It’s essential to avoid accidentally deleting important system files, so this method is only recommended for advanced users.

Troubleshooting and further assistance

  • Intego components remain: Consult the Intego Knowledge Base for in-depth instructions and tools on uninstalling them.
  • Stubborn uninstall: Contact Intego support directly for personalized assistance.

Choosing a new antivirus: staying protected

If you’re looking for an alternative to Intego VirusBarrier, consider these reputable options:

preparing to reinstall Intego VirusBarrier

If you’re considering reinstalling Intego VirusBarrier after uninstalling it, you should take a few steps to ensure a smooth reinstallation process. Whether you’re troubleshooting an issue or simply reinstalling after a temporary removal, following these tips can help avoid potential problems:

1. Deauthorize your Intego account (if applicable):

Before uninstalling Intego VirusBarrier, it’s a good idea to deauthorize your account. This step ensures that your license is properly freed up for reuse during reinstallation. To do this:

  • Open VirusBarrier.
  • Click on the VirusBarrier menu next to the Apple logo in the top-left corner of your screen.
  • Select the option to deauthorize your account.

2. Download the latest installer:

When you’re ready to reinstall, download the most up-to-date version of Intego VirusBarrier. Visit the official Intego website and navigate to the downloads section. Using the latest installer ensures compatibility with your macOS version and includes the newest security updates.

3. Reactivate your subscription:

If you have a paid subscription, you’ll need to reactivate it after reinstalling. Keep your license key or account login details handy to streamline the process. If you’ve lost your license key, you can retrieve it by logging into your Intego account on their website.

4. Perform a clean installation:

To avoid conflicts with leftover files from the previous installation, ensure that all Intego-related files have been removed before reinstalling. Follow the manual removal steps outlined earlier in this guide to check for residual files in locations like /Library/LaunchAgents/ and /Library/Application Support/Intego/.

5. Configure your settings:

Once reinstalled, take a moment to configure VirusBarrier’s settings to suit your needs. Enable real-time scanning, schedule regular scans, and adjust any preferences for notifications or exclusions. Following these steps, you can ensure a seamless reinstallation process and restore your Mac’s antivirus protection without hiccups.

macOS built-in security features

If you decide not to replace Intego VirusBarrier with another antivirus solution, it’s worth noting that macOS comes with several built-in security features designed to protect your device. While these features may not offer the same level of protection as dedicated antivirus software, they provide a solid foundation for everyday use:

  • XProtect: macOS includes XProtect, an anti-malware system that scans downloaded files for known threats. It works silently in the background and is updated regularly by Apple.
  • Gatekeeper: This feature ensures that only trusted software from the Mac App Store or identified developers can be installed on your Mac. It helps prevent malicious apps from running on your system.
  • System Integrity Protection (SIP): SIP is a security technology that protects critical system files and processes from being modified by unauthorized software, including malware.
  • Firewall: MacOS has a built-in firewall that can block unwanted incoming network connections, adding an extra layer of protection.
  • Safari security features: If you use Safari as your browser, it includes features like Intelligent Tracking Prevention and warnings for fraudulent websites to keep your browsing safe.

While these features are helpful, they may not be sufficient for users who frequently download files from untrusted sources or need advanced protection against phishing, ransomware, or other sophisticated threats. In such cases, investing in a dedicated antivirus solution is recommended.

Uninstall Intego VirusBarrier FAQs

Why might the standard uninstaller fail? 

The standard uninstaller might fail for several reasons:

  • Conflicting software: Other security or system management tools running in the background might interfere with the uninstallation process.
  • Insufficient permissions: If the uninstaller doesn’t have administrative privileges, it won’t be able to delete system-level files.
  • Corrupted installation: If Intego VirusBarrier’s files are damaged or incomplete, the uninstaller may not function properly.

To resolve these issues:

  1. Restart your Mac and try the uninstaller again.
  2. Disable or temporarily uninstall any other security programs.
  3. If the problem persists, visit Intego’s support website to download a fresh copy of the uninstaller or follow their manual uninstallation instructions.

If all else fails, contact Intego’s support team for personalized assistance to ensure a clean removal.

I've uninstalled Intego VirusBarrier. When can I safely install a different antivirus? 

To keep your system protected, it’s best to install your replacement antivirus immediately after uninstalling Intego VirusBarrier. This ensures there’s no prolonged period where your Mac is left vulnerable to malware or other threats.However, avoid running two antivirus programs simultaneously. Multiple antivirus solutions actively scanning your system can lead to:

  • Performance issues: Your Mac may slow down significantly as both programs compete for system resources.
  • Software conflicts: Antivirus programs might identify each other as a threat, causing false positives or errors.

Before installing the new antivirus, make sure Intego VirusBarrier is fully removed, including any residual files, to prevent potential conflicts.

Do Macs even need antivirus software? 

Although macOS has a reputation for being more secure than Windows, it’s not immune to cyber threats. Here’s why antivirus software is still a worthy investment:

  • Rising threats: Mac-specific malware, ransomware, phishing scams, and other online threats are increasingly targeting macOS users.
  • Zero-day vulnerabilities: Cybercriminals constantly exploit new vulnerabilities before Apple can patch them.
  • Increased risk from third-party downloads: If you frequently download apps or files from outside the Mac App Store, you’re at a higher risk of encountering malicious software.

While macOS has built-in security features like Gatekeeper and XProtect, these are not always sufficient to block advanced threats. Antivirus software offers proactive protection with real-time scanning, web protection, and additional safeguards that provide peace of mind.

Are there common locations for Intego leftovers that I should check?

Yes, even after using the standard uninstaller, there may be residual files left behind on your Mac. To ensure complete removal of Intego VirusBarrier, manually check these locations in Finder:

  1. /Library/LaunchAgents/
  2. /Library/LaunchDaemons/
  3. ~/Library/Preferences/
  4. /Library/Application Support/Intego/

Here’s how to check for leftover files:

  1. Open Finder, click Go in the top menu, and select Go to Folder.
  2. Enter one of the paths above and press Enter.
  3. Look for any Intego-related files or folders and delete them.
  4. Repeat for each location.

Tip: Before deleting any files, double-check that they’re specifically related to Intego to avoid removing important system files. Once all leftover files are removed, empty your Trash to finalize the process.