How To Uninstall Norton Internet Security On Windows 8.1

Uninstalling Norton Internet Security on Windows 8.1 can seem like a daunting task, but with the right approach, it can be a breeze. Did you know that Norton Internet Security is one of the most widely used antivirus programs on Windows 8.1? With its advanced features and robust protection, it has become a go-to choice for many users. However, there may be situations where you need to uninstall it, whether it's to switch to a different antivirus program or resolve compatibility issues. In this guide, we will explore the steps to effectively uninstall Norton Internet Security on Windows 8.1.

When it comes to uninstalling Norton Internet Security on Windows 8.1, it's essential to follow a proper process to ensure a clean removal. One of the significant aspects of uninstalling Norton is disabling its protection features before starting the uninstallation process. This helps prevent any conflicts or errors during the uninstallation. Additionally, it is crucial to use the official Norton removal tool as it is specifically designed to completely remove all traces of Norton Internet Security from your system. By using the removal tool, you can ensure a thorough uninstallation and avoid any potential issues that might arise from incomplete removal. With these steps in mind, you can successfully uninstall Norton Internet Security on Windows 8.1 and proceed with your desired changes or troubleshooting endeavors.

Preparing to Uninstall Norton Internet Security on Windows 8.1

If you are using Windows 8.1 and need to uninstall Norton Internet Security, it is essential to follow the correct process to ensure a clean and complete removal of the software. Norton Internet Security is a powerful antivirus program that provides protection against malware, viruses, and other online threats. However, there may be situations where you need to uninstall the software, such as switching to a different antivirus program or troubleshooting issues. In this article, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of uninstalling Norton Internet Security on Windows 8.1.

Step 1: Disable Norton Internet Security

Before you begin the uninstallation process, it is important to disable Norton Internet Security to prevent any conflicts or interruptions. To disable the program, follow these steps:

• Right-click on the Norton Internet Security icon in the system tray at the bottom right corner of your screen.
• Select "Disable Smart Firewall" from the drop-down menu.
• In the confirmation dialog box, select the duration for which you want to disable the firewall and click "OK."
• Repeat the same steps to disable other protection features like "Auto-Protect," "Download Intelligence," and "SONAR Protection."

Disabling Norton Internet Security will ensure that it does not interfere with the uninstallation process and that all files and services associated with the program can be easily removed.

Step 2: Uninstall Norton Internet Security

After disabling Norton Internet Security, you can proceed with the actual uninstallation process. Here is how you can uninstall Norton Internet Security on Windows 8.1:

• Press the Windows key + X on your keyboard to open the Power User Menu.
• Select "Control Panel" from the list of options.
• In the Control Panel window, click on the "Uninstall a program" link under the "Programs" category.
• A list of installed programs will appear. Locate and select Norton Internet Security from the list.
• Click on the "Uninstall" button located at the top of the program list.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the uninstallation process.

During the uninstallation process, you may be prompted to confirm the removal and asked to restart your computer. Make sure to save any unsaved work before proceeding with the restart.

Step 3: Remove Norton Registry Entries

After uninstalling Norton Internet Security, it is recommended to remove any leftover registry entries to ensure a complete removal of the program. Here's how you can remove Norton registry entries:

• Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
• Type "regedit" (without quotes) in the Run dialog box and press Enter.
• The Registry Editor window will open. In the left-hand pane, navigate to the following location: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Symantec.
• Delete the "Symantec" folder by right-clicking on it and selecting "Delete."

Deleting the "Symantec" folder will remove any remaining Norton Internet Security registry entries from your system. It is important to be cautious when using the Registry Editor as changes made here can have a significant impact on your system's functionality.

Step 4: Restart Your Computer

After completing the uninstallation and removing any leftover registry entries, it is recommended to restart your computer to ensure that all changes take effect. Restarting your computer will also allow Windows to refresh its system settings and configurations.

Reinstalling Norton Internet Security

If you decide to reinstall Norton Internet Security after uninstalling it, you can do so by following these steps:

• Visit the official Norton website and log in to your Norton account.
• Download the Norton Internet Security setup file.
• Double-click on the downloaded file to run the installation wizard.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.

After reinstalling Norton Internet Security, make sure to enable the necessary protection features, such as the Smart Firewall and Auto-Protect, to ensure the proper functioning of the antivirus program.

Alternative Methods to Uninstall Norton Internet Security on Windows 8.1

In addition to the standard uninstallation process described above, there are alternative methods you can try if you encounter any issues or difficulties uninstalling Norton Internet Security. Here are a few alternative methods:

1. Using the Norton Removal Tool

The Norton Removal Tool is a specialized tool provided by Norton to completely remove its software from your computer. If the standard uninstallation process fails or leaves behind traces of Norton Internet Security, you can use the Norton Removal Tool as an alternative method. Here's how to use it:

• Download the Norton Removal Tool from the official Norton website.
• Run the downloaded tool and follow the on-screen instructions to remove Norton Internet Security.
• Restart your computer after the removal process is complete.

The Norton Removal Tool is designed to thoroughly eliminate all Norton products from your system, including Norton Internet Security, and can be an effective solution if the standard uninstallation process encounters any issues.

