I want to delete the Proton VPN from this PC

Quick uninstall from Windows settings (primary method)

How to do it

• Open Start > Settings.
• Go to Apps > Apps & features.
• Scroll to Proton VPN, click it, then select Uninstall.
• Confirm any prompts and allow the uninstaller to finish.

This is the standard method and should work for most users. If you encounter a message saying Proton VPN can’t be uninstalled normally, move on to the next sections for cleanup steps and alternatives.

Common issues and how to fix them

When uninstall fails or stalls

• If you see an error message, restart your computer and try again.
• Ensure you’re signed in with an account that has administrator privileges.
• Disable any active VPN network adapters before uninstalling:
• Open Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Change adapter settings.
• Right-click the Proton VPN TAP adapter (and any VPN-related adapters) and choose Disable/Uninstall.
• After restarting, try the standard uninstall steps again.

If the TAP driver remains after uninstall

Sometimes the TAP/Wintun drivers or related services linger. In that case:

• Open Device Manager (right-click Start, choose Device Manager).
• Under Network adapters, look for Proton VPN TAP or similar entries.
• Right-click > Uninstall device. Check “Delete the driver software for this device” if available.
• Reboot and confirm the driver is gone from Network adapters.

Manual cleanup of leftovers

Even after a successful uninstall, some traces can remain. Here’s how to clean them up cleanly.

Check startup and services

• Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager, go to the Startup tab, and disable any Proton VPN entries if present.
• Open Services (search services.msc) and look for ProtonVPNService or related names. If found, stop and set Startup type to Disabled, then Exit.

Remove remaining files and folders

• Check typical install paths, such as:
• C:\Program Files\ProtonVPN
• C:\Program Files (x86)\ProtonVPN
• C:\Users<YourUser>\AppData\Local\ProtonVPN
• C:\Users<YourUser>\AppData\Roaming\ProtonVPN
• Delete any Proton VPN folders you find. If Windows prompts for admin permission, approve it.

Clean registry entries (advanced)

• This step is optional and should be done carefully.
• Open Run (Win + R), type regedit, and press Enter.
• Before altering, back up the registry: File > Export.
• Search for ProtonVPN or Proton VPN and remove related keys. Common spots include:
• HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE
• HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software
• Do not delete unrelated entries. If you’re unsure, skip this step or use a third-party uninstaller that handles registry cleanup.

Rejoining networks and ensuring clean uninstall

After removing Proton VPN, you may want to confirm your network configuration is clean.

Reconnect your internet

• If you use Wi-Fi, reconnect to your preferred network.
• If you use Ethernet, ensure the adapter is enabled and functioning.

Verify no VPN bindings are active

• Open a browser and visit a site like whatismyipaddress.com to verify your IP shows your real location and not a VPN tunnel.
• Run a quick network trace or use a network analyzer if you want to confirm there are no active VPN routes.

Alternatives and comparison (why you might switch)

If you’re uninstalling Proton VPN because you want a different experience, it helps to compare a few options. ZoogVPN is one recommended alternative and is worth considering depending on your needs (cost, locations, features, speed). Here’s a quick snapshot to help you decide. How to get a VPN for Edge on iPhone

Quick comparison: Proton VPN vs ZoogVPN

• Platform support: Both support Windows. Proton VPN also has mobile apps and macOS; ZoogVPN supports Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and some routers.
• Privacy stance: Proton VPN is known for a strong privacy focus with a transparent policy. ZoogVPN offers standard no-logs claims and privacy features common to consumer VPNs.
• Features: Proton VPN includes a Free tier, Secure Core, and WireGuard/OpenVPN compatibility. ZoogVPN emphasizes simple apps, multiple protocols, and a broad server network.
• Pricing: Proton VPN has a free tier with paid plans; ZoogVPN pricing varies by plan and region. Check current pricing on their site for up-to-date details.

Table: Basic feature snapshot

Notes:

• This table is a quick guide. For the most accurate feature set and pricing, visit the providers’ official sites.
• If you want to learn more about ZoogVPN, you can visit zoogvpn.com for current plans, features, and free trial options.

Quick steps if you decide to switch to ZoogVPN

If you’re ready to switch, here’s a simple path to try ZoogVPN on Windows.

• Visit ZoogVPN: Go to zoogvpn.com and review plans.
• Download and install: Grab the Windows app, run the installer, and follow on-screen instructions.
• Create an account: Sign up or log in if you already have an account.
• Pick a server: Start with a nearby or fast-optimized server for testing.
• Test your connection: Use a site like whatismyipaddress.com to verify your IP and region.
• Optional: Explore additional features like kill switch, DNS leak protection, and split tunneling in ZoogVPN’s app.

If you want to keep Proton VPN for a while but with less clutter, you can also consider reinstalling, then performing a thorough uninstall using the steps above. Sometimes a fresh attempt with careful removal of drivers and services yields the cleanest result.

Final note and recommendation If you’re removing Proton VPN due to performance concerns or a desire for a different user experience, trying ZoogVPN is a reasonable option. ZoogVPN provides a solid balance of ease of use, privacy, and network reach, and many users find its apps straightforward for Windows. Before deciding, compare the current features, trial options, and any free or entry-level plans to ensure the switch aligns with your needs. How to disconnect a NordVPN on my laptop

Bottom line: Start with the standard Windows uninstall, then clean up any leftover drivers and files. If you want a fresh VPN experience, ZoogVPN is a reputable alternative to consider after you’ve completed the removal.