How to Delete McAfee on Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Uninstall Guide

By / October 21, 2025

Have you noticed your PC slowing down or constantly getting McAfee pop-ups? You’re not alone. Many Windows 11 users find that McAfee antivirus comes preinstalled and want to remove it — either because they prefer Windows Defender or another antivirus solution.

If you’ve tried uninstalling McAfee before, you may have realized it doesn’t always go away completely. Leftover files, background processes, and registry entries can linger.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn how to delete McAfee on Windows 11 completely — using Windows Settings, the Control Panel, and the official McAfee Removal Tool (MCPR).

We’ll also explain how to ensure no trace of McAfee remains and how to use Windows Security afterward to stay protected.

Let’s get started! 💻🧹

Table of Contents

Why Remove McAfee from Windows 11?

Before we dive into uninstall steps, let’s quickly cover why many users choose to remove McAfee.

1. Preinstalled Software (Bloatware)

Most new Windows laptops (especially from Dell, HP, and Lenovo) come with McAfee preinstalled. It runs in the background, consuming RAM and CPU even if you don’t use it.

2. Annoying Pop-ups

McAfee often shows subscription reminders or threat alerts — even when protection is off — which many users find intrusive.

3. Subscription Cost

After the trial period ends, McAfee prompts users to buy a plan. Since Windows 11 includes Microsoft Defender Antivirus for free, paying extra feels unnecessary.

4. Performance Impact

McAfee can slow down startup time and overall system responsiveness due to heavy background scanning.

5. Windows Defender is Enough

Microsoft’s built-in antivirus now provides strong, real-time protection — with less system load and full Windows integration.

Methods to Delete McAfee on Windows 11

There are three main ways to remove McAfee completely:

  1. Using Windows Settings (Quick Uninstall)

  2. Using Control Panel (Traditional Method)

  3. Using McAfee Consumer Product Removal Tool (MCPR) – for deep cleaning leftover files.

We’ll go through each method step-by-step.

Method 1: Uninstall McAfee Using Windows Settings

This is the simplest method for removing McAfee apps like McAfee LiveSafe or McAfee Total Protection.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Open Settings:
    Press Windows + I on your keyboard.

  2. Go to Apps:
    Click Apps → Installed apps (or “Apps & Features” on older builds).

  3. Find McAfee:
    Scroll down or use the search bar to find McAfee LiveSafe or McAfee Security.

  4. Click the Three Dots → Uninstall:
    A pop-up will appear asking for confirmation.

  5. Confirm Uninstall:
    Click Uninstall again. The McAfee uninstaller will launch.

  6. Follow On-Screen Prompts:

    • Choose Remove all files.

    • Wait while the system deletes McAfee components.

    • Restart your PC when prompted.

✅ Result: McAfee will be removed from Windows 11. However, some background files may still remain — so it’s best to continue with Method 3 for a complete cleanup.

Method 2: Uninstall McAfee from the Control Panel

For users who prefer the traditional route, you can remove McAfee using the Control Panel.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + R → type:

    control

    → Press Enter.

  2. Go to Programs → Programs and Features.

  3. Find McAfee LiveSafe, McAfee Total Protection, or McAfee WebAdvisor.

  4. Right-click each → Uninstall/Change.

  5. When the McAfee uninstaller opens:

    • Select Remove all files.

    • Wait for the process to finish.

    • Click Restart Now when prompted.

💡 Tip: Be sure to uninstall all McAfee-related components (WebAdvisor, Safe Connect, etc.).

Method 3: Use the McAfee Removal Tool (MCPR)

Even after uninstalling via Settings or Control Panel, McAfee often leaves behind registry entries, folders, and background services.

To completely delete McAfee from Windows 11, you should use the McAfee Consumer Product Removal (MCPR) tool — officially provided by McAfee.

Step-by-Step Guide:

  1. Download MCPR Tool:
    Go to the official McAfee support site:
    👉 https://www.mcafee.com/support

  2. Locate the MCPR Tool:
    Search for “MCPR Tool” or visit:
    https://service.mcafee.com/?articleId=TS101331

  3. Download the File:
    Save the MCPR.exe file to your Downloads folder.

  4. Run MCPR as Administrator:

    • Right-click the file → Run as administrator.

    • Accept the User Account Control (UAC) prompt.

  5. Follow the Removal Wizard:

    • Accept the license agreement.

    • Enter the CAPTCHA verification.

    • Wait as the tool scans and removes all McAfee files, services, and registry keys.

  6. Restart Your Computer:
    After completion, the tool will display “Cleanup Successful.” Restart your PC to apply changes.

✅ Result: McAfee is now completely removed from your Windows 11 system.

4. Delete Leftover McAfee Folders (Optional)

Even after using the MCPR tool, a few folders might remain. You can safely delete them.

