If you’ve recently upgraded to Windows 11, you may have noticed that McAfee Antivirus comes pre-installed on many laptops and PCs. While McAfee is a popular antivirus tool, not everyone wants to keep it. Some users prefer Windows Security (Microsoft Defender), while others may switch to a different third-party antivirus.
But here’s the catch—McAfee doesn’t always uninstall easily. Sometimes, even after you think you’ve removed it, background files and services may still linger, slowing down your computer. Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered! In this step-by-step guide, I’ll walk you through the easiest and most effective ways to completely uninstall McAfee from Windows 11.
Why Uninstall McAfee from Windows 11?
Before we dive into the process, let’s quickly discuss why you might want to remove McAfee in the first place.
1. Performance Issues
McAfee often consumes a lot of system resources, which can make your computer laggy and slow. If you want a faster Windows 11 experience, uninstalling it can help.
2. You Prefer Microsoft Defender
Windows 11 comes with a built-in antivirus called Windows Security (Defender). It’s lightweight, efficient, and good enough for most users. Running both Defender and McAfee can cause conflicts.
3. Subscription Costs
Unlike Microsoft Defender, McAfee requires a paid subscription for full protection. If you don’t want to pay extra, removing it makes sense.
4. Switching to Another Antivirus
Maybe you prefer other antivirus programs like Bitdefender, Norton, or Kaspersky. To avoid compatibility issues, it’s best to fully uninstall McAfee before installing another tool.
Ways to Uninstall McAfee on Windows 11
There are a few different methods to remove McAfee. Let’s go step by step.
Method 1: Uninstall McAfee Using Windows Settings
The easiest way is through the Windows Settings app.
Step 1: Open Settings
-
Press Windows + I on your keyboard to open the Settings app.
Step 2: Go to Apps
-
Click on Apps from the left-hand menu.
-
Then, select Installed apps.
Step 3: Find McAfee
-
Scroll through the list until you see McAfee LiveSafe or McAfee Security (the name may vary depending on your version).
Step 4: Uninstall
-
Click on the three dots next to McAfee and select Uninstall.
-
Follow the on-screen instructions.
đź’ˇ Tip: You might have to uninstall multiple McAfee apps, such as WebAdvisor or Safe Connect, to fully remove everything.
Method 2: Use Control Panel to Uninstall McAfee
If Settings doesn’t completely remove McAfee, try the Control Panel method.
Step 1: Open Control Panel
-
Press Windows + R, type
control, and hit Enter.
Step 2: Go to Programs and Features
-
Select Programs > Programs and Features.
Step 3: Select McAfee
-
Find McAfee Antivirus in the list of installed programs.
Step 4: Remove It
-
Right-click on McAfee and choose Uninstall/Change.
-
Follow the prompts to complete the removal.
Method 3: Use the McAfee Removal Tool (MCPR)
Sometimes, McAfee leaves behind files that normal uninstallation doesn’t remove. In that case, use the McAfee Consumer Product Removal (MCPR) tool.
Step 1: Download MCPR
-
Visit McAfee’s official website and download the MCPR tool.
Step 2: Run the Tool
-
Double-click on the downloaded file and select Yes if prompted by User Account Control.
Step 3: Accept the License Agreement
-
Agree to the End User License Agreement (EULA) to continue.
Step 4: Enter Security Validation
-
Type the security characters shown on your screen.
Step 5: Restart Your PC
-
Once the tool completes, restart your computer to remove leftover McAfee files.
Method 4: Use Third-Party Uninstaller Tools
If McAfee still refuses to leave, you can use third-party uninstallers like Revo Uninstaller or IObit Uninstaller. These tools dig deep into your system and remove hidden files and registry entries.
How to Check if McAfee is Completely Removed
After uninstalling, you’ll want to make sure McAfee is completely gone.
-
Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) and check if any McAfee-related processes are running.
-
Search your C:\Program Files folder for any leftover McAfee folders.
-
Go to Windows Security and confirm that Microsoft Defender is running.
What Happens After You Uninstall McAfee?
Once McAfee is gone, Windows Defender automatically activates to keep your system safe. You don’t have to install anything extra—Windows 11 has you covered right out of the box.
Common Problems While Uninstalling McAfee
1. Uninstall Button is Greyed Out
If the uninstall option isn’t clickable, restart your computer in Safe Mode and try again.
2. Error Messages
Sometimes, you may see errors like “Uninstallation incomplete.” In this case, use the MCPR tool.
3. Leftover Files
If McAfee folders remain after uninstalling, delete them manually or run MCPR.
Should You Keep McAfee or Remove It?
If you’re happy with McAfee and don’t mind paying for the subscription, there’s no harm in keeping it. But if you prefer a lighter system and don’t want extra costs, Windows Defender is more than enough for everyday protection.
Tips Before Uninstalling McAfee
-
Backup important files just in case.
-
Make sure Windows Defender is updated before uninstalling.
-
Disconnect from the internet during the process to stay safe.
Final Thoughts
Uninstalling McAfee on Windows 11 may feel like removing a stubborn sticker—it doesn’t always come off cleanly. But with the right steps, you can completely get rid of it. Whether you use Windows Settings, Control Panel, or the MCPR tool, you’ll be able to enjoy a faster PC and rely on Microsoft Defender or your preferred antivirus solution.
FAQs
1. Is it safe to uninstall McAfee from Windows 11?
Yes, it’s completely safe. Windows Defender will automatically take over once McAfee is removed.
2. Do I need an antivirus if I uninstall McAfee?
Not necessarily. Windows Defender is built-in and offers strong protection for most users.
3. Why is McAfee hard to uninstall?
McAfee installs multiple components, and some of them don’t uninstall with normal methods, requiring tools like MCPR.
4. Can I reinstall McAfee after uninstalling it?
Yes, you can reinstall McAfee anytime from their website or using the original installer.
5. How long does it take to uninstall McAfee?
Usually, it takes around 5–10 minutes, but using the MCPR tool may take longer depending on your system.