As one of the more common pieces of “free” software installed on prebuilt PCs, McAfee security products are something that many people have encountered, but not everyone wants.
If you want to remove it from your PC, here’s how to uninstall McAfee’s antivirus software.
Difficulty
What You Need
A Windows PC
Any McAfee installed on your computer
You’re probably here to uninstall the antivirus software. But whether you’re running McAfee Antivirus, McAfee LiveSafe, McAfee Security Scan Plus, or anything else the company has put out, here’s how to uninstall them.
Note: As much as we understand your need to get rid of McAfee, it is essential to have antivirus protection on your PC. Windows Defender is good, but using one of thebest free antivirus applicationsis an excellent second step in protecting your system.
How to remove McAfee using Settings
Windows 10 overhauled much of the Windows ecosystem’s traditional application management systems, but if anything, it just makes the process easier. Here’s how to get rid of McAfee products with Windows’ built-in tools.
Step 1:Open theSettingsmenu by either selecting theStart buttonin the bottom left-hand corner and then theCog icon, or searching for “Settings” using theWindows search boxand choosing the relevant result.
Step 2:Open theAppsmenu and use theSearch boxto search for McAfee to find everything related to McAfee on your system.
Step 3:Select the McAfee product or app you want to uninstall and then select theUninstallbutton. When asked, confirm your choice by selectingUninstallagain.
Step 4:Windows will ask you for permission to continue, as uninstalling an application is an administrative function. Once you confirm, you’ll go through the McAfee uninstaller. Each version is a little different, but follow the removal instructions and it will automatically uninstall the McAfee product from your PC.
This same process can be used touninstall just about any Windows app.
McAfee Consumer Product Removal tool
If the Windows Settings menu doesn’t do the job for you, and there are still someMcAfee software elementskicking around your system, you’re able to use the McAfee Consumer Product Removal (MCPR) tool.
Note: At the end of this tool’s operation, it might request a reboot, so it’s important to save all your work before starting.
Step 1:Download the latest version of MCPRfrom McAfee’s website.
Step 2:Run the tool. It does not require an install.
Step 3:Accept the license agreement and input the CAPTCHA code as requested, selectingNextas necessary.
Step 4:Wait for the uninstall process to work. When completed, if you would like further information about the process, selectView logs.
Step 5:If asked to reboot your system, make sure to save everything you need and then restart as you usually would.
Remove McAfee on Windows 11
If your Windows 11 PC came with McAfee software preinstalled, then removing it is just as simple as it is in Windows 10. Microsoft made some tweaks to the settings so the process is much more clear.
Step 1:To begin, press theWindows KeyandIon your keyboard. From there, chooseAppsfrom the sidebar. You’ll want to look forApps & featuresin the middle of your screen and select that next.
(Some Windows 11 PCs may not have theApps & featuresoption. You may need to selectInstalled appsinstead.)
Step 2:Review the list of apps, and look for any McAfee products. Select theThree dots iconand chooseUninstall. You’ll then want to follow any prompts on your screen, and reboot your PC.
How to uninstall McAfee on a Mac
With most other apps, all you need to do to uninstall them is find the app in your Applications folder and drag it to your home screen’s trash icon. But McAfee software makes it a little more complicated. It requires more effort to remove it, but the following method is relatively simple and very effective.
Step 1:You’ll need to be signed in as an administrator to do this. Open yourApplicationsfolder and choose theUtilitiesfolder. In theUtilitiesfolder, open upTerminal.
Step 2:Under Terminal, you must create an explicit command to uninstall McAfee. Per Apple’s standards, the command has to be specific. For McAfee version 4.8 or earlier, enter:sudo/Library/McAfee/sma/scripts/uninstall.sh.
For people using McAfee 5.0 or newer, enter:sudo/Library/McAfee/cma/scripts/uninstall.sh.
After creating this command, tap theEnterkey.
Step 3:After tapping the *Enter *key, your Mac computer should have already begun expunging McAfee’s files. After the computer finishes removing the files, reboot your Mac. Your computer should now be good to go, and you’re ready to installfree antivirus for Macs.
Sometimes not even a Terminal command is enough to wipe out all of McAfee’s files. You may continue to see a few pop-ups on your screen even after you uninstall it. If that’s the case, download an uninstaller app likeAppCleanerto delete the remaining McAfee files forcibly. There are dozens of free and paid apps that can handle this.
Before you uninstall the McAfee software, check ourMcAfee Premium+ review- you might change your mind, and prefer to upgrade.
