How to remove NetGuard

What is NetGuard

NetGuard is marketed as a website reputation checker that enables users to evaluate the safety of web pages and identify potentially harmful sites. However, it falls into the category of potentially unwanted applications (PUAs) due to its dubious distribution methods. Often bundled with unreliable installers, NetGuard may expose users to various risks, including the installation of adware, browser hijackers, or even malware. While the application itself may not be overtly malicious, downloading it from untrustworthy sources can lead to serious security and privacy concerns, such as data theft or unauthorized access to personal information. Users have reported symptoms like slow system performance, frequent pop-up ads, and unexpected redirects, indicating that NetGuard can significantly disrupt the user experience. It is crucial for individuals to exercise caution and download software only from reputable sources to avoid inadvertently installing unwanted applications like NetGuard. By being vigilant during the installation process and opting for custom settings, users can better protect their systems from these unwanted intrusions.

How NetGuard infected your computer

NetGuard is classified as a potentially unwanted application (PUA) that often infiltrates computers through deceptive distribution methods. Users typically encounter it via bundled software installations, where it is packaged alongside legitimate applications. This bundling process exploits users’ tendencies to overlook installation options, particularly the “Advanced” or “Custom” settings, allowing unwanted programs like NetGuard to be installed unknowingly. Additionally, NetGuard may be promoted through misleading advertisements, fake software updates, and questionable websites, which further increase its chances of installation. Once on a system, it can lead to performance issues, intrusive advertisements, and potential privacy risks, especially if it gathers sensitive data without the user’s consent. To avoid such infections, users are encouraged to download software solely from trusted sources and carefully review installation settings to prevent the inadvertent installation of unwanted applications.

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

Remove NetGuard manually for free

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

Remove NetGuard from Control Panel

To start removing NetGuard, 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 NetGuard from Windows XP:

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

Remove NetGuard from Windows 7:

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

Remove NetGuard 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 NetGuard, click Uninstall.

Remove NetGuard from Windows 10:

There are 2 ways to uninstall NetGuard 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 NetGuard 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 NetGuard in the list.
4. Click on it and then click Uninstall button above.

Remove NetGuard 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 NetGuard 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 NetGuard

In some cases, NetGuard won’t uninstall and gives you a message, that “You do not have sufficient access to uninstall NetGuard. Please, contact your system administrator” when you try to remove it from Control Panel or “Access denied” error when removing NetGuard 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 NetGuard 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 NetGuard.

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

Remove files, folders, and registry keys of NetGuard

NetGuard files:

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NetGuard folders:

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NetGuard registry keys:

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

As NetGuard 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 NetGuard 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 NetGuard from browsers. Download free trial here:

Download AdGuard

Get the best internet security to protect from threats, like NetGuard, 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 NetGuard, with SpyHunter 5. Download it here:

Download SpyHunter 5