Are constant McAfee pop-ups driving you crazy on your Windows 11 PC? You’re not alone. Many users experience annoying McAfee notifications about expired subscriptions, “PC at risk” warnings, or upgrade offers — even when they never installed McAfee manually.
In this detailed, easy-to-follow tutorial, we’ll explain how to get rid of McAfee pop-ups on Windows 11, step-by-step. You’ll learn how to disable them, uninstall McAfee completely, and prevent it from returning.
💡 Why You’re Seeing McAfee Pop-Ups on Windows 11
McAfee often comes preinstalled on many new Windows 11 laptops, especially HP, Dell, or Lenovo models. Even if your subscription expires, background processes may continue showing:
- “Your PC is at risk” notifications
- Renewal reminders
- Ads for McAfee LiveSafe or Total Protection
- Pop-ups when browsing the web
These pop-ups come from either:
- The McAfee desktop application, or
- The McAfee WebAdvisor browser extension.
To get rid of them completely, you need to disable notifications and/or uninstall McAfee.
🧭 Method 1: Disable McAfee Notifications in Windows 11
If you want to keep McAfee installed but just stop the pop-ups, you can disable its notifications through Windows Settings.
Steps:
- Press Windows + I to open Settings.
- Navigate to System → Notifications.
- Scroll down to find McAfee in the app list.
- Toggle off the switch next to McAfee.
This stops McAfee from sending notifications via Windows.
Optional: You can also click on the McAfee app and turn off:
- “Show notification banners”
- “Show notifications in notification center”
✅ Result: McAfee will still protect your system, but it won’t annoy you with pop-ups.
🧩 Method 2: Turn Off McAfee Alerts from Within the App
If you still receive in-app alerts, disable them directly from McAfee’s own settings.
Steps:
- Open the McAfee app from your Start Menu.
- Click the gear icon (⚙️) in the upper-right corner.
- Choose General Settings and Alerts.
- Under Protection Alerts, uncheck all boxes (like “Virus protection alerts” or “Subscription notifications”).
- Click Apply → Save.
Now McAfee will run quietly in the background.
🧰 Method 3: Disable McAfee WebAdvisor Pop-Ups in Your Browser
If you’re getting McAfee alerts while browsing, it’s likely from the McAfee WebAdvisor extension.
For Google Chrome:
- Open Chrome and click the three dots (⋮) in the top-right corner.
- Go to Extensions → Manage Extensions.
- Find McAfee WebAdvisor.
- Toggle it off or click Remove.
For Microsoft Edge:
- Open Edge → Click Settings and more (⋯) → Extensions.
- Locate McAfee WebAdvisor.
- Click Remove.
✅ Tip: You can safely remove WebAdvisor — it doesn’t affect your system’s security if you’re using Windows Defender.
🧹 Method 4: Uninstall McAfee Completely via Settings
If you no longer want McAfee at all (which is fine, since Windows Defender offers excellent protection), uninstall it entirely.
Steps:
- Press Windows + I → open Settings.
- Go to Apps → Installed apps.
- Scroll down to find all McAfee programs (e.g., McAfee LiveSafe, McAfee WebAdvisor, McAfee Security Center).
- Click the three dots (⋯) next to each and select Uninstall.
- Follow the on-screen prompts.
After uninstalling, restart your computer.
🧩 Method 5: Use McAfee Consumer Product Removal (MCPR) Tool
Sometimes McAfee leaves behind residual files or services even after uninstalling. To remove them completely, use McAfee’s official removal tool.
Steps:
- Visit McAfee’s official MCPR page:
https://www.mcafee.com/support/?articleId=TS101331 - Download the MCPR Tool.
- Run the downloaded file (
MCPR.exe). - Follow the on-screen instructions.
- Reboot your PC when prompted.
✅ Result: McAfee will be completely removed from your Windows 11 system — no leftover pop-ups or files.
⚙️ Method 6: Disable McAfee Startup Entries
Even after uninstalling, some McAfee services may try to start automatically.
Steps:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Click the Startup apps tab.
- Locate any McAfee-related entries.
- Right-click and choose Disable.
This ensures McAfee doesn’t start automatically when Windows boots.
