How to Get Rid of McAfee on Windows or Mac

Removing McAfee can free up system resources, stop unwanted notifications, or help resolve an installation problem. The exact steps depend on your device and which McAfee products are installed. Save open work and make sure you can sign in to your computer with an administrator account before you begin.

Do not leave your computer without security protection. Windows includes Microsoft Defender, which normally turns on when a third-party antivirus is removed. On a Mac, use macOS’s built-in security features and keep the system updated; if you plan to install another security app, obtain it from its maker’s official site or a trusted app store.

What You’ll Need

Access to an administrator account on the computer.
An internet connection if you need McAfee’s official removal tool or help pages.
The name of the McAfee product you want to remove, such as McAfee Total Protection or WebAdvisor.
A replacement security app, if you intend to use one. Avoid running multiple real-time antivirus programs at once unless their makers explicitly support that setup.

Step-by-Step

Identify what is installed. On Windows, open Settings and look under Apps, then Installed apps or Apps & features. Menu names and paths may differ slightly by Windows version. On a Mac, open Finder and check the Applications folder. McAfee may have several entries, including WebAdvisor or Safe Connect; decide whether you want to remove one component or all McAfee software.
Check your protection plan. If you have a paid McAfee subscription, uninstalling the app does not necessarily cancel the subscription or stop renewal. Review your account and manage billing separately through the official McAfee account page. Keep your sign-in details available if you may want to reinstall or check subscription status.
Close McAfee apps. Save your work, quit McAfee windows, and close browsers if you are removing a browser-related component. If an app will not quit, restart the computer and try again before uninstalling. Do not delete random McAfee folders or registry entries to force it; this can leave broken components behind.
Uninstall on Windows. Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps (or the equivalent list for your version), select the McAfee product, and choose Uninstall. Follow the prompts, including any confirmation about removing settings or quarantined items. If prompted to restart, do so. For older Windows setups, the Programs and Features option in Control Panel may provide the uninstall command.
Remove remaining Windows components. Return to the installed-app list after the first removal and check for other McAfee entries you also want gone, such as WebAdvisor. Uninstall each through the normal app list. Some components may ask for a separate confirmation or restart. Do not remove unrelated software simply because its name is unfamiliar.
Use McAfee’s official removal tool only if needed. If the normal uninstall is missing, fails, or leaves McAfee installed, find the McAfee Consumer Product Removal tool (MCPR) through McAfee’s official support pages. Download it from that source, run it as an administrator, and follow its instructions. The tool may require a restart. Avoid third-party “cleanup” downloads that claim to remove antivirus software.
Uninstall on a Mac. Look for McAfee’s uninstaller in the Applications folder or in a McAfee folder within Applications, then open it and follow the prompts. You may be asked for your Mac administrator password. If no uninstaller is visible, use McAfee’s official support instructions for your installed product and macOS version rather than dragging every related file to the Trash.
Restart and verify. Restart the computer after removal, even if the uninstaller does not insist. On Windows, open Windows Security and check Virus & threat protection to see that Microsoft Defender or your replacement protection is active. On a Mac, check that the McAfee app is gone and that macOS updates and built-in security features remain enabled. Menu names can vary slightly by version.
Remove browser add-ons separately. If McAfee WebAdvisor or another McAfee extension remains, open your browser’s extensions or add-ons page and remove it there. Browser menus differ slightly by version. Review the extension name before removing it, and restart the browser afterward.

Common Mistakes

Deleting the app folder instead of uninstalling. This can leave services, extensions, or startup entries behind. Use the app’s uninstaller or the operating system’s app removal feature.
Assuming removal cancels billing. Removing software from a computer and ending a subscription are separate tasks. Check your account for renewal status.
Leaving protection off. Confirm that Microsoft Defender or another suitable option is active after restarting. Avoid installing two real-time antivirus products together unless the providers say the combination is supported.
Using unofficial removal downloads. Search results and download sites may offer altered or outdated tools. Get MCPR or Mac uninstall instructions from McAfee’s official support pages.
Removing only the main app. Separate McAfee products and browser extensions may remain. Check installed apps and browser add-ons, but remove only items you recognize and intend to uninstall.

Tips

Write down the exact product name and any error message before seeking help; this makes it easier to find instructions that match your installation.
If you are uninstalling because of pop-ups, first confirm that they come from a McAfee app or extension. Browser notifications can also come from websites and may need to be managed in browser settings.
Keep your operating system and browser updated after removing McAfee. Updates help maintain built-in security protections.
If this is a work- or school-managed computer, ask the device administrator before removing security software. Organization policies may reinstall it or block removal.

Troubleshooting

The uninstall option is missing or grayed out: Sign in with an administrator account, close McAfee, and restart. On a managed computer, contact the organization’s IT administrator. For a personal Windows computer, consult McAfee’s official instructions for MCPR.

The uninstaller freezes or reports an error: Restart and try the standard uninstall again. If it still fails, use the official removal tool for Windows or the product-specific uninstaller instructions for Mac. Note the error text and contact McAfee support if the tool cannot complete.

McAfee still appears after removal: Restart, then check the installed-app list and browser extensions again. A separate product may still be installed. Do not repeatedly run removal tools from different websites.

Windows Security says protection is off: Open Windows Security and check for a pending restart, another installed antivirus app, or an error message. Restart and apply system updates. If protection remains off, use Microsoft Support or the security app maker’s official support before browsing without protection.

The Mac asks for a password or says removal is blocked: Use an administrator account and enter the Mac login password when prompted. If the Mac is managed by an employer or school, ask its administrator. Follow the instructions for your exact McAfee product and macOS version.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I uninstall McAfee without the removal tool?

Usually, yes. Start with Windows Settings or McAfee’s Mac uninstaller. Use MCPR on Windows only if normal removal fails or leaves components behind.

Will removing McAfee delete my files?

Uninstalling the app is not intended to delete personal documents, photos, or other files. Read each prompt carefully, especially if it asks about settings or quarantined items.

Does uninstalling McAfee cancel my subscription?

No. Removing the program from a device does not necessarily cancel billing or automatic renewal. Manage the subscription separately through your McAfee account.

Is Microsoft Defender enough after I remove McAfee?

Microsoft Defender provides built-in antivirus protection on supported Windows systems and normally activates after another antivirus is removed. Check Windows Security to verify its status and keep Windows updated.

How do I remove McAfee WebAdvisor?

Uninstall its Windows app entry if one appears, then check your browser’s extensions page and remove the McAfee extension if it remains. Browser menu labels can vary by version.

Can I reinstall McAfee later?

Yes, if you still have access to the product or subscription. Use McAfee’s official account or support pages to get the installer that matches your device.

Further reading: McAfee Support. Details can change, so check the official page for anything that matters to you. Spotted a mistake? Tell us. How we write an answer.