Uninstall Symantec Endpoint Protection

Products

• Endpoint Protection
• Endpoint Security Complete

Issue/Introduction

This article describes the methods that can be used to remove Symantec Endpoint Protection (SEP). Included are instructions and tools if the usual uninstall methods fail.

Resolution

Uninstall options include:

• Client uninstall (including remote uninstalling of large groups)
• Removing specific client components
• Symantec Endpoint Protect Manager (SEPM) uninstall
• What to do when conventional uninstall methods fail
• Mac client uninstall

 

Client uninstall

Here are the recommended methods for uninstalling the Symantec Endpoint Protection client.

Uninstall for a small group of clients	For small numbers of clients, use the standard Windows uninstall method.
Uninstall for a large group of clients	When accessing each client physically is not practical, there are many ways to automate the process. These include: Uninstalling client software with Active Directory Group Policy Object Uninstall the Endpoint Protection client using the command prompt

 

Removing specific client components

It is possible to remove specific components from a Symantec Endpoint Protection client without the need to fully uninstall and reinstall.

Removing components from a client	You can modify the installation for managed or unmanaged clients using Add or Remove Programs, or Programs and Features. You can find more information by visiting Add or remove features to existing Endpoint Protection clients.
Removing components from multiple clients	You can use the Symantec Endpoint Protection Manager (enterprise edition only) to modify the installation features on an entire group. Instructions for doing this can also be found in Add or remove features to existing Endpoint Protection clients.

 

Symantec Endpoint Protection Manager (SEPM) uninstall

The Symantec Endpoint Protection Manager uninstall is fairly straightforward and should be done on a per-manager basis. The following table lists topics that are related to this process.

Backing up the Symantec Endpoint Protection Manager	You should back up the Symantec Endpoint Protection Manager using disaster recovery procedures. If you need to uninstall the Symantec Endpoint Protection Manager, making these preparations in advance makes it easier to reconnect with existing clients and use previously configured policies when you reinstall. For information on preparing for disaster recovery, see Disaster recovery best practices
Removing the Symantec Endpoint Protection Manager	The recommended method is to use the standard Windows uninstall method.
Connecting existing clients to a new or reinstalled Symantec Endpoint Protection Manager	If it becomes necessary to uninstall and reinstall the Symantec Endpoint Protection Manager without preparing in advance for disaster recovery, it is possible to reconnect existing Symantec Endpoint Protection clients to a new manager installation.

 

What to do when conventional uninstall methods fail

Sometimes the recommended and preferred methods for uninstalling Symantec Endpoint Protection fail or do not work as expected.

CleanWipe

The CleanWipe utility is intended for use only when uninstalling Symantec Endpoint Protection from the Windows control panel fails. For this utility, see Uninstalling Symantec Endpoint Protection with the CleanWipe removal tool.

 

Mac client uninstall

Removing the Symantec Endpoint Protection client from Mac computers requires different methods and tools.

Removal from a single client or small group of clients	As of version 14, you can uninstall directly on the Mac. As of 14.0.1, open the client user interface, then click Symantec Endpoint Protection > Uninstall Symantec Endpoint Protection. You may be required to enter a password. In versions earlier than 14.0.1 (14 RU1), click the Symantec Endpoint Protection client icon in the Menu bar, then click Uninstall.
Removal from a large group of clients	You can accomplish removing a large number of clients at once by using the SymantecRemovalTool in conjunction with a remote management system like Apple Remote Desktop. You can find more information about SymantecRemovalTool by visiting the appropriate section in Remove Symantec software for Mac OS using RemoveSymantecMacFiles.
What to do if conventional methods fail	The RemoveSymantecMacFiles utility will remove all files and folders related to the Mac client install. More information and instructions for use can be found in the document Remove Symantec software for Mac OS using RemoveSymantecMacFiles. WARNING: RemoveSymantecMacFiles/SymantecRemovalTool will remove ALL Symantec products from a Mac.