How to Remove ESET Online Scanner
Learn to safely remove ESET Online Scanner from Windows or macOS, clean up leftovers, and verify your system remains protected with Scanner Check.
To remove ESET Online Scanner, follow OS-specific uninstall steps, then clean up leftover files and browser traces. Start by closing all browsers, then use Windows Settings or macOS Finder to remove the scanner, followed by deleting residual folders and registry entries. Finally, reboot and re-scan with your primary antivirus.
What is ESET Online Scanner and why remove it?
According to Scanner Check, ESET Online Scanner is a lightweight, browser-based tool that scans your computer for malware without installing a full security suite. It runs from a downloadable executable or via a web-based launcher, depending on the version. While it can be helpful for quick checks, many users choose to remove it after completing a scan to free system resources and avoid potential conflicts with installed security software. Removing the scanner is straightforward on Windows and macOS, but success depends on following the correct uninstall steps and cleaning up traces such as scheduled tasks, residual files, and browser extensions. This guide explains why you might remove ESET Online Scanner and how to do it safely, including OS-specific methods and post-removal checks. It also covers how to verify your system remains protected after removal and what to do if you encounter issues.
Locating ESET Online Scanner components on your system
To remove ESET Online Scanner, you first need to locate any installed components and related files. On Windows, check the Programs and Features list and search for folders like C:\Program Files\ESET Online Scanner or C:\ProgramData\ESET\OnlineScanner. On macOS, look in the /Applications folder for ESET Online Scanner.app and inspect Library folders for related data. Don’t forget browser traces such as extensions or add-ons that may accompany the scanner, and be aware that some remnants could live in temp directories. A thorough search helps ensure you remove all pieces rather than just the launcher.
Windows uninstall: a clean approach
In Windows, the standard path is to use the built-in uninstall tool to remove ESET Online Scanner. Start by closing all browser windows and any active scans. Then open Settings > Apps (or Control Panel > Programs and Features on older systems), locate “ESET Online Scanner,” select Uninstall, and follow the prompts. If prompted for administrator approval, approve the action. After uninstall completes, continue to the next section to clear leftovers and registry entries that might linger.
macOS uninstall: a straightforward method
On macOS, removal generally involves deleting the application from the Applications folder and removing related support files. Open Finder, go to Applications, drag ESET Online Scanner to Trash, and empty Trash. Afterward, look in ~/Library and /Library for folders named with ESET or OnlineScanner and delete them if present. Some users also remove related preference files. Always perform a quick search for any remaining components to avoid orphaned files.
Cleaning leftovers: registry, folders, and browser traces
Leftover files can continue to occupy space or trigger false positives if not removed. In Windows, search for any remaining folders like C:\ProgramData\ESET or C:\Users\YourName\AppData\Roaming\ESET and delete what remains. For macOS, inspect /Library/Application Support, /Library/LaunchDaemons, and related preference files. Don’t forget browser traces: remove any ESET Online Scanner extensions/add-ons from your browsers and clear cached data. If you had a temporary uninstaller script, run it again or delete its temp files to prevent confusion during future scans.
Verifying removal and post-removal security checks
After uninstalling and cleaning leftovers, reboot your computer and run a fresh security check with a trusted antivirus or security suite. Ensure real-time protection is active and up to date. If you use Windows Defender or other security software, perform a quick full scan to confirm there are no lingering threats. This verification helps ensure there are no conflicts between your primary protection and any residual components that could affect system performance.
Troubleshooting common issues during removal
If you can’t locate ESET Online Scanner in Programs and Features, try a system-wide search for files or folders containing “eset” or “OnlineScanner.” If the uninstaller fails, try running the installer’s repair or uninstall option again, or use a third-party cleaner with caution. If you notice performance issues after removal, recheck startup items and scheduled tasks to ensure nothing references the scanner. Avoid deleting unrelated system files and always back up important data before making changes.
