ESET Online Scanner is a free, lightweight tool designed to detect and remove malware from your Windows computer. It operates as a one-time scan utility, requiring no heavy installation or system resources, making it a popular choice for users seeking a quick security check. Unlike full antivirus suites, it runs on-demand and doesn’t integrate deeply into your system. While keeping ESET Online Scanner on your device is harmless and can be useful for periodic scans, some users may prefer to remove it to de-clutter their system or free up minimal disk space. Fortunately, uninstalling ESET Online Scanner is straightforward since it doesn’t “install” in the traditional sense.
Why Remove ESET Online Scanner?
There’s no harm in leaving ESET Online Scanner on your system, as it consumes negligible resources and doesn’t run in the background unless activated. However, you might want to remove it to tidy up your desktop, reduce folder clutter, or because you no longer need its services. Since it’s not a fully installed program, uninstalling it involves deleting specific files and shortcuts rather than using a traditional uninstaller. The process is simple and takes just a few minutes.
Step-by-Step Guide to Uninstall ESET Online Scanner
Step 1: Delete the ESET Online Scanner Folder
The primary component of ESET Online Scanner is stored in a specific folder on your system. To remove it:
- Open File Explorer: Press Windows + E or click the File Explorer icon on your taskbar.
- Navigate to the Folder: Go to the %LocalAppData%\ESET\ESETOnlineScanner directory. You can do this by typing %LocalAppData%\ESET\ESETOnlineScanner into the File Explorer address bar and pressing Enter.
- Delete the ESETOnlineScanner Sub-Folder: Right-click the ESETOnlineScanner sub-folder and select Delete. Be cautious to only delete the ESETOnlineScanner sub-folder, not the parent ESET folder, as it may contain files related to other ESET products you have installed.
This step removes the core files of ESET Online Scanner from your system. If you don’t see the folder, it’s possible the scanner was never downloaded or was already removed.
Step 2: Remove the Desktop Shortcut
ESET Online Scanner often creates a shortcut on your desktop for easy access. To remove it:
- Locate the Shortcut: Look for an icon labeled “ESET Online Scanner” on your desktop.
- Delete the Shortcut: Right-click the icon and select Delete, or drag it to the Recycle Bin.
This step ensures your desktop remains clutter-free. If no shortcut exists, you can skip this step.
Reusing ESET Online Scanner in the Future
If you change your mind and want to use ESET Online Scanner again, you can easily download it from the official ESET website at https://www.eset.com/int/home/online-scanner/. The tool is free, and you can run it as needed without any long-term commitment. Each download provides the latest version, ensuring up-to-date malware detection.
Conclusion
Uninstalling ESET Online Scanner from your Windows PC is a quick and simple process that involves deleting its dedicated folder and desktop shortcut. Since it doesn’t deeply integrate into your system, there’s no need for complex uninstallation procedures. By following the two steps outlined—deleting the ESETOnlineScanner sub-folder from %LocalAppData%\ESET and removing the desktop shortcut—you can fully remove the tool in minutes.