When you want to connect to your office network from remote or just protect yourself while online one of the best methods to use is called VPN.
VPN is an acronym that stands for “virtual private network.” This tool can encrypt up to 100% of your internet traffic and can protect you from hackers if you are on an open WiFi connection like a coffee shop or restaurant.
VPNs work by redirecting your internet traffic through a unique configured and remote server, or back to your office, effectively hiding your IP address. This makes it harder for websites to know where you physically are, as the data is redirected to a new location.
Over time old VPNs can cause problems, and it can be beneficial to know how to remove old VPNs. VPNs redirect your traffic and modify your PC’s connection settings, both of which can lead to slower performance over time. Knowing how to safely and effectively remove the VPNs stored on your computer can help you improve your computer’s performance. Here is how to remove the VPN tools from your computer and your mobile device.
Removing VPNs From a Windows Device
Following these steps will help you delete VPNs from your Windows computer:
- Open the control panel
- Select the Apps option
- Find and remove the desired VPN program
Sometimes simply removing the VPN program isn’t enough to completely get rid of the VPN. Some VPN programs will install additional tools, so you will have to remove these as well. Depending on what type of additional tool the VPN has installed onto your computer will change the way you remove it.
Browser Add-Ons will need to be removed by visiting the browser’s add-on page. Find the browser add-on you no longer want and then click uninstall. It should be removed in a matter of moments.
Leftover Files are fragments of software that are invisible to users. These can include registry entries (adjusting Registry settings without understanding what you are doing can wipe out Windows), desktop shortcuts, and apps that continuously run in the background. Getting rid of them is pretty simple.
- Registry entries do all sorts of things. These should be dealt with only as a last resort, as they can make your computer unusable. You may want to ask a trusted IT specialist to help you uninstall unwanted registry entries, as doing so yourself can accidentally break your Windows installation, which you do not want to happen.
- Desktop Shortcuts will often be stored on your computer. To remove these, simply drag the icon to the trash and empty it.
- Small apps can be trickier to spot.
- Open the window’s task manager ( hit Ctrl + Alt + Delete).
- Scroll through the list and make note of any apps you do not recognize. Perform a quick Google search to ensure you are not deleting an important app.
- Often these are needed programs that you did not know you needed. Deleting the wrong one can mess up your PC. If you are sure it is not wanted, delete them.
Removing unneeded files and VPNs from your Windows computer will allow it to run more efficiently and free up storage for your work.
Removing VPNs From a Mac Computer
Macintosh computers are a bit different than their PC counterparts. Though they have different software, deleting VPNs is pretty much the same. To uninstall a VPN from a MAC computer, follow these steps:
- Go to the applications directory in the finder menu.
- Scroll through until you find the VPN. Then drag it or click with two fingers and select the delete prompt.
- If the VPN had any supporting files, these can be found in the /Library/Application Support directory folder. You can delete these from this folder.
Removing VPNs From an iPhone or iPad
iPhones and iPads are known for their user-friendliness, which is why removing VPNs from them is probably the easiest from any internet device. To remove a VPN, simply go to the home screen and find the corresponding app. Hold down on the application until the x icon pops up in a bubble on the left-hand corner. Click it to remove the app. Any attached documents or files to the app will also be effectively removed.
Removing VPNs From an Android Device
Removing an app from an Android is fairly simple. Much like on an IOS device, once you remove the app, any corresponding files and documents should also be removed. To delete a VPN from an Android device, open your default uninstaller. Select the app you wish to remove and then move it to the trashcan icon on the home screen. A prompt window should pop up for confirmation to delete the app.
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