How to cleanly, fully, uninstall NordVPN application ( on macOS )?

Hello, I recently installed NordVPN to test it, essentially its application security,

since I know what a VPN is and how limited its protection is related to external IP exchanges.


Now I would like to uninstall it

which is part of my professionnal security and quality evaluation of this application:

an application one cannot cleanly stop and remove fully is not a secure application.


I was surprised that this application doesn't have an uninstaller on macOS and is pointing users

toward an ΑppΙe general procedure to uninstall an application:

Install or uninstall other app on mac

Unfortunately this very basic procedure leaves a running daemon:

/usr/bin/sudo launchctl list | grep vpn

and many files inside:

~/Library/Caches
          Containers
          Application Scripts
          Application Support
          Preferences
/var/root/Library/…

where this list is far from complete.


Where to find a more complete uninstall procedure of this application?

How to write one with a shell script?


Should I ask this question on the Apple developer web?


Since I have many versions of macOS to admin, this question stands for all

versions of macOS from Big Sur to Tahoe.

Posted on Dec 10, 2025 7:09 AM

Reply
3 replies

Dec 10, 2025 9:49 PM in response to Zorba_le_grec

NordVPN leaves behind Network Extensions, LaunchDaemons, user containers, and root configs after simple deletion. A full uninstall requires:

  1. uninstalling network extensions via systemextensionsctl,
  2. unloading/removing LaunchDaemons and Agents,
  3. deleting app bundles and sandbox containers,
  4. removing root-level leftovers,
  5. clearing VPN profiles, and
  6. rebooting.


This completely removes NordVPN on macOS Big Sur → Tahoe. A safe Zsh uninstall script can automate it.

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How to cleanly, fully, uninstall NordVPN application ( on macOS )?

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