Uninstall ExpressVPN Completely from Your Device (Windows & Mac)
ExpressVPN is a popular VPN service that can be installed on Windows and Mac to encrypt internet traffic and route it through a VPN server. However, simply removing the ExpressVPN application may not always remove every related setting, network component, configuration, or leftover file.
If you are switching to another VPN, troubleshooting ExpressVPN, freeing up storage, or no longer need the service, you may want to remove it completely.
This guide explains how to uninstall ExpressVPN from Windows and Mac, including additional cleanup methods for advanced users.
Uninstall ExpressVPN Completely from Your Device (Windows & Mac)
To completely uninstall ExpressVPN, first remove the application using the normal Windows or macOS uninstall process.
On Windows, open Settings > Apps > Installed apps, find ExpressVPN, and select Uninstall.
On Mac, open Applications, move ExpressVPN to the Trash, and empty the Trash. Afterward, restart your device and check for remaining ExpressVPN files, VPN profiles, network adapters, login items, and related settings.
Windows users can also use Command Prompt or PowerShell to remove related components when the standard uninstall method does not work.
Let’s explore the steps in detail!
How to Completely Uninstall ExpressVPN from Windows
Step 1: Close ExpressVPN Completely
Before uninstalling ExpressVPN, make sure the application is not running. Look at the notification area on the right side of the Windows taskbar. If you see the ExpressVPN icon, right-click it and choose the option to exit or quit the application.
You should also close any ExpressVPN windows that are currently open. Closing the program first prevents Windows from locking files that the uninstaller may need to remove.
Step 2: Disconnect the VPN Connection
If ExpressVPN is currently connected, disconnect it before removing the application. Open ExpressVPN and click the Disconnect button.
Wait until the application shows that the VPN connection has been disconnected. This is particularly important because ExpressVPN can install networking components that interact with your internet connection.
Once disconnected, close ExpressVPN again.
Step 3: Uninstall ExpressVPN from Windows Settings
Press Windows + I to open Windows Settings. Select Apps, then select Installed apps in Windows 11. In Windows 10, you can select Apps & features instead.
Use the search box to find ExpressVPN. Click the three-dot button next to ExpressVPN and select Uninstall. Follow the instructions shown by the ExpressVPN uninstaller.
If Windows asks you to confirm the removal, select Uninstall again and allow the process to finish.
Step 4: Restart Your Windows PC
After ExpressVPN has been uninstalled, restart Windows. Open the Start menu, select the Power button, and choose Restart.
Restarting is useful because Windows may still have ExpressVPN-related services or network components loaded in memory. A reboot gives Windows an opportunity to unload those components and refresh your network configuration.
Step 5: Check for Leftover ExpressVPN Files
After restarting, open File Explorer and check common locations where applications may store configuration or cache files.
You can press Windows + R, enter %AppData%, and press Enter. Look for a folder associated with ExpressVPN. If you find a folder that clearly belongs to ExpressVPN and the application has already been removed, you can delete it.
Repeat the process with %LocalAppData%. Be careful not to delete unrelated folders. Only remove files or folders that clearly belong to ExpressVPN.
Step 6: Check Windows Network Connections
ExpressVPN may use VPN-related network components. To check your network adapters, right-click the Start button and open Device Manager.
Expand Network adapters and look for an adapter that clearly identifies ExpressVPN or its VPN technology. If you find one that remains after the application has been uninstalled, you can right-click it and select Uninstall device.
Do not remove your normal Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Bluetooth, or other hardware adapters unless you are certain what they are.
Step 7: Remove an Unused VPN Profile
Windows can retain VPN configurations even after an application is removed. Open Settings > Network & internet > VPN.
Look for an ExpressVPN-related VPN profile. If one remains and you no longer need it, open its options and select Remove.
If you use another VPN, make sure you identify the correct profile before deleting anything.
How to Completely Uninstall ExpressVPN from Mac
Step 1: Disconnect ExpressVPN
Open ExpressVPN on your Mac and disconnect from the VPN server. Then quit the application.
You can usually quit an application by opening its menu and selecting Quit ExpressVPN. You can also use Command + Q while the application is active.
Step 2: Open the Applications Folder
Open Finder and select Applications from the sidebar. Locate ExpressVPN.
Right-click ExpressVPN and select Move to Trash. macOS may ask you to enter your administrator password or authenticate with Touch ID.
If ExpressVPN provides an uninstaller with your installed version, use that uninstaller when available because it can remove application-specific components more thoroughly.
Step 3: Remove Remaining ExpressVPN Files
Some application preferences, caches, and support files may remain after an application is moved to the Trash.