Steps:

  1. Open File Explorer.

  2. Navigate to:

    C:\Program Files
    C:\Program Files (x86)
    C:\ProgramData

  3. Delete any folders named:

    • McAfee

    • McAfee.com

    • McAfee LiveSafe

  4. Empty the Recycle Bin afterward.

5. Remove McAfee Services and Registry Entries (Advanced)

⚠️ Warning: Editing the registry incorrectly can harm your system. Proceed carefully or skip this step if you’re not confident.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + R, type:

    regedit

    Press Enter.

  2. Navigate to:

    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\
    HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\

  3. Delete any McAfee or McAfee.com folders.

  4. Close the Registry Editor and restart your PC.

6. Disable McAfee Browser Extensions

McAfee sometimes installs WebAdvisor or Safe Connect extensions in browsers like Chrome, Edge, or Firefox.

For Microsoft Edge:

  1. Open Edge → click Settings and more (⋯) → Extensions.

  2. Find McAfee WebAdvisor → click Remove.

For Google Chrome:

  1. Open Chrome → type:

    chrome://extensions

  2. Find McAfee-related extensions → Remove.

For Mozilla Firefox:

  1. Go to Menu → Add-ons and Themes → Extensions.

  2. Locate McAfee → Remove.

7. Restart Your PC and Verify McAfee is Gone

After rebooting, check if McAfee is fully removed:

How to Verify:

  • Open Start Menu and search McAfee.

  • If no results appear, McAfee is gone.

  • Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) → check for any McAfee services.

  • If none exist, your system is clean.

8. Enable Windows Defender Antivirus

Now that McAfee is gone, you should ensure Windows Security (Defender) is active.

Steps:

  1. Open Start → Settings → Privacy & Security → Windows Security.

  2. Click Virus & Threat Protection.

  3. Make sure Real-time protection is turned On.

✅ You now have full system protection with Windows Defender — lightweight, free, and built right into Windows 11.

Common Problems When Uninstalling McAfee

Let’s address some common errors and how to fix them.

Problem 1: “McAfee won’t uninstall”

  • Run Windows as Administrator.

  • Close McAfee processes via Task Manager before uninstalling.

  • Use the MCPR Tool if the normal uninstall fails.

Problem 2: “Some McAfee components remain after uninstall”

  • Reboot after every uninstall attempt.

  • Use MCPR to clean up residual files.

Problem 3: “Windows Defender not turning on after removal”

  • Restart your PC.

  • Go to Windows Security → Virus & Threat Protection → Manage providers.

  • Enable Microsoft Defender Antivirus manually.

Problem 4: “McAfee keeps reinstalling”

  • Disable OEM update tools like Dell SupportAssist or HP Support Assistant, which sometimes reinstall bundled software.

Advantages of Removing McAfee

Benefit Description
💨 Faster performance Frees up RAM and reduces background activity.
🧹 Cleaner startup No more startup pop-ups or McAfee processes.
💰 Saves money No subscription renewal needed.
🧭 Smoother experience Fewer notifications and conflicts with Windows Defender.

Alternative Antivirus Options for Windows 11

Although Windows Defender is excellent, you might prefer a different antivirus solution.

Antivirus Type Notable Features
Bitdefender Free Lightweight Real-time protection, fast scans
Kaspersky Free Advanced Great malware detection
Avast One All-in-one Privacy tools + antivirus
Malwarebytes Free On-demand Removes stubborn malware

Troubleshooting Tip: Reinstall and Uninstall Again

If McAfee’s uninstaller crashes or fails:

  1. Reinstall McAfee from its official website.

  2. Then, immediately uninstall it via Settings or MCPR.

This “reset and remove” trick fixes many uninstall errors.

FAQs About Deleting McAfee on Windows 11

1. Is it safe to uninstall McAfee from Windows 11?

Yes. Windows 11 comes with Microsoft Defender, which provides complete protection after McAfee is removed.

2. How do I know if McAfee is completely gone?

Search your PC for “McAfee.” If no apps or folders appear and no McAfee services run in Task Manager, it’s fully deleted.

3. Do I need to disable McAfee before uninstalling?

It’s recommended — right-click the McAfee icon in the taskbar → Exit before uninstalling.

4. What if McAfee keeps reinstalling automatically?

Disable OEM auto-updaters (HP, Dell, Lenovo utilities) or use MCPR to clean the system completely.

5. Can I reinstall McAfee later if needed?

Yes. You can download and reinstall McAfee anytime from the official site or your subscription account.

Summary: Key Takeaways

Step Action Purpose
1 Uninstall McAfee via Settings Quick removal
2 Remove leftovers via Control Panel Clean up multiple components
3 Run MCPR Tool Deep, complete removal
4 Delete remaining folders Manual cleanup
5 Enable Windows Defender Restore protection

Conclusion

And there you have it — a complete step-by-step guide on how to delete McAfee on Windows 11 safely and permanently.

Whether you’re tired of pop-ups, need better performance, or just prefer Windows Defender, these steps ensure no McAfee files, services, or extensions remain.

After cleanup, your PC will be faster, lighter, and just as secure — without unnecessary software weighing it down.

So go ahead, reclaim your computer from McAfee and enjoy a smoother Windows 11 experience today! 🚀

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