Certain antivirus apps are hard to remove, especially when they install system and kernel extensions. An easier way to remove all components of the software may be to erase your Mac and reinstall macOS. Doing so will erase all data, so its a good idea to backup your files with Time Machine.
To erase your Mac and reinstall macOS, follow these steps:
- Start up from macOS Recovery: Turn on your Mac, then immediately press and hold these two keys until you see an Apple logo or other image: Command (⌘) and R.
- From the utilities window, select Disk Utility and click Continue.
- Select Macintosh HD in the sidebar of Disk Utility.
- Click the Erase button in the toolbar, then enter the requested details:
- Name: Macintosh HD
- Format: APFS
- Click Erase Volume Group. If this button isn't shown, click Erase instead.
- When done, quit Disk Utility to return to the utilities window.
- Select Reinstall macOS in the utilities window, then click Continue and follow the onscreen instructions. Learn more about reinstalling macOS.
When your Mac starts up again, follow the prompts in Setup Assistant. When asked how you want to transfer your information, select "Now now". Moving data using Migration Assistant could potentially restore the issues and the antivirus apps. Rather, once your Mac is setup again, connect the backup disk, and restore items backed up with Time Machine. Manually reinstall all your apps, except for VPN and antivirus apps.
If you have any questions, please let us know!
Jack