How to Cancel Kaspersky in 2026 (Uninstall + Stop Auto-Renewal)
Updated 2026-02-20 · 6 min read
🚨 Banned by the US Government
In June 2024, the US Commerce Department banned the sale and distribution of Kaspersky software in the United States, citing national security risks. Kaspersky Lab is headquartered in Moscow and subject to Russian law, which can compel companies to assist intelligence agencies. As of September 29, 2024, Kaspersky can no longer provide updates to US customers. If you still have Kaspersky installed, it's no longer receiving security updates and should be removed immediately.
Step 1: Cancel Auto-Renewal
Go to my.kaspersky.com (if still accessible)
Click Subscriptions
Find your license → click Cancel Auto-Renewal
If purchased through a third party (Best Buy, Amazon), cancel through that platform
Check your credit card: Kaspersky may still attempt charges — dispute any post-ban charges with your bank
Step 2: Uninstall Kaspersky Completely
Windows
Settings → Apps → Apps & Features
Find Kaspersky → Uninstall
If normal uninstall fails, use Kaspersky's kavremover tool (search "Kaspersky removal tool")
Restart your computer
Enable Windows Defender: It should activate automatically — verify in Windows Security
Mac
Open Kaspersky → click the Kaspersky menu → Uninstall
Or: Finder → Applications → drag Kaspersky to Trash
Empty Trash
Mac has built-in XProtect malware protection — no additional antivirus needed
Phone
Android: Settings → Apps → Kaspersky → Uninstall. Revoke device admin permissions first if prompted.
iPhone: Long-press app → Delete App. iOS doesn't need antivirus — it's sandboxed by design.
What About UltraAV?
In September 2024, Kaspersky automatically replaced itself with UltraAV on many US computers — without user consent. UltraAV is a product from Pango, which took over Kaspersky's US customers. Many users were alarmed to find software they didn't install. If you have UltraAV and didn't choose it, uninstall it the same way you would any program.
Do You Even Need Antivirus in 2026?
Windows: Windows Defender (built-in, free) is consistently rated 99%+ detection by AV-TEST. For most people, it's all you need.
Mac: XProtect (built-in) + Gatekeeper + sandboxing. Third-party antivirus is unnecessary for most Mac users.
iPhone: iOS sandboxing means traditional antivirus literally cannot work — any "antivirus" app is theater.
Android: Google Play Protect scans apps automatically. Avoid sideloading and you're fine.
The real threats: Phishing emails, weak passwords, and social engineering — no antivirus prevents clicking a fake link. Use a password manager instead.
If You Want Extra Protection (Free)
Malwarebytes Free: On-demand scanner (not real-time) — good for periodic checks
Bitwarden (free): Password manager — prevents the #1 actual security risk (reused passwords)
uBlock Origin: Browser ad blocker — blocks malicious ads and tracking, major security improvement
Firefox/Brave: Built-in tracking protection superior to Chrome
Two-factor authentication: Enable 2FA on all important accounts — this prevents more breaches than any antivirus
💡 The Antivirus Industry's Dirty Secret
Most paid antivirus software is unnecessary in 2026. Windows Defender achieves 99%+ malware detection (same as paid tools). Paid antivirus companies like Norton, McAfee, and Kaspersky now make most of their money from bundled VPNs, identity protection, and auto-renewing subscriptions — not from antivirus technology. You're paying $40-100/year for features your OS provides free.
🔍 Find All Your Security Subscriptions
Kaspersky, Norton, McAfee, LifeLock, VPNs — security subscriptions stack up fast. Upload your bank statement to JustCancel to find every recurring security charge and evaluate what you actually need.