> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.guardware.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.guardware.com/setup-and-deploy/uninstall/uninstall-protect-agent.md).

# Uninstall PROTECT Agent

{% hint style="danger" %} <mark style="color:$danger;">**Make sure to remove protection from your protected files before uninstalling PROTECT; otherwise, you won't be able to access them afterwards.**</mark>
{% endhint %}

To remove GuardWare PROTECT from your device:

1. Double-click the **PROTECT installer file**.
2. In the **Setup Wizard,** click **Next** to continue.

<div align="left"><img src="/files/97c1ae5b8282dd99b47cb94a51bed477ff33e577" alt="" width="375"></div>

3. You’ll get options to modify, repair, or remove PROTECT. Choose **Remove**, then click **Remove** to uninstall GuardWare PROTECT.

<div align="left"><img src="/files/ccd1d6871d7ec4462d06215525e0c4c673151db6" alt="" width="375"></div>

<div align="left"><img src="/files/9dd36c0ffaaf81c6c804110363caa0bc75c187dd" alt="" width="375"></div>

4. (Optional) To review or change installation settings, click **Back**. To exit without uninstalling, click **Cancel**.
5. During the uninstallation, you may see the following dialogs:
   1. **Installer Information**

      When the Installer Information appears, click **OK** to continue with the uninstallation.\
      ![](/files/2lm0H8KRnEa51cLNM5BB)
   2. **User Account Control (UAC)**\
      This is a standard Windows security feature that verifies whether you want to allow the installer to make changes to your computer. When this dialog appears:&#x20;
      1. Verify that the publisher is displayed as GuardWare Australia Pty Ltd.
      2. Click **Yes** to allow the uninstallation to proceed. If you select **No**, the uninstallation will be cancelled.
6. After uninstallation is complete, you will be prompted to restart your device. Click **Yes**.

{% hint style="info" %}
Restarting is mandatory for GuardWare PROTECT to fully uninstall.
{% endhint %}


---

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