Answer

When you are preparing to switch to antivirus software from another brand, or if Norton antivirus is not working properly, using only the built-in Windows “Uninstall” function may not completely remove all underlying files. To prevent residual files from causing system conflicts or automatically triggering download pop-ups during startup, please follow the three stages below to fully remove the software.



*This FAQ applies to all models with Norton antivirus preinstalled in the factory operating system.



Step 1: Remove Norton Using the Official Removal Tool



A standard uninstall may leave behind registry entries and cached files. Please use the official removal tool first to perform a thorough cleanup.




  1. Download the removal tool:

    Go to the Norton official website and download the dedicated Norton Removal Tool. (Official default link: http://www.norton.com/nrt. If the link is no longer available, visit the Norton official website and search for "Norton Removal Tool" to obtain the latest version.

  2. Run the removal tool and reboot the system:

    Launch the tool and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the removal process. Once completed, make sure to restart the computer.



Step 2: Manually Delete the Remaining System Folder



After restarting the computer, manually check for and delete any remaining Norton software folder.




  1. Open File Explorer from the taskbar.

  2. Go to the following system drive path: C:\Program Files\Common Files\AV\

  3. Locate the folder named "Norton 360 for Gamers".

  4. Right-click the folder and select "Delete" to remove it completely.



Step 3: Remove the Scheduled Task



To prevent any remaining background task from continuing to interfere with the system during startup, remove the related scheduled task.




  1. Enter "Task Scheduler" in the Windows taskbar search box and open it.

  2. In the left pane, expand Task Scheduler Library, then locate and select the "Remediation" folder.

  3. In the task list on the right, locate "Antimalware Migration Task".

  4. Right-click the task and select "Delete" to complete the removal process.



FAQ



Q: What is the Norton Removal Tool?



A: The Norton Removal Tool is a dedicated deep-cleaning utility developed by Norton. Antivirus software is designed to prevent malicious programs from disabling it, so its underlying files and permissions are often deeply integrated into the system. The standard Windows uninstall process may not completely remove these permissions and registry entries. Therefore, the official removal tool is required to achieve a more thorough uninstall.



Q: Why do I still need to manually remove the scheduled task after using the removal tool?



A: Migration tasks from certain older or specific versions, such as Norton 360 for Gamers, may remain in the system. If Antimalware Migration Task is not manually removed from Task Scheduler, a window prompting you to download or reinstall Norton may continue to appear every time the computer starts.



Q: When should I delete the Norton 360 for Gamers folder from the C drive?



A: Delete the folder only after completing Step 1, running the Norton Removal Tool, and restarting the computer. If you attempt to delete the folder before Norton has been removed, Windows may display a “File in use” message because the antivirus software is still running in the background.



Q: Where can I find the removal tool if the link in this article no longer works?



A: The Norton official website may occasionally change its page structure. If the provided link no longer works, open a browser, go to the Norton official website, and search for “Norton Removal Tool” to find the latest download page.



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