How to remove GuardMate

What is GuardMate

GuardMate is categorized as a potentially unwanted application (PUA) that is marketed as a tool to enhance user privacy while browsing the internet. However, concerns arise regarding its distribution methods, often bundled with additional software that users may not intend to install, such as adware or browser hijackers. Although not classified as malicious, its presence can lead to significant privacy risks, as it may collect user data and share it with third parties. Furthermore, users may experience performance issues, including slow system speeds and frequent pop-up ads, which disrupt the browsing experience. Many individuals unknowingly download GuardMate through deceptive pop-up ads or during the installation of free software, leading to unwanted installations. To mitigate these risks, users are advised to download software exclusively from trusted sources and pay attention to the installation process, opting for custom settings to avoid unwanted additions. If GuardMate is already installed and causing issues, a reliable malware removal tool is recommended to ensure complete elimination.

How GuardMate infected your computer

GuardMate typically infects computers through deceptive distribution methods that often exploit users’ trust in free software. It is commonly bundled with seemingly legitimate applications, leading users to unintentionally install it during the setup process. These installations can occur when users bypass “Custom” or “Advanced” installation options, neglecting to uncheck boxes that would prevent the addition of unwanted software. Additionally, GuardMate may spread through malicious pop-up ads, fake updates, or downloads from untrustworthy websites, further increasing the risk of accidental installation. Once installed, GuardMate can significantly impact system performance and privacy, as it may collect user data and display intrusive advertisements, creating a more hostile browsing experience. Therefore, it’s crucial for users to remain vigilant and to only download software from reputable sources.

1. Download GuardMate Removal Tool
2. Remove/Uninstall GuardMate from Control Panel
3. Cannot remove/uninstall GuardMate using standard methods
4. Remove GuardMate files, folders, and registry keys
5. Block pop-ups promoting GuardMate
6. How to protect from threats, like GuardMate

Remove GuardMate manually for free

Here is a manual step-by-step tutorial for full GuardMate removal from your computer. This works 99% and was checked with the latest versions of GuardMate installer on operating systems with the latest updates and browser versions.

Remove GuardMate from Control Panel

To start removing GuardMate, you should remove it using Control Panel. It should uninstall correctly, however, we recommend you to use IObit Uninstaller to clean leftover items after uninstalling. Here are instructions for Windows XP, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10, and Windows 11.

Remove GuardMate from Windows XP:

1. Click on Start button.
2. Choose Control Panel.
3. Click Add or Remove Programs.
4. Find GuardMate.
5. Click Uninstall.

Remove GuardMate from Windows 7:

1. Click Start button.
2. Then go to Control Panel.
3. Click Uninstall a Program.
4. Find GuardMate and click Uninstall.

Remove GuardMate from Windows 8:

1. Hover mouse pointer to the bottom-right corner to see Menu.
2. Click Search.
3. After that, click Apps.
4. Then Control Panel.
5. Click Uninstall a Program under Programs.
6. Find GuardMate, click Uninstall.

Remove GuardMate from Windows 10:

There are 2 ways to uninstall GuardMate from Windows 10

Way one

1. Click on the Start button.
2. In opened menu, choose Settings.
3. Click on the System tile.
4. Click Apps & features and locate GuardMate in the list.
5. Click on it and then click Uninstall button near it.

Way two (classic)

1. Right-click on the Start button.
2. In opened menu, choose Programs and Features.
3. Locate GuardMate in the list.
4. Click on it and then click Uninstall button above.

Remove GuardMate from Windows 11:

1. Right-click on the Start button.
2. In opened menu, choose Settings.
3. Click on the Apps tab on the left side.
4. Click Apps & features and locate GuardMate in the list.
5. Click on 3-dots icon near it and then click Uninstall button near it.
6. Depending on the type of application (Windows Store app or classic Win32 app) it will be removed immediately, or you will need to confirm the action and go through the standard uninstall procedure.

Cannot uninstall GuardMate

In some cases, GuardMate won’t uninstall and gives you a message, that “You do not have sufficient access to uninstall GuardMate. Please, contact your system administrator” when you try to remove it from Control Panel or “Access denied” error when removing GuardMate folder and files. This happens because some file or service does not allow you to do it. In this case, I will recommend you to use SpyHunter 5 or Malwarebytes or uninstall GuardMate in Safe Mode. To boot in Safe Mode, do the following:

1. Reboot your computer.
2. While it starts booting, press F8 button.
3. This will open Advanced Boot Options menu.
4. Choose Safe Mode and wait until Windows loads.
5. Go to Control Panel > Uninstall a program and remove GuardMate.

>> See detailed instructions and video tutorial on how to boot in Safe Mode

Remove files, folders, and registry keys of GuardMate

GuardMate files:

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GuardMate folders:

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GuardMate registry keys:

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How to block ads and pop-ups, offering to download GuardMate

As GuardMate is mostly distributed via special ads and pop-ups promising to fix Windows errors or remove viruses, a good way to avoid the installation of GuardMate is to block such ads in browsers. There are a couple of programs that have such functions. We recommend you use AdGuard to remove ads by GuardMate from browsers. Download free trial here:

Download AdGuard

Get the best internet security to protect from threats, like GuardMate, in the future

One of the most famous and reputable security programs for Windows is SpyHunter 5. Advanced algorithms and large databases help SpyHunter detect and remove various types of threats. Get complete protection from ransomware, adware, spyware, trojans, viruses, and potentially unwanted programs (PUPs), like GuardMate, with SpyHunter 5. Download it here:

Download SpyHunter 5