McAfee – the name itself exudes a sense of security and protection. It is a popular antivirus software that often comes pre-installed on new computers and is known for its robust security features and reliable performance.
Although it serves its purpose but also leaves residual files behind even after uninstalling it.
Anyway, there may come a time when you need to uninstall McAfee from your device. This could be due to various reasons which we will discuss in this guide.
Whatever the reason may be, uninstalling McAfee from your computer requires more than just clicking on the “Uninstall” button.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through why one would want to uninstall McAfee in Windows 10, 8, 7, and from a Mac. Also, we have included steps on how to remove McAfee in Windows using the McAfee removal tool.
Why Would Someone Want to Uninstall McAfee?
There are various reasons why one may want to uninstall McAfee from their computer. Some of them are as follows:
Many users consider uninstalling McAfee due to performance issues.
Some find that it slows down their systems and makes it hard to do everyday tasks like browsing or gaming.
The cost could be another factor. Subscription fees can add up over time which may lead to seeking free alternatives that offer adequate protection without the financial burden.
Compatibility issues can also arise with specific applications or operating systems.
Steps For How to Uninstall McAfee Mac?
If you haven’t got time to hang around and know your way, then we’ve simplified it for you. Here are steps for how to remove McAfee in Windows 10, 8, 7, and Mac:
How to Uninstall McAfee on Windows 10
You can remove McAfee from Windows 10 without putting much effort and by just changing the computer’s system settings. Here is how you can do it:
First, in the Windows Search box type Settings and then select “Settings” from the search results.
Now from the Window’s settings, select “Apps”.
At this point, you can either scroll down until you find your McAfee product or you can directly type McAfee in the search box and then select the McAfee product you want to remove.
Once you find it, click on it and then hit “Uninstall”.
Next, follow the prompts to complete the uninstallation process for each product.
After your Window uninstalls the software, it is now time to close the Settings window.
Restart your computer system to confirm that all changes that have been made are applied.
How to Remove McAfee on Windows 8
Chances are your McAfee won’t open, to resolve it, you can try accessing it again after some time. Here is how to uninstall McAfee on Windows 8:
From the Charms bar, select “Start” to access the list of programs installed on your computer. You can also press the “Windows” key and get access to it.
Find the McAfee product you want to remove, Right-click it, and select “Uninstall”.
On the directed programs and features window, select the McAfee product you want to remove.
Then, choose “Uninstall/Change”.
Again, the system will ask you to select “Uninstall” to confirm that you do want to remove the software.
Wait until your Windows 8 device uninstalls the software completely.
Close all the programs and features window.
After all, restart your computer and check if the program was uninstalled.
How to Uninstall McAfee on Windows 7
Individuals dealing with Windows 7 might find it challenging but in reality, you can uninstall McAfee Mac in just a few clicks. Here is how:
First, select “Start” and then “Control Panel”.
Find and double-click on “Add or Remove Programs”.
It’s time to choose the McAfee product you are willing to remove from your system.
If you see a Windows request (asking your permission to continue), just confirm your action to proceed further.
Wait until the Windows uninstalls the software.
Close the window.
Finally, restart the computer system and check again if the program is uninstalled or not.
Learn How to Remove McAfee on Windows Using the McAfee Removal Tool
The aforementioned procedures don’t work for you. Worry not, we’ve come up with steps to uninstall McAfee Mac using the McAfee Removal Tool:
First thing first, download the “MCPR Tool”. You can get it from the McAfee website.
Then, double-click “MCPR.exe” after the tool is successfully downloaded.
From the pop-up, select “Yes”, and “Continue”.
If you see a security warning, you need to select “Run”. Doing so will open the McAfee Software Removal Tool.
Then, select “Next” on the McAfee Software Removal screen.
After that, click on “Agree” when the End User License Agreement (EULA) page appears.
Next, enter the characters shown on the “Security Validation” screen. And, select “Next”.
Wait until the tool removes the software. This process may take some time, let’s say a few minutes.
Finally, select “Restart” when the “Removal Complete” message appears on your screen.
How to Uninstall McAfee From a Mac?
Are you operating a Mac and want to uninstall McAfee? Here you go:
Start with finding and opening the “Applications” folder in the dock. Otherwise, you can navigate to the folder from a Finder window.
Now, open the “McAfee Internet Security Uninstaller” app.
Up next, select the “Uninstall SiteAdvisor” check box. This is advised to remove the McAfee browser add-on.
Click on “Continue”.
To move ahead, enter your administrator password and click on “Ok”.
When the uninstallation process is complete, select “Finish”.
Conclusion
When considering whether to uninstall McAfee, it’s necessary to weigh your options carefully.
In any case, if you’re facing issues like slow performance or conflicts with other software, you might find that removing it from your system provides the relief you need.
Following the steps outlined in this guide for manually uninstalling or using the McAfee removal tool ensures a clean and efficient process.
Taking control of your cybersecurity means understanding what’s best for you. Be it continuing with McAfee or exploring different paths entirely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is McAfee safe?
Yes, McAfee is absolutely safe to keep your computer protected from offline threats. This is because McAfee products like McAfee Total Security provide advanced protection like identity theft protection, password safe, and online banking protection
Why won’t McAfee uninstall?
When you are struggling to uninstall McAfee, you can try out two ways to completely delete all McAfee files. First, open Settings on your PC >> Apps >> McAfee > Uninstall.
Then, download and run the McAfee Removal Tool to complete the procedure.
Secondly, you can use a free third-party uninstaller program to remove McAfee.
How do I uninstall McAfee Livesafe?
For that, go to Settings >> Apps >> McAfee Livesafe >> Uninstall.
