How to Completely Remove a VPN from Your Computer (Mac, Windows, Linux, Android)
When switching VPN providers, wanting to try new software with expanded features, or simply needing to remove an outdated or unsatisfactory VPN version, the question arises: how do you completely uninstall it? The problem is that when installing an application or software, its files are placed in various folders and integrated into the device's operating system.
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Some functions are written into login parameters and can make changes to the current operating system's registry. Therefore, incorrect removal of old data will cause components of the new VPN application to conflict with previously installed components. This, for example, often happens with TAP drivers. To prevent this, you need to know how to completely remove a VPN from the operating system.
Removing a VPN from a PC
Thanks to the existence of special protocols developed for specific operating systems, removing a VPN from a computer shouldn't cause major problems. The feature of programs using these protocols is that they remove not only the VPN program itself but also all associated file structures integrated into the operating system and other components. Therefore, using such programs is one of the simplest and most practical ways to remove a VPN from a computer.
Removing a VPN from Windows
To effectively and safely remove a VPN from a PC running the Windows operating system, you will need a special program. Such a program exists in the universal arsenal of the operating system, but it's better to download specialized software. One of the best options is the free version of Revo Uninstaller, as it is more effective.
Its main advantage is that Revo Uninstaller first performs a standard uninstallation and then cleans up remaining registries, folders, and files using special tools within its Hunter system. To remove a VPN, you need to take a few simple steps:
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Launch the Revo Uninstaller program.
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Select the VPN service you want to remove from the PC.
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Click the Uninstall button.
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Next, you will be prompted to scan the remaining file system; click the Agree button.
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The program will scan and highlight all files related to the VPN being removed.
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After that, simply agree to delete the detected files.
Removing a VPN from Windows (Manually)
If the VPN program was installed manually, then it should be removed in the same way. Even when installation was performed by a special installer program, manual removal becomes an additional precautionary measure to ensure all VPN components are deleted. To manually remove a VPN, you need to go through these steps:
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Go to the Network and Sharing Center.
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Then click Change adapter settings.
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A list of VPN connections and adapters will open.
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Right-click on the desired VPN connection, then in the menu that appears, click the Delete line.
Removing TAP Drivers from a Windows PC
It is the TAP drivers, which ensure VPN operation, that often cause conflicts between new and old software when installing multiple VPN clients. Even after removing the VPN program itself, you need to ensure that the TAP drivers are also removed. To perform this procedure, follow a few simple steps:
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From the Control Panel, go to System and Security, then System, and Device Manager.
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Select the Network adapters line.
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Find the TAP Drivers, right-click on them, and select Uninstall from the context menu.
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Restart the PC.
Removing a VPN on Mac OS X
For devices using the Mac OS X operating system, two simple applications are suggested for VPN removal – the free AppCleaner and CleanApp for Mac. For personal users, the free option is sufficient. These programs remove the VPN itself and all related files. If necessary, you can manually check that these files have been deleted. To remove a VPN on a MAC system, take a few simple steps:
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Go to System Preferences.
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Click on Profiles.
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Next to the VPN you want to remove, click the - sign.
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Enter the administrative password.
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The VPN service in use will be completely removed.
Removing a VPN on iOS
Many mobile devices use the iOS operating system. To remove a previously installed VPN application, you need to delete the program itself and then its auxiliary files:
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Go to Settings.
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Tap the General line.
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Go to Profile.
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Select the VPN connection.
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Tap Delete Profile, then confirm this decision by tapping the Delete button again.
Removing a VPN on Android
For gadgets running the Android operating system, VPN removal is similar to the same operation on iOS. To do this, follow these steps:
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Go to Settings.
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Tap the Connections line (Note: exact wording may vary by Android version/ skin. "Network & Internet" or similar is also common).
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Find and tap More connection settings or Advanced.
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Tap VPN.
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Go to the section for configuring and managing virtual private networks.
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Tap on the VPN network you want to remove and confirm by tapping Delete network.
If everything is done correctly, the No VPN line will appear.
Removing a VPN in Linux
If a VPN installation manager was used for the Linux operating system, then removing this software will also require a similar manager. It's important to know that using apt remove does not achieve a complete uninstallation of a VPN in Linux. The best option is to use applications like GCleaner or Stacer, specifically designed for this operating system and intuitive to use.
When removing a VPN, caution must be exercised, and only recommended programs should be used. This will allow for effective and safe removal without damaging the operating system structure, and the new VPN will work correctly without conflicting with old data.