How to Cancel Webroot Antivirus (2026 Guide) — Windows Defender Does Everything It Does
Updated 2026-02-24 · 5 min read
Webroot SecureAnywhere costs $39.99-79.99/year depending on your plan and number of devices. If you're on Windows 10 or 11, you already have Microsoft Defender — which independent testing labs rate equally or better than Webroot. Here's how to cancel auto-renewal and uninstall.
Confirm — your protection continues until the expiration date
⚠️ Best Buy Purchase? If you bought Webroot at Best Buy or through your ISP, auto-renewal may be managed through that retailer. Check your email for renewal notices — the sender tells you who's billing you.
How to Uninstall Webroot
Windows
Open Settings → Apps → Installed Apps
Find Webroot SecureAnywhere
Click Uninstall
Follow the uninstall wizard
Restart your computer
Windows Defender will automatically activate once Webroot is removed
Mac
Open the Webroot SecureAnywhere app
Click Webroot SecureAnywhere in the menu bar
Click Uninstall Webroot
Enter your Mac password to confirm
macOS has built-in XProtect malware protection that activates automatically
Why Windows Defender Is Enough in 2026
This isn't the Windows XP era anymore. Microsoft Defender in 2026:
AV-TEST scores: Microsoft Defender consistently scores 5.5-6/6 in protection, same as paid antivirus
Real-time protection: Monitors files, downloads, and network activity continuously
Phishing protection: SmartScreen in Edge and Chrome blocks malicious sites
Firewall: Windows Firewall is built-in and active by default
Zero cost: Free, no subscription, no renewal, no upsells
Webroot vs Free Alternatives
Windows Defender (free) — Built into Windows. Scores as high as paid AV in independent tests. No bloatware
Malwarebytes Free — On-demand scanner for second-opinion scans. Not real-time but great for spot-checks
Bitwarden (free) — If you're paying for Webroot's password manager, switch to Bitwarden instead
macOS XProtect (free) — Built into every Mac. Apple updates malware definitions automatically
Webroot Refund Policy
70-day money-back guarantee on new purchases (direct from Webroot)
Auto-renewal charges: contact 1-866-254-8400 within 70 days of charge for refund
Retailer purchases: refund through the retailer, not Webroot
If past 70 days, Webroot typically won't refund — but you can still turn off auto-renewal
The Sneaky Renewal Price Hike
Webroot's classic move: sell you the first year at a promotional price ($29.99), then auto-renew at the full price ($49.99-79.99). If you just got a renewal charge that's higher than expected:
Call 1-866-254-8400 immediately
Ask for a refund of the renewal
They may offer the promotional price again to keep you
Decline if you plan to use Windows Defender instead
🔍 Security Subscription Audit: Webroot + VPN + identity monitoring + password manager — you might be paying $200+/year for security tools that have free equivalents. Upload your bank statement to JustCancel to find every security subscription you're paying for.