2. Using Third-Party Uninstaller Software

If you prefer not to use the Norton Removal Tool or encounter any difficulties with it, you can try using third-party uninstaller software to remove Norton Internet Security. These software programs are designed to thoroughly uninstall applications and clean up any remnants left behind. Here are a few popular third-party uninstaller software options:

App	Website
Revo Uninstaller	www.revouninstaller.com
IObit Uninstaller	www.iobit.com
GeekUninstaller	www.geekuninstaller.com

Download and install one of these third-party uninstaller software programs, and then use it to uninstall Norton Internet Security.

3. Contacting Norton Support

If all else fails or if you encounter any persistent issues during the uninstallation process, it is recommended to reach out to Norton Support for further assistance. Norton's support team can provide guidance and help troubleshoot any problems you may be experiencing. You can contact Norton Support through their official website or through other available support channels.

Conclusion

Uninstalling Norton Internet Security on Windows 8.1 is a straightforward process if you follow the correct steps. Remember to disable Norton Internet Security before uninstalling it, remove any leftover registry entries, and restart your computer for the changes to take effect. If you encounter any difficulties with the standard uninstallation process, alternative methods like using the Norton Removal Tool or third-party uninstaller software can be helpful. In case of persistent issues, reaching out to Norton Support is highly recommended. By following these guidelines, you can safely and effectively uninstall Norton Internet Security from your Windows 8.1 system.

Uninstalling Norton Internet Security on Windows 8.1

If you are using Windows 8.1 and wish to uninstall Norton Internet Security, follow these steps:

Method 1: Uninstall via Control Panel

1. Access the Control Panel by pressing the Windows key + X and selecting "Control Panel" from the menu.

2. In the Control Panel, click on "Programs" and then "Programs and Features".

3. Locate "Norton Internet Security" and right-click on it. Select "Uninstall".

4. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the uninstallation process.

Method 2: Uninstall using Norton Removal Tool

1. Download the Norton Removal Tool from the official Norton website.

2. Run the downloaded file and follow the instructions to remove Norton Internet Security from your computer.

3. Restart your computer once the removal process is complete.

Conclusion

By using either the Control Panel or the Norton Removal Tool, you can easily uninstall Norton Internet Security from your Windows 8.1 computer. Remember to restart your computer after the installation process to ensure all remnants of Norton have been removed.

Frequently Asked Questions

In this section, you will find answers to common questions about uninstalling Norton Internet Security on Windows 8.1.

1. Can I uninstall Norton Internet Security using the Control Panel?

Yes, you can uninstall Norton Internet Security using the Control Panel. Follow these steps:

1. Press the Windows key + X on your keyboard to open the Power User Menu.
2. Select "Control Panel" from the menu.
3. Click on "Programs" or "Programs and Features" (depending on how your Control Panel is organized).
4. Find Norton Internet Security in the list of installed programs and click on it.
5. Click on the "Uninstall" or "Remove" button and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the uninstallation process.

Once the process is complete, restart your computer to ensure that Norton Internet Security is completely removed.

2. Can I uninstall Norton Internet Security using the Norton Removal Tool?

Yes, you can use the Norton Removal Tool to uninstall Norton Internet Security. Here's how:

1. Download the Norton Removal Tool from the official Norton website.
2. Save the file to your computer and double-click on it to run it.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the removal process.
4. Restart your computer when prompted.

The Norton Removal Tool will remove all Norton products, including Norton Internet Security, from your computer.

3. Are there any alternative methods to uninstall Norton Internet Security?

Yes, besides using the Control Panel or Norton Removal Tool, you can also try the following methods:

• Use the Norton uninstaller provided by Symantec. This tool can be found on the Norton website and is specifically designed to remove Norton products.
• Contact Norton Support for further assistance. They can guide you through the process of uninstalling Norton Internet Security.
• Use a third-party uninstaller program, such as Revo Uninstaller, to remove Norton Internet Security. These programs are designed to completely uninstall software and remove any leftover files or registry entries.

It is important to note that using alternative methods may require more technical expertise and could have varying levels of success.

4. Is it necessary to uninstall Norton Internet Security before installing a different antivirus program?

Yes, it is recommended to uninstall Norton Internet Security before installing a different antivirus program. Having multiple antivirus programs installed on your computer can cause conflicts and reduce the effectiveness of both programs.

To uninstall Norton Internet Security, follow the steps mentioned earlier in this article using either the Control Panel or the Norton Removal Tool. Once Norton is completely uninstalled, you can proceed with installing your desired antivirus software.

5. Will uninstalling Norton Internet Security remove all traces of the program from my computer?

Uninstalling Norton Internet Security using the Control Panel or Norton Removal Tool should remove the majority of program files and registry entries. However, there may still be some residual files or entries left behind.

If you want to ensure that all traces of Norton Internet Security are removed from your computer, you can use a third-party uninstaller program like Revo Uninstaller to perform a thorough scan and remove any leftover files or registry entries.

In conclusion, uninstalling Norton Internet Security on Windows 8.1 is a relatively straightforward process. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can successfully remove the program from your computer.

Remember to restart your computer after the uninstallation process is complete to ensure that all remnants of Norton Internet Security are removed. If you encounter any issues or have further questions, don't hesitate to reach out to Norton's customer support for assistance. With these steps, you can effectively remove Norton Internet Security and keep your computer running smoothly.