McAfee Security Scan Plus often comes preinstalled on new Windows PCs or bundled with other software downloads. While it’s a legitimate tool from McAfee, many users find it unnecessary or even annoying, especially if they already use Windows Security (Microsoft Defender) or another antivirus solution.
If you’ve been wondering how to uninstall McAfee Security Scan Plus on Windows 11, you’re in the right place. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll explain what McAfee Security Scan Plus does, why you might want to remove it, and several effective ways to uninstall it — including Control Panel, Settings, and McAfee’s official removal tool.
By the end of this guide, you’ll have a clean system free of McAfee Security Scan Plus.
Summary (Key Takeaways)
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McAfee Security Scan Plus is not a full antivirus — it’s a free diagnostic tool.
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You can uninstall it via Windows Settings > Apps > Installed Apps.
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Use McAfee’s official removal tool (MCPR) if regular uninstall fails.
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Always restart your PC after removal to ensure a clean uninstall.
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Windows 11 already includes Microsoft Defender, which is enough for most users.
What Is McAfee Security Scan Plus?
McAfee Security Scan Plus is a lightweight utility designed to check:
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Whether antivirus software is active.
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If your firewall is enabled.
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If there are potential threats.
It does not actively protect your computer — it only scans and reports.
Why You Might Want to Uninstall It
Some common reasons include:
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Unwanted installation: Often bundled with Adobe Flash Player or other free software.
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Annoying pop-ups: It frequently reminds you to install McAfee’s full security suite.
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Redundant protection: Windows 11 comes with built-in Microsoft Defender.
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Performance impact: While light, background scans can slightly slow down your PC.
Is It Safe to Remove McAfee Security Scan Plus?
Yes — removing McAfee Security Scan Plus does not harm your PC. If you rely on another antivirus solution or Windows Security, you can safely uninstall it without losing protection.
Method 1: Uninstall McAfee Security Scan Plus via Windows Settings
This is the simplest method and works in most cases.
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Open Settings: Press
Win + Ion your keyboard. -
Go to Apps: In the left panel, click Apps.
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Open Installed Apps: Select Installed Apps (or Apps & features on some builds).
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Find McAfee Security Scan Plus: Use the search box and type
McAfee. -
Click the Three Dots: Next to McAfee Security Scan Plus, select Uninstall.
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Confirm: Follow the on-screen prompts to remove it.
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Restart Your PC: This ensures all components are fully removed.
Method 2: Uninstall via Control Panel
If you prefer the classic Control Panel:
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Press
Win + R, typeappwiz.cpl, and press Enter. -
Locate McAfee Security Scan Plus in the list.
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Right-click it and select Uninstall/Change.
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Follow the prompts and restart your computer.
Method 3: Use the McAfee MCPR Removal Tool (For Stubborn Installs)
Sometimes, McAfee products leave behind residual files. McAfee’s official MCPR tool helps clean them up.
How to Use MCPR Tool
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Download the MCPR tool from McAfee’s official website:
https://www.mcafee.com/support/mcpr -
Run the downloaded file as Administrator.
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Accept the End User License Agreement.
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Enter the CAPTCHA code when prompted.
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Wait for the cleanup process to complete.
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Restart your PC when prompted.
This ensures a complete removal, including leftover registry entries.
Method 4: Use PowerShell for Advanced Users
For tech-savvy users, PowerShell can remove applications quickly:
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Right-click Start and choose Windows Terminal (Admin).
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Type:
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Press Enter and wait for the process to finish.
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Restart your PC.
⚠️ Note: Use this only if other methods fail.
Comparing Methods: Which Is Best?
| Method | Difficulty | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Windows Settings | Easy | Most users |
| Control Panel | Easy | Users familiar with classic interface |
| MCPR Tool | Medium | Stubborn/uninstall issues |
| PowerShell | Advanced | Power users who prefer command-line tools |
How to Check If McAfee Is Fully Removed
After uninstalling, verify that McAfee Security Scan Plus is gone:
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Open Settings > Apps > Installed Apps and search for McAfee.
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Check your Task Manager (
Ctrl + Shift + Esc) for any McAfee processes. -
Run the MCPR tool if traces still appear.
What to Use Instead of McAfee Security Scan Plus
You don’t need to install a replacement unless you want extra features. Windows 11’s Microsoft Defender Antivirus provides:
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Real-time protection
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Cloud-based threat detection
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Firewall integration
If you prefer third-party antivirus, options like Bitdefender, Kaspersky, or Norton offer advanced protection.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| McAfee still shows up after uninstall | Run MCPR tool and restart PC. |
| Error during uninstall | Close all McAfee processes in Task Manager, then retry. |
| Windows Security shows disabled | Re-enable Microsoft Defender in Settings > Privacy & security > Windows Security. |
| Can’t find McAfee in apps list | It may already be removed — search your C: drive for “McAfee” folders and delete manually. |
Productivity Tip: Avoid Future Bundled Installs
Many users end up with McAfee Security Scan Plus when installing other software. To avoid this:
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Always choose Custom Installation when installing free programs.
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Uncheck any boxes offering additional software.
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Download apps from official websites instead of third-party download sites.
Keyboard Shortcuts to Speed Up the Process
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Win + I: Open Settings
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Win + R: Open Run dialog
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Ctrl + Shift + Esc: Open Task Manager
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Alt + F4: Close open windows quickly
Conclusion
Uninstalling McAfee Security Scan Plus on Windows 11 is straightforward once you know where to look. The easiest method is through Settings > Apps > Installed Apps, but for stubborn cases, the MCPR tool ensures a clean removal.
After uninstalling, Windows Security will take over automatically — meaning your PC remains protected without extra pop-ups or performance slowdowns.
Take a few minutes to remove unwanted programs today — your computer (and your productivity) will thank you.
FAQs
1. Does uninstalling McAfee Security Scan Plus remove my antivirus protection?
No — it’s only a scanner. If you use Windows Security or another antivirus, you remain protected.
2. Can I reinstall it later if needed?
Yes — you can download it from McAfee’s website anytime.
3. Why does McAfee Security Scan Plus keep coming back?
It might be bundled with another program. Watch for optional installs when updating software.
4. Is Windows Defender enough for protection?
Yes — for most users, Windows Defender offers strong protection and is free.
5. How long does the uninstall process take?
Usually less than 5 minutes, but using MCPR may take a bit longer.