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

So, you just got a new Windows 11 computer — and it came with McAfee antivirus preinstalled, right?

You’re not alone. Many Windows PCs ship with McAfee LiveSafe or McAfee Security Center as a trial version. But if you prefer using Microsoft Defender or another antivirus, you might be wondering:

“How do I completely uninstall McAfee from Windows 11?”

Good question — and we’ve got you covered.

In this step-by-step guide, we’ll show you how to uninstall McAfee on Windows 11 completely — including all leftover files and components — using both built-in Windows tools and McAfee’s own removal utility.

Why You Might Want to Uninstall McAfee

McAfee is a well-known antivirus, but it’s not for everyone. Many users uninstall it because:

• It slows down system performance with background scans.

• Pop-up notifications and ads can be intrusive.

• Microsoft Defender already provides free built-in protection.

• It’s preinstalled trial software that expires after 30 days.

• You prefer another antivirus brand (like Norton, Bitdefender, or Kaspersky).

If any of these sound familiar, uninstalling McAfee might be the right move for you.

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2. What Happens When You Remove McAfee?

Once McAfee is uninstalled:

• Its real-time protection and firewall are disabled.

• McAfee-related browser extensions (like WebAdvisor) are removed.

• Microsoft Defender will automatically activate to protect your device.

💡 Tip: You won’t be unprotected. Windows 11 automatically enables Microsoft Defender as soon as McAfee is removed.

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3. Before You Begin: Important Things to Know

Before uninstalling McAfee, keep these in mind:

• Make sure you’re logged in as an administrator.

• Save your activation key if you plan to reinstall McAfee later.

• If you have an active McAfee subscription, uninstalling won’t cancel it — you’ll need to do that from your McAfee account.

• Close all open apps and save your work before proceeding.

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4. How to Uninstall McAfee on Windows 11 (Step-by-Step)

Let’s walk through all the ways to remove McAfee from your Windows 11 PC.

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⚙️ Method 1: Uninstall via Windows Settings

This is the most straightforward way to uninstall McAfee on Windows 11.

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.

2. Go to Apps → Installed Apps.

3. Scroll down and find any McAfee product (e.g., McAfee LiveSafe, McAfee Security Center).

4. Click the three dots (⋯) next to it.

5. Choose Uninstall.

6. Confirm again by clicking Uninstall in the popup.

The McAfee Uninstaller will now appear. Follow the on-screen instructions to remove the program completely.

7. Once done, restart your PC.

Repeat these steps for any other McAfee products listed, such as:

• McAfee WebAdvisor

• McAfee Safe Connect

• McAfee True Key

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🧩 Method 2: Uninstall via Control Panel

If you prefer the traditional way:

1. Press Windows + R, type control, and hit Enter.

2. Select Programs → Programs and Features.

3. Locate any McAfee programs.

4. Select them and click Uninstall/Change.

5. Follow the prompts to complete the removal.

6. Restart your computer.

This method works well on older systems or for users familiar with classic Windows interfaces.

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🧹 Method 3: Use McAfee’s Official Removal Tool (MCPR)

Even after uninstalling via Settings or Control Panel, McAfee often leaves behind files, drivers, and registry entries.

To completely remove everything, use the McAfee Consumer Product Removal (MCPR) tool.

Here’s how:

1. Download the MCPR tool from McAfee’s official support page (search “MCPR tool”).

2. Save the file to your Desktop.

3. Double-click MCPR.exe to launch it.

4. Click Next, then Accept the license agreement.

5. Enter the security verification code displayed on the screen.

6. Wait while the tool removes all McAfee components.

7. When it says “Cleanup Successful”, restart your computer.

After rebooting, all McAfee traces should be gone.

⚠️ If you see “Cleanup Unsuccessful,” run MCPR again after restarting. Sometimes multiple passes are needed.

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🧰 Method 4: Disable McAfee Before Uninstalling

Sometimes McAfee’s real-time protection can block its own uninstallation. To avoid errors, disable it first.

