🧹 How to Uninstall F-Secure Anti-Virus – A Pro’s Guide

🛠️ By Qwen, Senior IT Specialist
📅 Last Updated: June 16, 2025

F-Secure Anti-Virus is a robust security solution commonly used by both individuals and businesses. However, if you’re switching to another antivirus like Bitdefender, Kaspersky, or Microsoft Defender, it’s important to completely remove F-Secure from your system.

F-Secure often installs deep system components such as drivers, background services, and firewall modules — which may remain after standard uninstallation.

In this guide, I’ll show you:

• 🧩 Step-by-step methods to fully uninstall F-Secure Anti-Virus (via Settings, Control Panel, PowerShell)
• 🗑️ How to completely remove leftover files, registry entries, and drivers
• ❌ Common issues and how to avoid them
• ✅ My expert tips for keeping your system clean

Let’s begin!

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⚠️ Why You Should Fully Uninstall F-Secure Anti-Virus

The standard uninstaller removes the main program, but residual components can still remain:

• Background services
• Real-time protection drivers
• Scheduled tasks
• Registry keys
• Quarantine folders
• Policy or update caches

These leftovers can interfere with new antivirus installations or cause performance issues.

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📦 Method 1: Uninstall via Windows Settings (Recommended for Most Users)

Steps:

1. Press Win + I to open Settings
2. Go to Apps > Installed apps
3. Scroll down and find F-Secure Anti-Virus
4. Click the three dots (…) → Uninstall
5. Follow the prompts to complete the process

This method works on Windows 10 and Windows 11

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🧰 Method 2: Uninstall via Control Panel (Legacy Method)

Steps:

1. Press Win + R, type:

appwiz.cpl

2. In the Programs and Features window, scroll and select F-Secure Anti-Virus
3. Click Uninstall at the top
4. Confirm and follow the on-screen instructions

This method also works well if you’re using older versions of Windows.

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⚙️ Method 3: Using PowerShell (For Automation or Bulk Tasks)

You can use PowerShell to silently uninstall F-Secure — useful in enterprise environments or scripting scenarios.

Steps:

1. Open PowerShell as Administrator
2. Type the following command:

Get-WmiObject -Class Win32_Product | Where-Object { $_.Name -match "F-Secure" } | Invoke-WmiMethod -Name Uninstall

Note: This only works if F-Secure was installed via an MSI installer.

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🧨 Method 4: Use Revo Uninstaller (Third-Party Tool)

If you want a more thorough uninstall experience:

Steps:

1. Download and install Revo Uninstaller
2. Launch the app
3. Find F-Secure Anti-Virus in the list
4. Click Uninstall
5. Choose Advanced or Turbo mode
6. Let Revo scan for leftovers and delete them

Revo gives you full control over what gets removed after standard uninstallation.

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🗑️ Bonus: Remove Leftovers After Uninstall

After uninstalling, some residual data might still remain. Here’s how to remove them:

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🔹 Step 1: Delete Installation Folder

1. Navigate to:

   C:\Program Files\F-Secure

or

   C:\Program Files (x86)\F-Secure

2. If it exists, delete the folder

Also check:

C:\ProgramData\F-Secure

Note: ProgramData is a hidden folder. Enable hidden files in File Explorer to see it.

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🔹 Step 2: Remove User Data & Logs

1. Press Win + R, type:

%APPDATA%\F-Secure

2. Delete the folder if it exists

Also check:

%LOCALAPPDATA%\F-Secure

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🔹 Step 3: Remove Services and Drivers

F-Secure installs several system services and drivers that may not be removed automatically.

To Remove Them Manually:

1. Press Win + R, type:

services.msc

2. Look for any services starting with:

• F-Secure
• FS
• FAU

2. Right-click each → Properties
3. Set Startup type to Disabled
4. Click Stop, then OK

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Optional: Remove F-Secure Filtering Driver (fsdfs.sys)

This driver is part of F-Secure Internet Security and handles content filtering.

To remove it:

1. Download Driver Fusion or DevCon (Microsoft tool)
2. Scan for installed drivers
3. Locate and uninstall any drivers related to:

• F-Secure DFS Filter Driver
• fsdfs.sys

1. Restart your PC

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🔹 Step 4: Clean the Registry (Use with Caution)

Use a trusted registry cleaner like CCEnhancer, Wise Registry Cleaner, or JetClean to remove orphaned entries.

Alternatively, manually back up and edit the registry:

1. Press Win + R, type:

regedit

2. Navigate to:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\F-Secure

3. Back up the key (right-click → Export)
4. Delete the F-Secure key

Also check:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\F-Secure

⚠️ Warning: Editing the registry manually can cause system instability. Always back up first.

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🛡️ Expert Tip: Use F-Secure Removal Tool (Official)

F-Secure provides an official Removal Tool for cleaning up failed or incomplete uninstalls.

Steps:

1. Contact F-Secure Support or search their support site for “F-Secure Removal Tool”
2. Download the latest version
3. Run it as Administrator
4. It will detect and remove all F-Secure components safely

This is especially useful in business environments or when migrating between security solutions.

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📊 Summary Table

Method	OS Support	Thoroughness	Best For
📦 Windows Settings	Win 10/11	Basic uninstall	Casual users
🧰 Control Panel	All Windows versions	Standard	Older systems
⚙️ PowerShell	Win 10+	Scriptable	Admins/IT pros
🧨 Revo Uninstaller	All	Deep cleanup	Power users
🗑️ Manual Cleanup	All	Complete removal	Advanced users

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❌ Common Issues & Fixes

Problem	Solution
❌ Can’t uninstall due to missing installer	Reinstall latest version from official site, then uninstall
❌ Leftover services still running	Manually disable/delete via Services (services.msc)
❌ fsdfs.sys driver remains	Use DevCon or Driver Fusion to remove
❌ Error: “Another installation is already in progress”	Restart your PC and try again

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✅ Final Thoughts – From an IT Expert

As a senior IT specialist who has deployed and cleaned hundreds of PCs in corporate and personal settings, I recommend always checking for leftover drivers, services, and registry entries after uninstalling any antivirus software — especially enterprise-grade ones like F-Secure.

It ensures a clean slate and prevents potential issues when installing new security tools or upgrading your system.

🔧 Pro Tip: If you’re removing F-Secure because of performance concerns or conflicts, consider using lightweight alternatives like Bitdefender, Malwarebytes, or Microsoft Defender.

📌 Need help automating F-Secure removal across multiple machines or deploying a safer alternative? Feel free to ask!
💬 Stay secure. Stay clean.