How can I stop 2 outlets being controlled by a switch?

Question

I have two outlets where the the lower half is controlled by a wall switch and the upper half is always on. I’d like to remove the switch and have the upper and lower parts of the outlets always live.

This is the switch wiring has red, black, and ground wires:

One of the outlets has two white wires to the top and bottom screen, two red wires to the bottom screw, two black wires to the top screw, and a ground wire:

The other outlet has one white wire, one red white to the bottom screw, one black wire to the top screw, and a ground wire:

What changes should I make to have both outlets always live?

Answer 1

The easiest way to do this is to disconnect the red and black wire from the switch and wire nut them together. Use a blank cover to cover the switch box. This allows you to go back to switched outlets in the future if you want. Make sure there will still be a light controlled by a switch by the door.

You can get more involved and disconnect the red wire from the switch and outlets. Get some new outlets and hook them up to the black wire and the white wire, and ground. The old outlets have tabs broken on the side with the brass screws that allow the outlet to be switched. Rather that try to use jumpers to "replace" the tabs, new outlets are advised. Cap the red wire at all locations. A light controlled by a switch by the door is still requires.