1. Click the McAfee icon in the taskbar.

2. Select Open McAfee LiveSafe or Security Center.

3. Go to PC → Settings → Real-Time Scanning.

4. Click Turn Off.

5. Choose a duration (e.g., “Never”) and confirm.

6. Now repeat the uninstall steps from Method 1 or 2.

Disabling it ensures a clean removal without background interference.

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5. How to Remove McAfee WebAdvisor and Browser Add-ons

McAfee’s WebAdvisor often remains installed even after uninstalling the main program.
It’s a browser extension that warns you about unsafe websites — but many users find it unnecessary.

To remove McAfee WebAdvisor:

Option 1: Through Windows Settings

1. Press Windows + I → Apps → Installed Apps.

2. Locate McAfee WebAdvisor.

3. Click the three dots → Uninstall.

Option 2: Through Browser Extensions

For Google Chrome:

1. Click the three dots (⋮) → Extensions → Manage Extensions.

2. Find McAfee WebAdvisor and click Remove.

For Microsoft Edge:

1. Click Settings → Extensions → Manage Extensions.

2. Find McAfee WebAdvisor → Remove.

After this, restart your browser.

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6. How to Check for McAfee Leftover Files

Even after using MCPR, it’s good to double-check for leftover files or folders.

1. Open File Explorer (Windows + E).

2. Navigate to these folders:

   C:\Program Files\McAfee
C:\Program Files\Common Files\McAfee
C:\ProgramData\McAfee


3. If any of these folders still exist, right-click → Delete.

🧼 Optional: Use a cleanup utility like CCleaner to remove residual registry entries (optional, not required).

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7. How to Verify McAfee Is Fully Removed

Once you’ve uninstalled McAfee, confirm it’s really gone.

Option 1: Check in Windows Security

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

2. Click Virus & Threat Protection.

3. If it says “Microsoft Defender Antivirus is active,” McAfee is gone.

Option 2: Check Startup Apps

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.

2. Go to the Startup tab.

3. If McAfee entries remain, right-click and choose Disable.

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8. How to Enable Windows Defender After Uninstalling McAfee

After McAfee is gone, Windows Defender should activate automatically.
If it doesn’t, enable it manually:

1. Open Settings → Privacy & Security → Windows Security → Virus & Threat Protection.

2. Click Manage settings under Virus & threat protection settings.

3. Turn on Real-time protection.

Now Defender is running, and your PC is protected again.

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9. Troubleshooting: McAfee Won’t Uninstall or Reappears

Sometimes McAfee can be stubborn. Here are quick fixes for common problems:

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10. Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. Windows 11 has Microsoft Defender, a built-in antivirus that activates automatically once McAfee is removed.

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2. What’s the best way to remove McAfee completely?

Use the MCPR tool (McAfee Consumer Product Removal). It ensures every file, service, and registry entry is deleted.

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3. Do I need to disable McAfee before uninstalling?

It’s recommended. Disabling real-time protection prevents errors during the uninstallation process.

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4. Will uninstalling McAfee cancel my subscription?

No. You must log in to your McAfee account to cancel your active subscription.

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5. Can I reinstall McAfee later?

Yes. You can reinstall McAfee anytime by downloading it from your account dashboard or using your activation key.

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11. Summary: Key Takeaways

Here’s a quick recap of what you learned:

In short:

• Uninstall McAfee via Settings or Control Panel.

• Run MCPR tool for complete cleanup.

• Enable Windows Defender afterward.

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🚀 Final Thoughts

Removing McAfee from Windows 11 is easy once you know the right steps. Whether you want to free up space, boost performance, or switch to Microsoft Defender, this guide covers every scenario.

Just remember to:

• Disable McAfee before uninstalling.

• Use MCPR for complete removal.

• Verify that Windows Defender is active afterward.

With that done, your PC is now clean, fast, and fully protected — no more unnecessary pop-ups or trial software slowing you down.