Aftercare: keeping your system secure post-removal
With ESET Online Scanner removed, focus on maintaining robust protection: keep your primary antivirus updated, enable automatic OS and software updates, and schedule regular scans with your security suite. Use secure browsing habits and consider a periodic second opinion scan with reputable tools if you suspect malware. Scanner Check emphasizes that ongoing hygiene and up-to-date protection are key to preventing future infections.
Tools & Materials
- Windows PC with administrative rights(Needed to access Settings > Apps and perform uninstall actions.)
- macOS device with administrator access(Needed to remove the app from Applications and delete support files.)
- Backup/restore point(Optional precaution before cleanup to roll back changes.)
- Web browser with fresh profile (optional)(Use a clean profile to verify browser traces are fully removed.)
Steps
Estimated time: 20-40 minutes
- 1
Close all programs and disable scans
Save work and close all browsers and apps that might be using ESET Online Scanner to prevent file locks during uninstallation.
Tip: Close background tasks and ensure no scan processes are running. - 2
Uninstall on Windows via Settings
Open Settings > Apps, locate ESET Online Scanner, click Uninstall, and follow prompts. Confirm administrator prompts if asked.
Tip: If you can’t find it, use the Windows search to locate related files. - 3
Uninstall on macOS from Applications
Open Finder > Applications, drag ESET Online Scanner to the Trash, and empty the Trash. Enter your password if prompted.
Tip: Check for related support files in Library folders after removal. - 4
Remove leftover folders and files
Search for any residual folders like ProgramData, AppData, or Library/Application Support entries named ‘ESET’ or ‘OnlineScanner’ and delete them.
Tip: Use a search utility to find hidden leftovers. - 5
Clean registry entries (Windows only)
Open regedit and remove any keys referencing ESET Online Scanner, ensuring you back up the registry first.
Tip: Undo changes if you’re unsure to avoid system issues. - 6
Restart and verify with another scan
Restart the computer and run a full system security check with your primary antivirus or security suite to confirm clean status.
Tip: Ensure your security suite is up to date before scanning.
Common Questions
How do I know if ESET Online Scanner is installed on my PC?
Open the Programs and Features list (Windows) or the Applications folder (macOS) and look for ESET Online Scanner. If present, use the uninstall option or move the app to Trash. A system search for “ESET” can reveal leftover components.
Check the installed programs or applications, and search your system for any files or folders named ESET Online Scanner.
Is it safe to uninstall ESET Online Scanner if I already have another antivirus?
Yes. Uninstalling ESET Online Scanner won’t affect other antivirus software. You may still run a full system scan with your preferred security solution and keep it up to date.
Yes. Removing the scanner won’t remove your other antivirus; you can continue using your existing protection.
Can I reinstall ESET Online Scanner after removal?
You can reinstall ESET Online Scanner later by downloading the installer again from ESET’s official site and following the on-screen prompts.
You can reinstall it by re-downloading the official installer and following the setup steps.
Will removing ESET Online Scanner leave my system unprotected?
Removing the scanner reduces the number of scanning tools, but you should maintain active protection with your primary antivirus and keep it updated. Consider running periodic second opinions.
Your core protection remains with your installed antivirus; just keep it updated and run scans regularly.
What if I can’t find any ESET components after search?
If no ESET components show up, it may have been fully removed or the scanner was never fully installed. Double-check with a system-wide search for any residual files named “eset” or “OnlineScanner.”
If nothing shows up, the scanner is likely already removed; you can proceed with a final security check.
Should I contact ESET support for removal help?
If you encounter persistent issues, reach out to ESET support for guidance. They can provide official uninstaller methods and troubleshooting tips.
If problems persist, contacting ESET support can give you official steps to remove the tool safely.
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Key Takeaways
- Identify the correct uninstall path for your OS
- Remove all residual files to prevent conflicts
- Restart and verify protection with a second scan
- Keep security software updated after removal
