How to Uninstall Webroot SecureAnywhere from Windows and macOS

Webroot SecureAnywhere is a lightweight antivirus solution offering robust protection against online threats. However, you may need to uninstall it to switch to another antivirus, troubleshoot issues, or simplify your system. This guide provides step-by-step instructions to completely remove Webroot from Windows and macOS, including specific uninstall commands for 32-bit and 64-bit systems and handling managed console restrictions. Always ensure your system remains protected by installing a replacement antivirus before uninstalling Webroot.

Prerequisites

• Administrative privileges on your Windows or macOS device.
• An alternative antivirus installed (e.g., Windows Defender, Avira, or McAfee) to maintain protection.
• Access to the Webroot Management Console if your installation is managed centrally (e.g., via mypcsecurity.webrootanywhere.com).
• A stable internet connection for downloading tools or contacting support.
• Optional: A backup of critical files to prevent data loss during uninstallation.

Step 1: Prepare for Uninstallation

1. Install a Replacement Antivirus:
   • Before uninstalling Webroot, install another antivirus (e.g., Avira or McAfee) or enable Windows Defender (Windows) via Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security > Open Windows Security, or macOS’s built-in protections (e.g., Gatekeeper, XProtect).
2. Back Up Important Files:
   • While rare, uninstalling software can cause issues. Back up critical data to an external drive or cloud storage (e.g., Google Drive).
3. Check Billing Method:
   • Log in to your Webroot account at mypcsecurity.webrootanywhere.com to confirm if your installation is managed by the Webroot console (common for business users).
   • If managed, you may need console access to deactivate the endpoint before uninstalling.

Step 2: Uninstall Webroot on Windows

Method 1: Using Control Panel

1. Open Programs and Features:
   • Press Windows + R, type appwiz.cpl, and press Enter. Alternatively, go to Settings > Apps > Apps & Features (Windows 10/11).
   • Locate Webroot SecureAnywhere or OpenText Core Endpoint Protection in the list.
2. Uninstall Webroot:
   • Select Webroot and click Uninstall.
   • Complete the CAPTCHA prompt if displayed, then click Continue.
   • Optionally, select a reason for uninstalling in the pop-up and click Send.
3. Restart Your Computer:
   • Reboot to ensure all Webroot services stop. If troubleshooting, test the issue before reinstalling.

Method 2: Manual Uninstallation via Command Prompt

If the Control Panel method fails or Webroot is managed by a console:

1. Boot into Safe Mode:
   • Restart your PC, hold Shift, and select Power > Restart. Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart, then select Safe Mode with Networking (press 5 or F5).
2. Run Uninstall Command:
   • Open Command Prompt as Administrator (search cmd, right-click, select Run as Administrator).
   • Navigate to the Webroot installation folder based on your system architecture:
     • For 32-bit systems: cd C:\Program Files\Webroot
     • For 64-bit systems: cd C:\Program Files (x86)\Webroot
   • Run the appropriate uninstall command:
     • For 32-bit: "C:\Program Files\Webroot\WRSA.exe" -uninstall
     • For 64-bit: "C:\Program Files (x86)\Webroot\WRSA.exe" -uninstall
   • Confirm the uninstall prompt, complete the CAPTCHA, and follow on-screen instructions.
3. Restart Your Computer:
   • Reboot in normal mode and verify Webroot is removed via Control Panel > Programs and Features.

Method 3: Use Webroot Removal Tool

For stubborn uninstalls or incomplete removals:

1. Download the Removal Tool:
   • Visit the Webroot support page and search for “Webroot Utility” or “SecureAnywhere Uninstaller” (e.g., download.webroot.com/CleanWDF.exe for legacy firewall components).
2. Run the Tool:
   • Double-click the downloaded file (e.g., CleanWDF.exe or WRUpgradeTool.exe) as Administrator.
   • Follow prompts to remove Webroot components. The tool may display “Removal procedures have been completed” when done.
3. Restart Your Computer:
   • Reboot to finalize the process.

