How to Uninstall Norton on Windows 11 (Settings and Remover Tool)

To uninstall Norton on Windows 11, open Start > Settings > Apps > Installed apps, find your Norton product (for example, Norton 360), select the More button (the three dots) next to it, choose Uninstall, and follow the prompts. Restart your PC when Norton asks you to.

If the normal uninstall fails, freezes or leaves Norton behind, use Norton’s own removal tool, the Norton 360 Remover. Two things to remember afterward: removing the app does not cancel your Norton subscription, and you should confirm that Microsoft Defender Antivirus is protecting your PC again.

Quick Answer

1. Save your work and close all open programs.
2. Go to Start > Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
3. Find Norton, select More (three dots), then Uninstall.
4. Follow Norton’s uninstall screens and restart when prompted.
5. If that fails, run the Norton 360 Remover tool and choose Remove.
6. Check Windows Security to confirm real-time protection is on.
7. Cancel automatic renewal in your Norton account if you don’t want to pay again.

In This Guide

• Before you start
• Uninstall Norton from Windows 11 Settings
• Uninstall Norton from Control Panel
• Use the Norton 360 Remover tool
• Make sure Microsoft Defender is back on
• Cancel your Norton subscription (separate step)
• Which method should you use?
• Troubleshooting
• Frequently Asked Questions

Before You Start

These steps cover Norton device security products, such as Norton 360 and Norton AntiVirus Plus, on Windows 11, as of September 2026. They follow Norton Support and Microsoft Support. Product names on your PC may differ slightly depending on which Norton plan you have or whether it came from your internet provider.

• An administrator account. Uninstalling security software needs admin rights. If Windows asks whether you want to allow the app to make changes, choose Yes.
• Time for a restart. Norton asks you to restart to finish removal, so save your work first.
• Your Norton account sign-in (optional). You’ll need it only if you plan to reinstall later or cancel your subscription.
• Other Norton apps. Norton may have installed separate apps, such as a browser. Norton notes that its remover tool doesn’t uninstall Norton Private Browser, so remove that separately from Installed apps if you don’t want it.

Why not just delete the Norton folder? Antivirus software hooks deep into Windows so it can scan files in real time. Deleting folders by hand can leave broken pieces behind. Always use the uninstaller or Norton’s tool.

Uninstall Norton from Windows 11 Settings

This is the standard method and works for most people.

1. Save your work and close all open programs.
2. Select Start > Settings, or press Windows key + I.
3. Select Apps in the left menu, then Installed apps. Expected result: A list of everything installed on your PC appears.
4. Type Norton in the search box at the top of the list to find it quickly.
5. Select the More button (the three dots) next to your Norton product, such as Norton 360, and choose Uninstall.
6. Select Uninstall again to confirm. If Windows asks for permission, select Yes.
7. Follow Norton’s uninstall screens. Norton may ask why you’re leaving or offer to keep some features. Choose the options that remove the product, and select Next where prompted.
8. When Norton asks you to restart, select to restart now. Expected result: After the restart, Norton is no longer in Installed apps and its icon is gone from the taskbar.

A shortcut: select Start > All apps, right-click Norton, and select Uninstall. Microsoft covers all of these routes in Uninstall or remove apps and programs in Windows. Microsoft also notes that some apps can’t be uninstalled from the Settings app, which is when Control Panel helps.

Uninstall Norton from Control Panel

Norton’s own instructions use the classic Programs and Features window. Use it if the Settings method doesn’t show an Uninstall option or doesn’t respond.

1. Press Windows key + R to open the Run box.
2. Type appwiz.cpl and press Enter. Expected result: Programs and Features opens. (You can also open Control Panel and select Programs > Programs and Features.)
3. Select your Norton product, such as Norton 360, then select Remove or Uninstall at the top of the list.
4. Select Yes to confirm, then Next.
5. Close all programs and restart your computer when asked.

These steps come from Norton’s article Uninstall your Norton device security product on Windows.

Use the Norton 360 Remover Tool

If the standard uninstall shows errors, stops partway or leaves Norton behind, Norton recommends its free removal tool. It can remove Norton completely, or remove it and install a fresh copy.

Before you run it: the tool removes Norton device security from your PC. If you only want to fix a broken installation, choose the reinstall option instead of removal. Save your work, because the tool restarts your computer.

Remove Norton completely (current tool)

1. Download the Norton 360 Remover tool from Norton’s support site (Norton points to norton.com/nortonremover) and save it to your desktop.
2. Press Ctrl + J in your browser to open your downloads.
3. Double-click the Norton_360_remover file. If Windows asks for permission, select Yes.
4. Select Remove to uninstall only.
5. Select Uninstall to confirm.
6. When removal finishes, select Restart Now. Expected result: Norton is gone after the restart.

If the tool runs into errors, it offers a Reboot option that restarts Windows in Safe Mode to finish the job. Safe Mode is a stripped-down startup that loads only essential parts of Windows. Learn more in our guide on how to get into Windows Safe Mode.

