The procedure applies to the classic McAfee AntiVirusPlus but also to the McAfee Family Protection, McAfee Internet Security, McAfee Total Protection, and McAfee LiveSafe suites. You will also learn how to remove McAfee WebAdvisor without the uninstall tool.
How can I uninstall McAfee without the uninstaller?
- Uninstall McAfee (standard procedure)
- Uninstall McAfee using the removal tool
- Uninstall McAfee apps from smartphones and tablets
1. Uninstall McAfee (standard procedure)
- The first step you need to take is to remove McAfee LiveSafe / Internet Security and McAfee WebAdvisor from your PC. The first is the actual antivirus, the second one is an extension for the browser that allows you to know the reputation of the websites that you visit.
- Type control in Windows Search, then click on Control Panel from results.
- Click on the Uninstall a program option in the window that opens.
- Select the icon for McAfee LiveSafe, McAfee Internet Security, or the version of the antivirus that you have installed on your PC and press the Uninstall / Change button located under the application icon (on Windows 10) or at the top (on Windows 7 and Windows 8.x).
- In the window that opens, click on the Yes button.
- Put the checkmark next to the entries McAfee LiveSafe (or McAfee Internet Security) and Remove all files for this program.
- Press the buttons Remove, Remove, Close, and No, thanks to complete the process of removing McAfee.
In addition, it’s also advised to remove SiteAdvisor software by following the aforementioned steps. This will also help you with the McAfee WebAdvisor uninstall.
When the operation is complete, restart your computer for all changes to take effect and complete the removal of McAfee and all of its components.
2. Uninstall McAfee using the removal tool
- Download the McAfee Removal Tool.
- When the download is complete, double-click the downloaded file. Click the Yes button and then click Next.
- Accept the conditions of use.
- Complete the procedure of removing McAfee Antivirus by clicking on Next, typing the verification code that is displayed on the desktop, and pressing Next.
- Wait a few minutes for all the components of McAfee to be detected and removed from the PC. Click on the Close and Restart buttons to restart the PC (essential to complete the uninstallation of McAfee).
If you did not find McAfee LiveSafe, McAfee Internet Security, or SiteAdvisor on the list of programs installed on your computer, do not worry, you can uninstall McAfee using the removal utility that you can download from the antivirus site.
Note: If you removed McAfee with the removal utility because the standard procedure was not successful, remember to deactivate the antivirus license (if necessary) by visiting McAfee’s website, logging in with your account information, and clicking the Disable button for your computer.
Also, it’s recommended to use the removal utility as soon as you download it. The software is constantly updated and if you don’t have the latest version, it might not work properly.
3. Uninstall McAfee apps from smartphones and tablets
- Select the icon of the app from the drawer.
- Keep your finger pressed on the icon for a couple of seconds and drag the icon to the trashcan icon that appears on the screen.
- Select OK when the warning appears on the screen and you’re done.
Alternatively, to get the same result you can go to the Settings menu, touch the Android app and then select the McAfee and press the Uninstall button on the screen that opens.
The latest versions of McAfee suites also include apps for smartphones and tablets.
We hope this guide helped you solve the problem with removing the McAfee from your Windows PC. Please let us know in the comments section below.
Still having issues? Fix them with this tool: Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in March 2019 and was revamped and updated in January 2021 for freshness, accuracy, and comprehensiveness.
This post was written by Madalina Dinita and was first posted to WindowsReport