Step 3: Uninstall Webroot on macOS

1. Shut Down Webroot:
   • Click the Webroot icon in the menu bar and select Shut Down SecureAnywhere. Alternatively, control-click the Webroot icon in the Dock and choose Quit. Confirm if prompted.
2. Uninstall via Application:
   • Open Finder and navigate to the Applications folder.
   • Locate Webroot SecureAnywhere, drag it to the Trash, or control-click and select Move to Trash.
   • In the confirmation window, click Uninstall.
3. Alternative Method (via Webroot Interface):
   • Open Webroot SecureAnywhere.
   • Click Webroot SecureAnywhere > About SecureAnywhere in the top-left menu.
   • Select Uninstall Webroot SecureAnywhere, then click Yes in the pop-up.
   • If the Webroot icon is in the Dock, drag it to the Trash.
4. Restart Your Mac:
   • Reboot to ensure complete removal.

Step 4: Clean Up Leftover Files

To ensure no remnants remain:

1. Windows:
   • Navigate to C:\Program Files or C:\Program Files (x86) and delete any Webroot folders.
   • Open File Explorer, type %PROGRAMDATA% in the address bar, and delete WRData and WRCore folders if present.
   • Optionally, use a cleanup tool like CCleaner to remove residual files or registry entries (backup the registry first via regedit).
2. macOS:
   • Open Finder, press Cmd+Shift+G, and enter ~/Library.
   • Search for Webroot-related files (e.g., caches, preferences) and move them to the Trash.
   • Consider using App Cleaner & Uninstaller to automatically remove leftovers.
3. Verify Removal:
   • Check Control Panel > Programs and Features (Windows) or Applications (macOS) to confirm Webroot is gone.
   • Monitor your system for Webroot services (e.g., WRSkyClient, WRCoreService) via Task Manager or Activity Monitor.

Step 5: Address Managed Console Issues

If you see a message like “SecureAnywhere is currently managed by the Web Console”:

1. Deactivate via Webroot Console:
   • Log in to mypcsecurity.webrootanywhere.com.
   • Go to PC Security or Entities, select the device, and click Commands > Deactivate or Uninstall Agent. Confirm the action.
   • Wait for the device to check in (or force a check-in via Webroot documentation) to process the uninstall command.
2. Manual Override in Safe Mode:
   • If the device is no longer in the console, boot into Safe Mode and use the Command Prompt method with the appropriate 32-bit or 64-bit uninstall command as described in Step 2, Method 2.
3. Contact Support:
   • If issues persist, submit a support ticket at answers.webroot.com or contact Webroot support for advanced tools. Expect a response within 24-48 hours.

Step 6: Reinstall Webroot (Optional)

If you plan to reinstall Webroot later:

1. Download the Installer:
   • For the EXE installer: https://anywhere.webrootcloudav.com/zerol/wsasme.exe
   • For the MSI installer: https://anywhere.webrootcloudav.com/zerol/wsasme.msi
2. Install and Activate:
   • Run the downloaded installer and enter your existing license key (found in your Webroot account or email).
   • Restart your computer after installation to ensure proper setup.

Troubleshooting Tips

• Uninstall Option Missing: If Webroot isn’t listed in Control Panel, check Settings to re-enable visibility: Open Webroot, go to Settings > Basic Configuration, uncheck Hide Webroot in Add/Remove Programs, save, then re-check and save again. Retry uninstallation.
• Persistent Services: If services like WRSkyClient or WRCoreService remain, run sc delete WRSkyClient or sc delete WRCoreService in Command Prompt (Admin) after booting into Safe Mode.
• Malware Interference: If uninstallation fails due to suspected malware, run the Webroot Removal Tool in Safe Mode or contact support for assistance.
• Reinstallation Conflicts: Ensure all Webroot files are removed before reinstalling using the provided EXE or MSI installers to avoid conflicts.

Best Practices

• Uninstall in Safe Mode: Safe Mode prevents Webroot services from running, easing removal.
• Use Official Tools: The Webroot Removal Tool ensures complete cleanup, especially for legacy versions like Spy Sweeper or Webroot 2011.
• Monitor Billing: After uninstalling, check your bank statements to ensure no recurring charges. Cancel subscriptions via your Webroot account if needed.
• Stay Protected: Activate Windows Defender or another antivirus immediately after uninstalling to avoid vulnerabilities.

Conclusion

Uninstalling Webroot SecureAnywhere from Windows or macOS is straightforward using Control Panel, manual commands for 32-bit or 64-bit systems, or the Webroot Removal Tool. By addressing managed console issues and cleaning up leftovers, you can ensure a complete removal. For reinstallation, use the official EXE (wsasme.exe) or MSI (wsasme.msi) installers. For additional help, visit the Webroot Support Center or community forums. Stay protected by installing an alternative antivirus before removing Webroot.