Kaspersky Lab offers a range of security products including Kaspersky Internet Security, Kaspersky Total Security, and Kaspersky Anti-Virus. These programs provide robust protection but may need to be uninstalled due to performance issues, switching to another antivirus solution, or preparing the system for a clean reinstallation.
As a Windows security expert, I will guide you through:
- ✅ The complete process to uninstall Kaspersky from Windows 10/11
- ⚠️ Important steps and precautions at every stage
- 💡 Alternative methods including using Kaspersky’s official removal tool
- 🧩 Best practices for ensuring a full cleanup
Let’s begin.
📌 Overview
Uninstalling Kaspersky is more complex than removing standard applications due to its deep integration with Windows system components such as:
- Real-time file system protection
- Web traffic filtering
- Secure connection monitoring (HTTPS scanning)
- System service drivers
A standard uninstall via Settings or Control Panel often leaves behind registry entries, residual files, and leftover services that can interfere with future installations or system performance.
This guide assumes:
- You’re using Windows 10 or 11
- You have administrator privileges
- Kaspersky was installed in a standard way (not silently deployed)
🔧 Step-by-Step: How to Uninstall Kaspersky
✅ Step 1: Close Kaspersky and Disable Self-Defense
Some versions of Kaspersky include a Self-Defense module that prevents unauthorized modifications or uninstallation.
Steps:
- Right-click the Kaspersky icon in the system tray (bottom-right corner)
- Select Settings > Advanced Settings
- Go to Self-Defense tab
- Click Enable Self-Defense ➜ Untick “Enable Self-Defense”
- Confirm the change
⚠️ Note: If you don’t disable this, the uninstaller may fail or prompt for elevated permissions repeatedly.
✅ Step 2: Initiate Standard Uninstallation
Option A: Via Windows Settings
- Press
Windows + Ito open Settings - Go to:
Apps > Installed apps- Search for Kaspersky (e.g., “Kaspersky Internet Security”)
- Click on it > Uninstall
- Follow the prompts in the Kaspersky Removal Wizard
Option B: Via Control Panel
- Open Control Panel
- Go to:
Programs > Programs and Features- Find Kaspersky in the list
- Right-click > Uninstall
⚠️ Warning: Do not interrupt the uninstall process. Wait until the wizard completes before proceeding.
✅ Step 3: Restart Your Computer
- After uninstallation completes, restart your PC
- This ensures:
- All Kaspersky-related services are terminated
- Driver-level filters are removed
- Registry changes take effect
💡 Tip: Some components like Kaspersky Secure Connection or Parental Control may persist without a reboot.
🛠️ Advanced Methods (For Complete Removal)
✅ Method A: Use Kaspersky Removal Tool (Official)
Kaspersky provides an official standalone uninstaller called KRTG (Kaspersky Removal Tool Generator), which removes all traces of Kaspersky software even when the standard method fails.
Steps:
- Download the latest Kaspersky Removal Tool:
- Official link: https://support.kaspersky.com/utilities/KRTG
- Run the tool as Administrator
- Click Start to scan and remove all Kaspersky components
- Wait for the process to finish
- Reboot your computer
⚠️ Note: This tool works even if Kaspersky is partially corrupted or cannot be uninstalled normally.
✅ Method B: Manually Remove Leftover Files and Folders
Even after uninstallation, Kaspersky may leave behind folders and configuration files.
Common Paths to Check:
C:\Program Files\Kaspersky Lab\
C:\Program Files (x86)\Kaspersky Lab\
C:\ProgramData\Kaspersky Lab\
C:\Users\Public\Public Documents\Kaspersky Lab\
C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Roaming\Kaspersky Lab\
C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Local\Kaspersky Lab\💡 Tip: To access hidden AppData folders:
- Press
Windows + R, type%appdata%, press Enter- Repeat with
%localappdata%and%programdata%
Delete any Kaspersky Lab folders you find.
✅ Method C: Clean Up the Windows Registry (Advanced)
Use this method only if you’re comfortable editing the registry.
Steps:
- Press
Windows + R, typeregedit, press Enter - Backup the registry (File > Export) before making any changes
- Navigate to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Kaspersky Lab- Delete the Kaspersky Lab key
Also check:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Kaspersky Lab⚠️ Warning: Always back up the registry before deleting any keys.
📋 Summary Table: Kaspersky Removal Methods
| Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Windows Settings / Control Panel | Easy, safe | May leave remnants |
| Kaspersky Removal Tool | Thorough, official | Requires download |
| Manual file deletion | Full control | Time-consuming |
| Registry edit | Removes leftover keys | Risky if done incorrectly |
| Command line / PowerShell | Fast, scriptable | Requires technical knowledge |
🧪 Expert Use Case Scenarios
| Scenario | Recommended Action |
|---|---|
| Home user upgrading to another antivirus | Use Kaspersky Removal Tool |
| Corporate environment with multiple installs | Use deployment tools like SCCM or batch scripts |
| Failed uninstall or corrupted install | Run KRTG in Safe Mode |
| System preparation for clean OS reinstall | Combine uninstall + manual cleanup |
| Dual-boot or external drive cleanup | Manually delete leftover folders |
📌 Final Expert Recommendations
✅ Do:
- Always disable Self-Defense before uninstalling
- Use the Kaspersky Removal Tool for a clean removal
- Restart your system after uninstalling
- Check for and delete residual files and registry entries
❌ Don’t:
- Skip disabling Self-Defense—it can block the uninstaller
- Edit the registry without backing it up
- Leave old Kaspersky services running—they may conflict with new security software
📚 Conclusion
Uninstalling Kaspersky requires more than just clicking through the standard uninstaller. Due to its deep integration with system components, a complete removal involves multiple steps including disabling protections, using official tools, and manually cleaning up leftover files and registry entries.
By following this expert-approved guide, you now have the knowledge to:
- ✅ Safely and thoroughly uninstall Kaspersky from Windows
- ⚠️ Avoid common pitfalls like locked services or failed removals
- 💡 Perform advanced cleanup for optimal system hygiene
Remember:
- Always use the Kaspersky Removal Tool for guaranteed results.
- Never skip disabling Self-Defense before attempting uninstallation.
- For enterprise environments, automate removal using scripts or management tools.
With the right approach, you’re not just removing a program—you’re securing a clean foundation for your next security setup, like a true Windows expert!
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