If you’re unhappy with Microsoft virus protection or another program, you always have the option to uninstall the program. Unfortunately, simply knowing the program can be uninstalled is not enough. Many computer users are left asking the question “how do you remove Microsoft virus protection?”
Can I Remove Virus Protection from My Computer?
Most windows users will ask the question “how do you remove Microsoft virus protection” at one time or another. You may be unhappy with the program functions or you might feel that it has caused problems with your system. Fortunately, if you have installed a virus protection program that you are dissatisfied with, you always have the option to uninstall the program in order to install new virus protection software on your computer. If you have not already purchased new software, please do not uninstall or disable your current virus protection until you are ready to install new software.
Why Virus Protection is Important
Without protection, your computer will become vulnerable to viruses that can corrupt data, erase everything on your hard drive, or turn your email program into a wave that can quickly carry the virus to other computers. According to Microsoft Security, to help avoid computer viruses, it’s essential that you keep your computer current with the latest updates and antivirus tools, stay informed about recent threats, run your computer as a standard user (not as administrator), and that you follow a few basic rules when you surf the Internet, download files, and open attachments.
Worms are another serious computer threat that must be considered before removing virus protection. Computer worms can clog networks and interfere with everyone’s ability to access the Internet and web pages quickly. Maintaining antivirus and antispyware software can help protect your computer against most worms.
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How to Remove Virus Protection from Your Computer
To remove Microsoft virus protection, specifically Microsoft Security Essentials (in Windows XP) all you have to do is:
- Click Start
- Click Run
- Type appwiz.cpl
- Press Enter
- In the list of installed programs, click Microsoft Security Essentials
- Click Uninstall or Remove
To uninstall Microsoft virus protection in Windows Vista and Windows 7:
- Click Start
- In the Start Search box, type appwiz.cpl
- Press Enter
- In the list of installed programs, click Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE)
- Click Uninstall or Remove
Once the program has been uninstalled, you must restart your computer in order for the changes to take effect. To check to make sure the program has been removed from your system:
- Click Start
- Select Control Panel
- Click Add/Remove Programs
- Wait while the list is being populated
- Scroll through the list to make sure the program has been removed
If the program refuses to uninstall, repeat all steps for either Windows XP or Windows Vista and Windows 7. It is unlikely that the uninstall procedures will not work. If for some reason you are having trouble deleting MSE or any other Microsoft program, Microsoft has an automated agent or Live Chat available 24/7 . You may also email Microsoft Support to receive a response within 24 hours. If you prefer to contact Microsoft Support by phone, call 1-800-Microsoft (642-7676), TTY: 1-800-892-5234, weekdays 5 a.m. - 9 p.m. and weekends 6 a.m. - 3 p.m. Pacific Time.
For more information about virus protection, see:
The Best Antivirus Software for Windows 7
McAfee AntiVirus Plus 2010 Review
References
Microsoft Support, https://support.microsoft.com/
