How do I uninstall BitDefender for good?

llloyd4 · 01 Apr 2023

So. I installed BitDefender Total Security a friend recommended it, and the plan was to have my tax return back before the end of the trial. Wound up losing my job so that plan went out the window. >.< So I have uninstalled it though it's own installer, even used the program they recommend if the uninstallation fails, and I * still * have the BitDefender Setup Launcher installed and trying to install * something * every time I reboot. There is no "BitDefender" in the Start menu. There is no BitDefender folder in /Program Files *or* /Program Files(x86) folders. When I type "BitDefender" in the search box in my task bar it only pops up the Uninstallation tool. Yet on the last reboot (updating my system to 2h22) up popped this box wanting my permission to install something and Startup Apps lists the BitDefender Setup Launcher. Like wth?! How do I get rid of this completely and totally, short of wiping the drive and reinstalling Win10. >.<

Windows Version 22h2 (OS Build 19045.2728)

dalchina · 01 Apr 2023

As you've already tried using its manual uninstall tool - I guess you used something like
Remove Bitdefender Endpoint Security Tools using the uninstall tool
or
Download Bitdefender Uninstall Tool - MajorGeeks

- you have these possible options (at least in principle)

1. Use a System restore point created before you installed it- but that's probably too long ago.

2. Restore a disk image of your installation created before you installed Bitdefender. (You do use 3rd party disk imaging as is endlessly recommended here, I hope?)

Disadvantage- EVERYTHING on C: would be reset to the date the image was created.

3. Reinstall Bitdefender but using a 3rd party uninstall tool to monitor its installation, then uninstall it with said 3rd party uninstall tool. (Note- I'd personally try to avoid using 3rd party uninstallers with AV suites- that used to be the recommendation, but it could help

4. Manually search the registry and delete remnants. This is relatively hazardous and no guarantees you'll find everything.
Likewise your drive- as you search the registry you may find file or folder references.

5. Appeal to the Bitdefender forum as that's specific to the product.

As for startups:

trying to install * something * every time I reboot. There is no "BitDefender" in the Start menu.

Get Autoruns (free from MS).

This lists everything that is launched, from the registry to scheduled tasks and more.

It has a search feature so yuo can search for e.g. Bitdefender.

llloyd4 · 01 Apr 2023

Ok, that sneaky little * censor! * . Found it, it hid itself in C:\Program Files\Common Files\ , but no 'uninstall' executable. Hmm...

https://i.imgur.com/Kg5iWRu.png

https://i.imgur.com/Dp9jHpd.png

Do I, as the English *might* say, risk it for a biscuit ? Should I delete the folder and the reg entries? Normally I wouldn't brute force it. * Hmm*

dalchina · 01 Apr 2023

If you do that, you risk missing other leftover elements.
Depends what search you've done, with what search string and where... in both the file system and registry.

Sorry, I don't look at imgur screenshots. The forum method is preferred (As per tutorial)

How do I uninstall BitDefender for good?-screenshot-.png

llloyd4 · 02 Apr 2023

dalchina said:

If you do that, you risk missing other leftover elements.
Depends what search you've done, with what search string and where... in both the file system and registry.

Sorry, I don't look at imgur screenshots. The forum method is preferred (As per tutorial)

Ah, apologies. Gyazo doesn't work on Waterfox, even though Waterfox is fully up to date Gyazo claims it's out of date. >.< So I use ShareX now. Anyway, let me see...

dalchina · 02 Apr 2023

One thing you can do with 3rd party uninstall tools for a partly uninstalled program is a 'forced uninstall' or some such name. I.e. from the uninstall tool you browse to e.g. the folder you show, or an exe within that folder and let the tool scan and show you what it finds for deletion.

Sometimes that feature is only available in the paid version: however Wise Uninstaller is one that offers it in the free version ('Custom Uninstall', bottom left of GUI).

Repeat as many times as needed for different leftovers found, if any.

3nd · 02 Apr 2023

Revo uninstaller

after the uninstall do scan (you'll see a scan button) then delete all leftover bits and pieces.

dalchina · 02 Apr 2023

@3nd - Bitdefender has already been uninstalled, and its cleanup tool used.

Does Revo Free support custom/forced uninstall? You don't mention that. Thanks.

Jimmy9190 · 02 Apr 2023

Bitdefender is notorious both for leaving leftover files behind and being hard to remove. Since you ran the BD uninstaller tool Revo probably will not find anything but the Revo Junk Files might find some BD junk files that can be removed, but deleting those files still might not get rid of BD.

You might try the Everything file locator from Voidtools. Everything will list every file on the computer and you can search for Bitdefender and either right click and delete the BD files from within Everything or right click and select Open Path, the tool will open the location of the stubborn BD files and you can delete from there. Restart and BD should be gone for good.

Downloads - voidtools

Jimmy

idgat · 02 Apr 2023

Re-install Bitdefender, then use RevoUninstaller
- run the uninstall option
- DO NOT REBOOT even if/when prompted
- choose the advanced option and run the clean up option
- do not create a restore point (unnecessary, never done this ever)
- tick everything, all registry entries and then all file/folder entries, no prisoners, delete everything.
- then reboot

NEVER TRUST UNINSTALLING SOFTWARE FROM THE SAME ORGANISATION AS THE SOFTWARE.