Uninstalling McAfee from your laptop may be necessary if you want to switch to a different antivirus program or free up system resources. The process is straightforward on both Windows and macOS systems when you follow the correct steps. This guide explains how to safely and completely remove McAfee from your laptop.
Uninstalling McAfee on Windows
Begin by closing any McAfee programs running on your laptop. Open the Start menu and select Settings.
Go to Apps or Apps & Features depending on your Windows version. Scroll through the list to find McAfee products such as McAfee LiveSafe or McAfee Total Protection.
Click the McAfee program and select Uninstall. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the removal process. You may be asked to confirm your decision and restart your laptop.
Using the McAfee Removal Tool
Sometimes standard uninstallation may leave residual files behind. McAfee offers a dedicated removal tool called the MCPR tool to clean up leftover components.
Download the MCPR tool from McAfee’s official website. Run the tool and follow instructions carefully. Your laptop will restart automatically once the cleanup is finished.
Uninstalling McAfee on macOS
On a Mac, open Finder and go to the Applications folder. Locate the McAfee application.
Drag the McAfee icon to the Trash or right-click and select Move to Trash. You may be prompted to enter your administrator password.
To fully remove McAfee files open Finder and use Go > Go to Folder from the menu bar. Enter /Library and delete any McAfee-related folders. Repeat this in your user’s Library folder.
Checking for Remaining Files
After uninstalling, check your system for any remaining McAfee files or folders and delete them manually. Restart your laptop to ensure all changes take effect.
Disabling Auto-Renewal and Account Management
If you have an active McAfee subscription, remember to disable auto-renewal through your McAfee account to avoid unwanted charges.
Manage your account settings on McAfee’s website to cancel or update your subscription.
Conclusion
Uninstalling McAfee from your laptop is simple when using the built-in uninstaller or McAfee’s removal tool. Follow the steps carefully to ensure all components are removed and remember to manage your subscription separately. This prepares your laptop for a new security solution or improved performance.