How to remove remote access software

Remote-access tools like AnyDesk, TeamViewer, Zoho Assist, UltraViewer, and others are commonly used in tech support scams, refund scams, and bank impersonation scams. These programs allow a scammer to remotely control a victim’s computer, and even after the scammer disconnects, the software often remains installed.

Because these tools are legitimate programs, antivirus software will not remove them. They must be removed manually — otherwise the scammer may continue accessing the victim’s computer without their knowledge.

This guide explains why these tools must be removed and provides step-by-step instructions for everyday users to safely delete them.

Why It’s Important to Remove This Software

Even after the scammer ends the session, the installed software may allow them to:

• Reconnect to your computer at any time
• Watch your screen and view your passwords
• Access your online banking or email
• Install additional malicious tools
• Continue stealing information or money

Because these tools are not technically malware, they bypass antivirus detection. The only way to stop future access is to remove the programs completely.

Before You Begin: Take These Safety Steps

If a scammer accessed your computer, take these actions first:

1. Change your passwords from a different device — not the affected computer.
2. Contact your bank or credit union if you gave any financial information.
3. Disconnect the affected computer from the internet by unplugging Ethernet or turning off Wi-Fi.

Once your accounts are secure, you can begin removing the remote-access tools.

How to Remove Remote Access Software (Windows)

Step 1: Uninstall Suspicious Programs

1. Press Windows Key and type Control Panel.
2. Open Programs and Features or Uninstall a Program.
3. Look for programs such as:
   • AnyDesk
   • TeamViewer
   • UltraViewer
   • Zoho Assist
   • AeroAdmin
   • GoToAssist / LogMeIn
   • SplashTop
   • Chrome Remote Desktop
4. Select the program and click Uninstall.

If you are unsure whether a program is legitimate, it is usually safe to remove it.

Step 2: Remove "Quick Assist" (Windows 10 & 11)

1. Press Windows Key → search for Apps & Features.
2. Click Optional Features.
3. Find Microsoft Quick Assist.
4. Click Uninstall.

You can reinstall Quick Assist later if needed.

Step 3: Delete Leftover Folders

1. Open File Explorer.
2. Check these locations:
   • C:\Program Files
   • C:\Program Files (x86)
   • C:\Users\<YourName>\AppData\Local
   • C:\Users\<YourName>\AppData\Roaming
3. Delete any folder named after the remote-access tool you removed.

Step 4: Disable Remote Access Completely

1. Press Windows Key and type Remote Settings.
2. Select Don’t allow remote connections.
3. Uncheck Allow Remote Assistance connections to this computer.

Step 5: Check Startup Programs

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Go to the Startup tab.
3. Disable anything related to remote access or programs you don’t recognize.

How to Remove Remote Access Software (Mac)

Step 1: Uninstall the Tools

1. Open Finder.
2. Click Applications.
3. Look for:
   • AnyDesk
   • TeamViewer
   • Zoho Assist
   • SplashTop
   • Chrome Remote Desktop
4. Right-click and choose Move to Trash.

Step 2: Remove Leftover Files

1. In Finder, click Go → Go to Folder.
2. Enter the following folders one at a time:
   • ~/Library/Application Support/
   • ~/Library/LaunchAgents/
   • ~/Library/Preferences/
   • ~/Library/Caches/
3. Delete files or folders matching the name of the remote-access program.

Optional: Run a Malware Scanner

Although these remote tools are not malware, scammers sometimes install additional software. Free scanners that can help:

• Malwarebytes Free
• Microsoft Safety Scanner
• ESET Online Scan

How to Know the Software Is Gone

• The app no longer appears in Programs or Applications.
• No icons appear in the system tray or menu bar.
• No remote connections start automatically.
• Task Manager or Activity Monitor shows no remote-access tools running.

How to Prevent This in the Future

• Never allow remote access to anyone who contacts you unexpectedly.
• Ignore pop-ups claiming your computer is “infected.”
• Turn on two-factor authentication for important accounts.
• Use strong, unique passwords stored in a password manager.
• Contact your bank or credit union immediately if money or account details were shared.

Final Thoughts

Remote-access tools are powerful — which is why scammers love them. Even after the scam ends, the software can give scammers a way back into your computer. Antivirus tools won’t remove these programs, so it’s critical to delete them manually.

Following the steps in this guide will help ensure your computer is secure and that the scammer cannot reconnect.