In Finder, select Go > Go to Folder. You can check locations such as ~/Library/Application Support/ and ~/Library/Preferences/ for files or folders clearly associated with ExpressVPN.
You can also check ~/Library/Caches/ for ExpressVPN-related cache files.
Only remove items that clearly belong to ExpressVPN. Avoid deleting unknown system files because macOS relies on many folders inside the Library.
Step 4: Check VPN Settings on Mac
Open System Settings and look for VPN or Network settings, depending on your macOS version.
If an ExpressVPN-related VPN configuration remains after uninstalling the application, remove it if you no longer need it.
The exact location and appearance of these settings can vary between macOS versions.
Step 5: Check Login Items
Open System Settings > General > Login Items. Look through the applications and background items that are allowed to launch automatically.
If ExpressVPN is still listed after uninstalling the application, remove or disable the remaining ExpressVPN-related login item if macOS allows you to do so.
Step 6: Empty the Trash and Restart Your Mac
Once you have finished checking for leftover files and VPN configurations, open the Trash and select Empty Trash.
Finally, restart your Mac. After restarting, verify that ExpressVPN no longer appears in your Applications folder, VPN settings, or login items.
Uninstall ExpressVPN from Your Windows Device Using CMD, PowerShell, & Other Methods
If the normal Windows Settings method does not work, you can try additional approaches. These methods are particularly useful when the ExpressVPN uninstaller is missing, damaged, or refusing to run.
Method 1: Use Command Prompt
Open the Start menu, type Command Prompt, right-click it, and select Run as administrator.
Depending on your Windows installation and ExpressVPN version, you may be able to use Windows management commands to identify installed software. However, modern applications are not always exposed through the same legacy commands, so Command Prompt may not provide a direct uninstall command.
For this reason, avoid copying random uninstall commands from the internet. Using an incorrect command can remove unrelated software or alter important Windows settings.
Method 2: Use PowerShell
Right-click the Start button and select Terminal (Admin) or PowerShell (Admin), depending on your Windows configuration.
You can use PowerShell to inspect installed applications and related packages. If ExpressVPN appears in the available application information, follow the appropriate uninstall procedure for that installation type.
PowerShell is most useful when the graphical Settings interface is not working properly. Make sure you identify ExpressVPN specifically before running any removal command.
Method 3: Use Windows Control Panel
Press Windows + R, type appwiz.cpl, and press Enter.
The Programs and Features window will open. Find ExpressVPN in the installed programs list, select it, and choose Uninstall.
Follow the instructions provided by the ExpressVPN uninstaller. When finished, restart your computer.
Method 4: Use the ExpressVPN Uninstaller
If ExpressVPN is still installed but the shortcut or Start menu entry is unavailable, you may be able to find its installation directory through File Explorer.
Look for an ExpressVPN installation folder under the standard Windows application locations. If the folder contains an official uninstaller, use that instead of manually deleting the entire application folder.
Manual deletion should generally be avoided because it can leave services, registry entries, or networking components behind.
FAQs
Does uninstalling ExpressVPN cancel my subscription?
No. Removing the ExpressVPN application from Windows or Mac does not necessarily cancel your ExpressVPN subscription. If you no longer want the subscription, you should manage the subscription separately through the appropriate account or billing platform.
Does uninstalling ExpressVPN remove my VPN account?
No. Uninstalling the application does not mean that your ExpressVPN account is deleted. The application and your online account are separate.
Why does ExpressVPN still appear after uninstalling it?
Windows or macOS may retain configuration files, VPN profiles, login items, caches, or network components after the main application has been removed. Restarting the computer and checking the locations described above can help identify remaining components.
Can I reinstall ExpressVPN after uninstalling it?
Yes. If you later need ExpressVPN again, you can download and install the appropriate version for your operating system.
Should I manually delete the ExpressVPN folder?
Only delete folders that you can confidently identify as belonging to ExpressVPN. Do not randomly delete system files or network components, particularly on Windows, because doing so can cause other applications or your internet connection to stop working correctly.
Summary
Completely removing ExpressVPN involves more than simply deleting the application. On Windows, start by disconnecting and uninstalling ExpressVPN through Settings, then restart the computer and check for leftover files, VPN profiles, and network components. You can also use Control Panel, Command Prompt, PowerShell, or the official uninstaller when necessary.
On Mac, disconnect and quit ExpressVPN, remove it from Applications, check the relevant Library folders and VPN settings, review Login Items, empty the Trash, and restart the Mac.
Taking these additional steps helps ensure that unnecessary ExpressVPN components do not remain on your device.