How to Completely Uninstall Kaspersky from Your Computer

Kaspersky Lab's antivirus products offer reliable protection for your computer. However, there are times when you may need to completely remove them, such as when switching to different antivirus software or addressing issues with the current installation. Here’s a guide on fully uninstalling Kaspersky antivirus from your system.

1. Uninstalling via Windows Control Panel

First, try removing the antivirus using the built-in tools in Windows:

  1. Go to “Start” and open “Control Panel”.
  2. Select “Programs and Features”.
  3. Find the Kaspersky product in the list of installed programs, select it, and click “Uninstall”.
  4. Follow the uninstallation wizard instructions and restart your computer when done.

Note that once the antivirus is uninstalled, your computer will be left unprotected. Be sure to install another antivirus solution to keep your system safe.

2. Using the Kaspersky Removal Tool (kavremover)

If the standard method doesn’t work, try Kaspersky’s official removal tool for complete uninstallation:

  1. Download the kavremover tool from the official website: https://support.kaspersky.com/common/uninstall/1464.
  2. Run the downloaded file and accept the license agreement.
  3. Enter the security code from the image and select the product to remove.
  4. Click “Remove” and wait for the process to complete.
  5. Restart your computer.

The kavremover tool effectively removes all components of the antivirus, including leftover files and registry entries.

3. Using Third-Party Uninstaller Programs

There are also third-party utilities designed to fully remove programs:

  • Revo Uninstaller: a powerful tool for uninstalling software and clearing residual files.
  • Uninstall Tool: a utility with extended uninstall capabilities.
  • Advanced Uninstaller PRO: a program for complete application removal and system cleanup.

It’s recommended to create a system restore point before using third-party tools to prevent any potential issues.

4. Manually Deleting Leftover Files and Registry Entries

After uninstalling the antivirus, some residual files and registry entries might remain. To remove these:

  1. Open the “Registry Editor” by pressing Win + R, typing regedit, and pressing Enter.
  2. Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\KasperskyLab and delete related entries.
  3. Check for folders and files associated with Kaspersky in Program Files and ProgramData, and delete them if necessary.

Be cautious when working with the registry, as incorrect actions may affect system stability.