Norton Antivirus causing endless encryption on iMac

I cannot use my computer! I installed Norton Antivirus on my system for a client, and now I can't uninstall it or even restart my computer in recovery mode because my system will not stop encrypting. I do not have the option to turn it off. It just endlessly says that it is encrypting and will take approximately "About 1 hour, 40 minutes remaining," and then will pause every so often. I use the cloud and am happy to wipe my machine and start over, but I am even having issues with that. Please help!



[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: Encryption will not stop!

iMac 27″, macOS 12.7

Posted on Oct 22, 2025 7:47 PM

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4 replies

Oct 24, 2025 1:45 AM in response to chromobot

chromobot wrote:

I use the cloud and am happy to wipe my machine and start over, but I am even having issues with that. Please help!


[Re-Titled by Moderator]
Original Title: Encryption will not stop!

This method will WIPE ALL Data and there is No DATA Recovery - Period.


>> Only works on Intel Based Apple Computer <<


To perform this action will require booting from a Bootable Installer


The Bootable Installer can Only be performed on an Apple Computer 


This will have to be performed from a Qualifying Computer to run the version of macOS to be made on the Bootable Installer.

Example : Bootable Installer of Monterey would have to be done on a computer that Qualifies to run Monterey .


Notation: If the computer being used to perform this action is Too New or Too Old to qualify to run the version of macOS - this computer can’t be used.


Alternative is, to gain access to a Qualifying Apple Computer from a family member, friend or associate.


1- Shutdown computer and disconnect all external drive Except the newly created Bootable Installer.


2 - Restart and immediately hold the OPTION key until the Startup Manager appears and choose the USB Drive. 


3 - It will present options >> Disk Utilities >> View >> View ALL attached Drives. 


4 - Choose the Upper Most Drive ( not the volumes indented and list below ).


5 - The drive normally is called Apple Media or Apple SSD - that is the drive to Erase and format as APFS with the GUID Partition Map. This applies to macOS 10.14 Mojave and above. 


6 - Once that is done >> backup out of Disk Utilities and choose install macOS. 


7 - Follow the prompts and it may automatically reboot several time. 


8 - Upon a final reboot - Setup Assist will present with the newer version of macOS.

Oct 24, 2025 11:34 AM in response to chromobot

chromobot wrote:

am happy to wipe my machine and start over, but I am even having issues with that. Please help!

Exactly what issue are you having with this? We need specific details on how you are "starting over" and the actual issue and/or any error messages being received with the attempt.


It also helps to know the exact model of your Mac and version of macOS involved. You can get this information by clicking the Apple menu and selecting "About This Mac".


Oct 24, 2025 12:43 PM in response to HWTech

HWTech wrote:


chromobot wrote:

am happy to wipe my machine and start over, but I am even having issues with that. Please help!
Exactly what issue are you having with this? We need specific details on how you are "starting over" and the actual issue and/or any error messages being received with the attempt.

It also helps to know the exact model of your Mac and version of macOS involved. You can get this information by clicking the Apple menu and selecting "About This Mac".

After re-reading the text from OP


Starting to guess they may have enable FileVault " It just endlessly says that it is encrypting and will take approximately "About 1 hour, 40 minutes remaining, " that coincided with the installation of the Norton garbage


As said, guessing

Norton Antivirus causing endless encryption on iMac

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