How to Uninstall Trend Micro on PC and Mac – Complete Guide

Trend Micro offers various security solutions for Windows and Mac. However, there might come a time when you decide to switch to a different antivirus, experience compatibility issues, or want to remove it from your system. 

This guide will walk you through the steps of uninstalling Trend Micro, ensuring a smooth transition to your next line of defense.

Before You Uninstall: Protect Yourself

Uninstalling antivirus software temporarily leaves your device vulnerable. Ensure you have an alternative solution ready to avoid security lapses. This could involve:

• Installing a replacement antivirus:  Download and prepare your new security software before removing Trend Micro.
• Enabling Windows Defender (Windows only): For temporary protection, consider activating Windows Defender.

Uninstalling Trend Micro on Windows

Trend Micro typically provides two main methods for uninstalling their software:

Option 1: Standard Uninstall

1. Open the Windows Start menu and go to Settings -> Apps (or Apps & Features).
2. Locate your Trend Micro product(s) (e.g., Trend Micro Maximum Security, Trend Micro Internet Security).
3. Click “Uninstall” for each Trend Micro product and follow the onscreen prompts.

Option 2: Trend Micro Diagnostic Toolkit

For situations like incomplete uninstalls, or if you want a more thorough removal, Trend Micro offers a specialized tool:

1. Visit the Trend Micro support website and search for “Diagnostic Toolkit.”
2. Download and run the toolkit, following the instructions provided for your specific product.

Uninstalling Trend Micro on Mac

Removing software on macOS is generally a simple process:

1. Open Finder and navigate to your Applications folder.
2. Locate the Trend Micro application icon(s).
3. Drag the Trend Micro application(s) to the Trash (or Bin) and empty the Trash.

Important Considerations

If Trend Micro’s Tamper Protection feature is enabled, disable it in your Trend Micro settings before attempting the uninstall process. This will ensure the uninstallation goes through without hiccups. 

While the standard uninstall typically removes most files, advanced users may want to check common program file locations for any leftover components. These could be found in locations like C:\Program Files (x86)\Trend Micro and C:\ProgramData\Trend Micro on Windows or /Library/Application Support/Trend Micro/ and ~/Library/Application Support/Trend Micro/ on Mac systems. 

Proceed with caution when manually deleting files, as removing essential system files could lead to problems.

Troubleshooting and Support

• Trend Micro processes still active:  Use the Task Manager (Windows) or Activity Monitor (Mac) to force close any relevant processes.
• Can’t uninstall: Refer to detailed instructions and FAQs on the Trend Micro support website, or contact their customer support.

Choose Your Next Antivirus: Stay Protected

If you’re seeking a robust replacement for Trend Micro, consider these options:

• Surfshark Antivirus: Lightweight protection with real-time scanning and a user-friendly interface.
• TotalAV: Comprehensive security suite with a range of tools for system optimization.
• Norton 360:  Well-established provider offering powerful protection and additional features.

Uninstalling Trend Micro FAQs