How to remove ScanGuard

What is ScanGuard

ScanGuard positions itself as a useful PC optimization utility. It is, however, oftentimes categorized as unwanted software due to potentially sneaky distribution techniques. Most users get it either without consent or by accidentally allowing it during some other program installation. As a rule, such system optimizers have doubtful functionality performance. While ScanGuard claims to ensure safety on the web and against viruses, run disk cleanups, and also boost PC performance, it is often doubted in doing so effectively. On top of that, some unreliable system optimizers tend to create false lists of threats to make users purchase the premium version. Doing so will most probably be a waste of money due to generally poor capabilities of such software. If ScanGuard appeared without your knowledge or you were convinced to download it from somewhere, we therefore recommend you remove it using our guidelines below.

How ScanGuard infected your computer

ScanGuard is not technically a virus, but rather potentially unwanted software. Although it has its own official webpage, it is more likely that it finds more users being distributed within free program repacks (pirated, cracked, etc.). Developers of free installers may collaborate with developers of ScanGuard and integrate it in the form of an additional offer. Such an offer may be located within “Advanced”, “Custom”, or similar sections that users can expand to turn off sponsored programs from installation. In case users ignore it and do not make any changes, there is a significant chance that it will be installed without consent. This is why it is important to double-check each installation wizard you use for complimentary software that may be hidden within. It is also recommended to download software only from official and verified resources to make sure no virus or unwanted program squeaks through.

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

Remove ScanGuard manually for free

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

Remove ScanGuard from Control Panel

To start removing ScanGuard 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 ScanGuard from Windows XP:

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

Remove ScanGuard from Windows 7:

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

Remove ScanGuard 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 ScanGuard, click Uninstall.

Remove ScanGuard from Windows 10:

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

Remove ScanGuard 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 ScanGuard 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 standard uninstall procedure.

Cannot uninstall ScanGuard

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

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

Remove files, folders and registry keys of ScanGuard

ScanGuard files:


ScanGuard.exe.exe
unins000.exe


ScanGuard folders:

C:\Program Files (x86)\ScanGuard
C:\Users\{yourusername}\AppData\Roaming\ScanGuard

ScanGuard registry keys:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\ScanGuard
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\ScanGuard_is1
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\ScanGuard

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

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

Download AdGuard

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

Download SpyHunter 5