Remove and reinstall Norton instead

If you want to keep Norton but fix a problem, run the same tool and select Reinstall, then Uninstall, then Restart Now. After the restart, select the install button for your Norton product and sign in to activate your subscription.

Older Norton versions (Norton Remove and Reinstall tool)

Norton lists a different tool for older installations (version 22.x), called the Norton Remove and Reinstall tool. With it, you double-click the NRnR file, read the license agreement and select Agree, select Advanced Options, select Remove Only, then Remove, and finally Restart Now. Norton says to uninstall Norton Family separately before using this older tool.

Norton’s full instructions are in Download and run the Norton 360 Remover tool for Windows.

Make Sure Microsoft Defender Is Back On

Microsoft Defender Antivirus is the antivirus built into Windows 11. Microsoft explains that it turns itself off when you install a compatible non-Microsoft antivirus program such as Norton, and it should return to active mode automatically after you uninstall that program. It’s still worth checking so your PC isn’t left unprotected.

1. Select Start, type Windows Security, and open the Windows Security app.
2. Select Virus & threat protection.
3. Under Virus & threat protection settings, select Manage settings.
4. Make sure Real-time protection is On. Expected result: Windows Security shows no warnings about virus protection.
5. Go back to Virus & threat protection and run a Quick scan for peace of mind.

See Microsoft’s Virus and threat protection in the Windows Security app for details.

If you’re switching to a different antivirus, finish removing Norton and restart before installing the new one. Running two full antivirus programs at once can cause conflicts.

Cancel Your Norton Subscription (Separate Step)

Norton states plainly that uninstalling the app does not cancel your subscription. If you’re set to renew automatically, you’ll still be charged unless you turn renewal off in your Norton account.

1. Sign in to your Norton account in a web browser.
2. On the My Account page, select the My Subscriptions tab.
3. Find the subscription and select Cancel Subscription Renewal or Manage Renewal.
4. Next to Plan Renewal, select Unsubscribe.
5. Choose a reason and select Next. If Norton shows an offer, select No thanks, cancel my subscription, then Next. Expected result: A confirmation message appears.

Norton says the change can take up to 24 hours, and your subscription keeps running until the end of the term you’ve already paid for. If you’ve already been charged and want a refund, Norton directs you to Member Services & Support. If you got Norton through your internet provider or another company, you may need to cancel with them instead. Norton’s steps are in Stop your Norton subscription from automatically renewing.

Which Method Should You Use?

Situation	Best method
Normal removal, no errors	Windows 11 Settings > Apps > Installed apps
Settings won’t uninstall it	Control Panel (appwiz.cpl)
Errors, partial removal, or Norton reappears	Norton 360 Remover, Remove
Norton is broken but you want to keep it	Norton 360 Remover, Reinstall
Older Norton (version 22.x)	Norton Remove and Reinstall tool, Remove Only

Troubleshooting

The uninstall stops or shows an error

Restart your PC and try again. If it still fails, run the Norton 360 Remover tool, which Norton recommends when the standard uninstall doesn’t work.

Norton doesn’t appear in Installed apps

Look for other names, such as Norton Security or Norton AntiVirus. If you still don’t see it, check Programs and Features in Control Panel, or run the remover tool.

Norton pop-ups or icons remain after uninstalling

Restart once more. If Norton pieces keep appearing, run the remover tool and choose Remove. Also check Installed apps for separate Norton apps, such as Norton Private Browser.

Windows Security says virus protection is off

Open Virus & threat protection > Manage settings and turn on Real-time protection. If the switch won’t move, restart your PC so Windows fully registers that Norton is gone. Microsoft notes that Tamper Protection can affect changes to these settings.

You still got charged after uninstalling

Uninstalling doesn’t stop billing. Turn off renewal in your Norton account and contact Norton Member Services & Support about a refund.

Related: Uninstall McAfee Security Scan Plus on Windows 11.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to uninstall Norton from Windows 11?

Yes. Windows 11 includes Microsoft Defender Antivirus, which should take over automatically after Norton is removed. Just confirm real-time protection is on afterward.

Does uninstalling Norton cancel my subscription?

No. You have to turn off automatic renewal separately in your Norton account.

What’s the Norton Remover tool?

It’s Norton’s free utility for removing Norton when the normal uninstall fails. It can remove Norton only, or remove and reinstall it.

Do I need to restart after uninstalling Norton?

Yes. Norton asks you to restart to finish removing its components.

Can I reinstall Norton later?

Yes, as long as your subscription is active. Download it from your Norton account and sign in to activate it.

Should I delete Norton folders by hand?

No. Use the uninstaller or the remover tool. Manually deleting files or registry entries can leave Windows in a messy state.

Summary

1. Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps, select More next to Norton, and choose Uninstall.
2. Use Control Panel (appwiz.cpl) if Settings doesn’t work.
3. Run the Norton 360 Remover tool if the uninstall fails or leaves pieces behind.
4. Restart your PC to finish removal.
5. Confirm Microsoft Defender real-time protection is on.
6. Cancel automatic renewal in your Norton account if you’re done with Norton.

Next step: open Windows Security and run a quick scan to confirm your PC is protected now that Norton is gone.