🧠 Method 7: Turn Off McAfee Scheduled Tasks
McAfee sometimes schedules tasks that cause pop-ups, like subscription checks.
Steps:
- Press Windows + R, type
taskschd.msc, and hit Enter. - Expand Task Scheduler Library → McAfee.
- Right-click each task and choose Disable.
This stops hidden McAfee pop-up triggers.
🧩 Method 8: Remove McAfee Leftovers from File Explorer (Advanced)
After using the MCPR tool, you can double-check manually.
Steps:
- Open File Explorer.
- In the address bar, type:
C:\Program Files C:\Program Files (x86) C:\ProgramData - Delete any remaining McAfee folders.
- Empty your Recycle Bin.
⚠️ Warning: Only delete McAfee folders — avoid removing other system files.
🛡️ Method 9: Enable Windows Security (Defender) After Uninstalling McAfee
Once McAfee is gone, enable Windows Security to keep your system protected.
Steps:
- Press Windows + I → Privacy & security → Windows Security.
- Click Open Windows Security.
- Turn on Virus & threat protection, Firewall & network protection, and App & browser control.
Windows Defender is lightweight, free, and perfectly capable for most users.
⚡ Bonus Tip: Stop McAfee Pop-Ups from Microsoft Edge Notifications
Sometimes Microsoft Edge may send McAfee-related alerts as part of “app recommendations.”
Steps:
- Open Microsoft Edge → Settings → Cookies and site permissions → Notifications.
- Under Allowed to send notifications, remove any McAfee or partner URLs.
- Toggle Ask before sending (recommended) to On.
No more random McAfee web notifications!
🧭 Troubleshooting: McAfee Keeps Coming Back?
If McAfee reappears after you remove it:
- Check if your PC brand (like Dell or HP) includes it in SupportAssist or OEM updates — disable McAfee installation options.
- Turn off OEM app updates under Windows Settings → Windows Update → Advanced options → Optional updates.
- Remove McAfee entries using Control Panel → Programs and Features as a final check.
⚡ Quick Comparison: McAfee vs Windows Defender
| Feature | McAfee | Windows Defender |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Paid (after trial) | Free |
| Pop-Ups | Frequent | Minimal |
| Real-time protection | Yes | Yes |
| System Performance | Heavier | Lightweight |
| Integration | Third-party | Built into Windows |
Unless you have a specific reason to use McAfee, Windows Defender offers enough protection for most users — without the annoying pop-ups.
✅ Conclusion: Say Goodbye to McAfee Pop-Ups for Good
McAfee pop-ups on Windows 11 can be frustrating, but you now have multiple ways to eliminate them:
- Disable notifications in Windows settings.
- Turn off alerts from McAfee’s app interface.
- Remove WebAdvisor extensions from browsers.
- Uninstall McAfee completely and clean up leftovers using MCPR.
- Enable Windows Defender for smooth, ad-free protection.
Once done, your Windows 11 system will feel lighter, faster, and blissfully free of pop-up interruptions.
❓ FAQs: How to Get Rid of McAfee Pop-Ups on Windows 11
1. Why does McAfee keep popping up even after uninstalling?
Some background services or leftover files remain. Use the MCPR Tool to remove them completely.
2. Is it safe to uninstall McAfee?
Yes. Windows Defender will automatically activate once McAfee is gone.
3. How do I stop McAfee renewal notifications?
Either disable notifications under System → Notifications or uninstall McAfee entirely.
4. Can I use both McAfee and Windows Defender?
No. Windows automatically disables Defender when McAfee is installed to avoid conflicts.
5. What’s the best alternative to McAfee?
Windows Defender is excellent and free, but you can also try Bitdefender, Norton, or Kaspersky if you want premium features.
🧾 Summary: Key Takeaways
- McAfee pop-ups appear due to preinstalled apps or expired subscriptions.
- Disable pop-ups via Settings → Notifications or within the McAfee app.
- Remove browser extensions like WebAdvisor to stop online alerts.
- Uninstall McAfee completely using the MCPR Tool for permanent relief.
- Rely on Windows Defender for lightweight, reliable protection without ads.
By following this step-by-step guide, you can finally get rid of McAfee pop-ups on Windows 11 and enjoy a smoother, distraction-free experience. 💻✨