How to Uninstall MacAfee from Windows & Mac Devices

Are you tired of McAfee slowing down your system or not meeting your security needs? Let’s face it, antivirus software can feel like an overbearing bodyguard at times. It might flag down everything, popping up warnings and notifications that disrupt your flow. If you’ve grown tired of McAfee’s watchful eye, you might be wondering how to uninstall it completely. Many users find themselves wanting to remove McAfee from their devices. But how exactly can you do that?

This guide will walk you through the process of removing McAfee from both Windows and Mac devices, in a way that’s easy to understand, even for those without a tech background. So let’s get started.

Why Uninstall McAfee?

There are several reasons why you might want to uninstall McAfee. Perhaps you’ve subscribed to a different antivirus service, or maybe McAfee’s constant pop-ups are driving you crazy. It’s also possible that your computer came preloaded with McAfee, but you don’t need it. Whatever the reason, the good news is that uninstalling McAfee is a straightforward process.

How to Uninstall McAfee: A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Remove McAfee from Windows PC?

There are two primary ways to remove McAfee from your Windows machine. We’ll explore both methods for your convenience:

Method 1: Remove McAfee via Control Panel

Step 1: Press the Windows key + R keys together to open the RUN dialog box.

Step 2: Type ‘control panel’ and press the Enter key.

Step 3: Now look for and click on Programs and Features.

Step 4: Then right-click on the McAfee app and choose Uninstall/Change.

Step 5: Now follow the on-screen instructions to complete the uninstallation process.

Step 6: Restart your PC/Laptop.

Method 2: Use the MCPR Tool to Remove McAfee

Step 1: Close all the programs including McAfee.

Step 2: Click on this link to Download the MCPR tool.

Step 3: Open the downloaded file and click on Yes.

Step 4: A setup wizard screen will appear, follow the instructions.

Step 5: Enter the security verification code in the blank area and then click on Next.

Step 6: The uninstallation process will start.

Step 7: After completion, you will see the same screen as shown below, tap on Restart.

How to Remove McAfee from a Mac?

Removing McAfee from macOS is a straightforward process. Follow the steps below to remove McAfee from a Mac. If you are using a MacBook, ensure it is fully charged before you start to avoid any problems during uninstalling.

Step 1: Click on the Finder icon in your dock.

Step 2: On the left sidebar of the Finder window, locate and click on “Applications.”

Step 3: Scroll through the list of applications until you find your McAfee software.

Step 4: Drag the McAfee application icon to the Trash bin located on your dock.

Step 5: Right-click on the Trash bin and select “Empty Trash.“

While uninstalling through the above method should remove most of the McAfee software, there’s a chance some residual files or registry entries might linger. If you’re a stickler for cleanliness, you can follow these additional steps:

Step 1: Open Library (hold the Option key and click on Go in the menu bar) and navigate to folders like “~/Library/LaunchAgents,” “~/Library/Preferences,” and “~/Library/Application Support.”

Step 2: Look for any files or folders with McAfee in the name and delete them cautiously (only delete files you’re confident about).

What Are the Alternatives to the McAfee Antivirus Program?

While McAfee LiveSafe or Total Security serves its purpose well for many users, it may not be the ideal choice for everyone. Fortunately, several substitutes offer additional functionality at different price points to suit different demands. Below, we’ve compiled a list of the best McAfee alternatives for you to consider:

Best MacAfee Alternatives for Windows

1. T9 Antivirus: T9 Antivirus consistently ranks high in antivirus protection tests, offering excellent malware detection and threat blocking. It goes beyond basic antivirus with features like:

• Real-time Protection: Continuously scans for and blocks malware, viruses, and other threats.
• Exploit Protection: Protects against vulnerabilities in software that attackers can exploit.
• Malware Protection: Detects and removes various types of malware, including spyware and ransomware.
• Web Protection & Network Firewall: Provides some level of security when browsing the web and using the internet.

2. Norton 360: A comprehensive security suite that offers excellent protection against malware, ransomware, and other online threats. It includes features like:

• Dark Web Monitoring: Scans the dark web for breaches of your personal information.
• SafeCam: Protects your webcam from unauthorized access.
• Cloud Backup: Secures your important files in case of data loss.
• Password Manager: Manages your passwords securely across devices.
• Parental Controls: Helps you manage your children’s online activity.

3. Avast Free Antivirus: A free and reliable option for basic antivirus protection. While it lacks some features of paid options, it offers good malware detection and real-time threat blocking. You can upgrade to premium plans for features like:

• Ransomware Shield: Protects your files from unauthorized encryption.
• Smart Scan: Analyzes your PC for security weaknesses and performance issues.
• Firewall: Monitors network traffic for suspicious activity.
• Phishing Protection: Blocks emails and websites designed to steal your information.

Best McAfee Alternatives for macOS Devices

1. Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac: Offers excellent malware protection for Mac users. It’s lightweight and doesn’t slow down your system. Here’s what it provides:

• Real-time Threat Detection: Continuously scans for and blocks malware, viruses, and other online threats.
• Safe Browsing: Protects you from phishing websites and malicious links.
• Advanced Threat Protection: Identifies and blocks sophisticated cyberattacks.
• Time-Machine Protection: Protects your backups from ransomware attacks.

2. Intego Mac Premium Bundle X9: A security suite designed specifically for Macs. It goes beyond basic antivirus with features like:

• Personal Backup: Creates backups of your important files.
• Web Content Filtering: Blocks access to malicious websites.
• Parental Controls: Helps you manage your children’s screen time and online activity.
• Mac Washing Machine: Cleans up junk files and optimizes your Mac’s performance.

Read Also: The Best Antivirus Software For Mac

3. Avast Security for Mac: A free and user-friendly option for basic antivirus protection on Mac. It offers real-time threat detection and basic web filtering. You can upgrade to the premium version for features like:

• Real-time Ransomware Protection: Protects your files from unauthorized encryption.
• Wi-Fi Inspector: Scans your Wi-Fi network for vulnerabilities.
• Email Security: Blocks phishing emails and malicious attachments.
• Password Manager: Manages your passwords securely across devices.

Final Words on How to Uninstall McAfee from Windows and Mac Devices?

Uninstalling McAfee from your Windows or Mac device is a breeze with our simple guide. Now that you’ve successfully removed McAfee, it’s crucial to consider your next steps. Leaving your device vulnerable is risky. We recommend exploring the world of robust antivirus alternatives we’ve outlined, including T9 Antivirus, Norton 360, Bitdefender, Intego, and Avast. Each offers a unique blend of features and protection to suit your specific needs and budget.

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Read Also: How To Fix ‘McAfee Antivirus Not Working’ Problem On Windows 10