How To Fully Uninstall and Remove McAfee Antivirus Software on Windows PCs

McAfee is a popular antivirus software that provides protection against malware, viruses, and other online threats. However, there may come a time when you need to uninstall McAfee from your Windows PC, whether you want to switch to another antivirus or are facing issues with McAfee.

Completely removing McAfee can be tricky as it tends to leave behind registry entries and other residual files even after uninstallation. This article provides step-by-step instructions on how to fully uninstall McAfee using the following methods:

Before Uninstallation

Before starting the McAfee uninstallation process, follow these preparatory steps:

Method 1: Uninstall from Windows Settings/Control Panel

Follow these steps to uninstall McAfee from Windows Settings or Control Panel:

Windows 10/11

  • Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps
  • Find and select McAfee product
  • Click Uninstall > Uninstall again to confirm

Windows 7/8

  • Go to Control Panel > Uninstall a program
  • Find and select McAfee product
  • Click Uninstall/Change > Yes to confirm

After uninstallation, restart your computer when prompted.

Method 2: Use the McAfee Removal Tool

The MCPR tool thoroughly removes all McAfee components from the system. Follow these steps:

  • Double-click on MCPR.exe to launch the tool
  • Click Next and enter the displayed security code correctly
  • Select detected McAfee product > Click Remove
  • Click Finish to complete the removal process
  • Reboot computer

Method 3: Manual Removal

You can manually remove McAfee remnants from your Windows PC by:

Delete Registry Entries

  • Press Windows + R > Type regedit > Click OK
  • Delete McAfee related keys under:
  • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\McAfee
  • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\McAfee

Remove Files/Folders

Delete these McAfee file/folder locations:

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

Clear Temporary Files

  • Press Windows + R > Type %temp% > Click OK
  • Delete all mcafee temporary files

After manually removing all McAfee traces, restart your PC.

Checking for Leftover Files

To confirm if McAfee has been completely uninstalled from your Windows system, do the following checks:

  • Open Task Manager and verify no McAfee processes are running
  • Open Services and check for any active McAfee services
  • Reboot into Safe Mode and see if any error messages related to McAfee files appear
  • Download and run the McAfee Clean tool to scan and remove leftover components.

If McAfee remnants still persist, repeat the entire removal process or contact McAfee customer support.

Install an Alternative Antivirus Software

Once McAfee has been eliminated from your system, it is highly recommended to install another reputed antivirus software like Bitdefender, Kaspersky, Norton, etc. to fill the security gap left by McAfee.

Make sure to update the new antivirus program regularly and schedule periodic scans to keep your Windows PC protected against the latest malware and cyberattacks.

Conclusion

Removing pre-installed trial versions of McAfee or even paid McAfee software suites can be tedious due to registry entries and hidden files getting left behind. Carefully go through each method highlighted in this guide to ensure complete elimination of McAfee products from your Windows computer.

If you face any issues uninstalling McAfee using the provided methods, take professional assistance by contacting McAfee support teams. Alternatively, engage an on-site computer technician to get rid of residual McAfee components from your PC.