How to Completely Uninstall and Remove McAfee From Windows 11
In case you need to reinstall or try something else
It’s crucial to completely remove McAfee if you’re transitioning to an alternative antivirus solution or need to reinstall the application for troubleshooting purposes. Why? The uninstallation process helps eliminate issues arising from corrupt or conflicting files.
A McAfee uninstallation is straightforward and can be done through Microsoft Windows 11’s “Apps and Features” console. However, if you encounter difficulties, you may need to use the McAfee Consumer Product Removal tool or log into Windows’ Super Administrator account to uninstall the application.
This McAfee software removal guide will walk you through multiple methods to uninstall and remove a McAfee Total Protection or Antivirus installation from Windows 11. The instructions below also apply to Windows 10.
Uninstall McAfee via the Installed Apps List in Windows 11
Like other programs, you can remove a McAfee Total Protection or McAfee Antivirus installation through the Apps and Features console in Windows 11.
Save your work and quit all open applications, and then:
Alternatively, you can uninstall McAfee via theolder Control Panel in Windows. Here’s how:
Uninstall McAfee With the MCPR Uninstall Tool
If Windows 11 fails to remove McAfee through the Apps and Features console, you must use the McAfee Consumer Product Removal (MCPR) tool to uninstall the antivirus program.
Download theMcAfee Consumer Product Removal (MCPR) toolfrom the McAfee website, and then:
Note: The MCPR tool may not remove add-on software by McAfee, such as the McAfee LiveSafe, Identity Protection, or PC Optimizer. Use Windows 11’s Apps and Features console to uninstall them.
Uninstall McAfee via the Super Administrator Account
If both Windows 11’s Apps and Features console and the MCPR tool fail to remove McAfee, you must re-attempt both methods through the Super Administrator account.
Before logging into the Super Administrator account, you must enable it through anelevated Command PromptorWindows PowerShell console. Here’s how:
net user administrator /active:yes
You can now use the Super Administrator account to remove McAfee. To do that:
To deactivate the Super Administrator account after you remove McAfee, you must:
net user administrator /active:no
Review Your Windows Defender Security Settings
If you choose not to reinstall McAfee or set up alternative antivirus software, Windows 11 will automatically revert to usingWindows Defenderto protect your system against malware. In that case, it’s a good idea to set up Windows Defender correctly. To do that:
Additionally, go toVirus & threat protection>Protection updatesand selectCheck for updatesto update the anti-malware definitions in Windows Defender.
Completely Remove McAfee From Windows 11
Congratulations! You have successfully uninstalled and removed McAfee from Windows 11. However, if you have no intention of reinstalling the application on your Windows PC or any other device, visit theMcAfee account management consoleon a web browser and cancel your subscription or free trial to avoid getting billed. You can alsoreach out to McAfee Supportfor help with subscription management.
Dilum Senevirathne is a freelance tech writer and blogger with three years of experience writing for online technology publications. He specializes in topics related to iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and Google web apps. When he isn’t hammering away at his Magic Keyboard, you can catch him binge-watching productivity hacks on YouTube.Read Dilum’s Full Bio
Leave a Reply
Your email address will not be published.Required fields are marked*
Comment*
Name*
Email*
Website
Welcome to Help Desk Geek- a blog full of tech tips from trusted tech experts. We have thousands of articles and guides to help you troubleshoot any issue. Our articles have been read over 150 million times since we launched in 2008.
HomeAbout UsEditorial StandardsContact UsTerms of Use
Copyright © 2008-2024 Help Desk Geek.com, LLC All Rights Reserved
