Any remaining files from the old VPN can cause conflicts with a newly installed VPN, like conflicting TAP drivers. This article will guide you on how to completely remove a VPN from your computer on multiple operating systems. Quick navigation:
1 Removing a VPN from Windows 2 Removing a VPN from Windows (Manually) 3 Removing TAP Drivers from Windows PC 4 Remove a VPN on Mac OS X 5 Remove a VPN on iOS 6 Remove a VPN on Android 7 Remove a VPN on Linux
Removing a VPN from PC
Deleting a VPN from a PC shouldn’t be too difficult, as they have protocols specifically for uninstalling applications on Mac and Windows. These programs delete the program and any associated files, making them the easiest and one of the most effective way to remove a VPN.
Removing a VPN from Windows
One of the recommended ways to remove a VPN from Windows is to use the free version of Revo Uninstaller. While users can use their device’s integrated uninstaller program, Revo is considered more efficient and effective. Steps to Use Revo Uninstaller (free version):
Removing a VPN from Windows (Manually)
If your VPN was installed manually, you might need to uninstall manually too. Even if installed automatically, it could still be a good idea to manually uninstall it as a precaution to ensure all relative files are removed on your device. Steps to Manually Remove VPN:
Removing TAP Drivers from Windows PC
TAP drivers are one of the reasons why installing multiple VPNs on your Windows device can result in problems. These drivers enable your VPN to function, and when there is more than one VPN installed on a Windows PC, the TAP drivers from one can clash with the other, disrupting the VPN connection. If you have removed your previous VPN successfully, you may still need to remove the TAP drivers. Even if you use an uninstall software, like Revo Uninstaller, the TAP drivers should also be removed. Steps to Remove TAP Drivers:
Remove a VPN on Mac OS X
There are two recommended apps for removing a VPN on a device using Mac OS X: AppCleaner (free) and CleanApp for Mac; both are similar to Revo Uninstaller. The Mac apps are simple to use, with simple instructions given to follow. CleanApp will scan for legacy files and then delete them, but after deleting s VPN from a Mac device, you will want to remove any remaining associated files manually. Steps to Remove a VPN on Mac:
Remove a VPN on iOS
If you have an iOS device with a VPN, you will need to delete the VPN app and then delete individual files to completely remove the VPN from your device. Steps to Remove a VPN from iOS:
Remove a VPN on Android
If you have an Android device with a VPN, you will need to delete the VPN app and then delete individual files to completely remove the VPN from your device. Steps to Remove a VPN from Android:
Remove a VPN on Linux
If you used a packet manager to install the VPN on a Linux device, then you will also need to use that packet manager to remove the VPN in its entiret This will be the only thing required to remove a VPN from Linux in most cases. Keep in mind that using APT “remove” isn’t enough when removing a VPN on Linux. To remove configuration files, you can use the “purge” function. (It may not delete all the files from the home folder.) Stacer and GCleaner are two good apps to remove a VPN from a Linux device.
Best VPNs
If you’re thinking about switching VPN providers, you can’t go wrong with ExpressVPN or CyberGhost; two of the most efficient products on the market.
1 ExpressVPN
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2CyberGhost VPN
256-bit AES Encryption Simultaneous connections for up to 7 devices DNS and IP Leak Protection A strict policy of no-logs 3,000+ servers across 61 countries
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Conclusion
Use caution and follow this guide and our recommended uninstallers to remove a VPN from your devices completely. There’s nothing like a clean slate to help ensure you’re security, privacy, and anonymity online.
