If you’re wondering how to uninstall McAfee from your Windows or Mac computer in 2025, you’re not alone. McAfee, one of the most widely used antivirus software programmes, often comes pre-installed on new devices. While it offers robust protection, users sometimes choose to uninstall it for various reasons, such as switching to another antivirus solution, resolving performance issues, or simply preferring the built-in security features of their operating system.
In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the steps to completely and safely uninstall McAfee from your Windows 10/11 or macOS system. Whether you’re dealing with stubborn software that won’t uninstall or just want to ensure every file is gone, this article will help.
Table of Contents
Why You Might Want to Uninstall McAfee
Before diving into the “how,” let’s look at the “why.” Common reasons for uninstalling McAfee include
- Performance Issues: Some users report that McAfee can slow down their system.
- Subscription Expiry: Once the trial ends, McAfee prompts users to pay, and some opt not to renew.
- Switching Antivirus Software: You might want to use Windows Defender or another security suite.
- System Conflicts: Other applications or security tools may not work well with McAfee.
Understanding your motivation can help guide which uninstall method to use and whether you need to replace McAfee with an alternative immediately.
How to Uninstall McAfee on Windows 10/11
Step 1: Use the Control Panel (Basic Method)
- Press the
Windowskey and type.Control Panel - Open the Control Panel and navigate to.
Programs > Programs and Features - Scroll through the list to find “McAfee Security” or “McAfee LiveSafe.”
- Right-click and select Uninstall.
- Follow the on-screen prompts. You may be asked to restart your computer.
This is the most direct method, but it doesn’t always remove all components.
Step 2: Use the McAfee Removal Tool (MCPR Tool)
If remnants of McAfee are left behind, use the McAfee Consumer Product Removal (MCPR) tool.
- Visit McAfee’s official website and download the MCPR tool.
- Run the downloaded file (
MCPR.exe). - Accept the End User Licence Agreement (EULA).
- Enter the CAPTCHA security validation if prompted.
- The tool will scan and remove all McAfee components.
- Restart your PC once the process is complete.
This method ensures a deep, thorough uninstallation of all McAfee-related files and services.
Step 3: Check for Leftover Files
Even after using the MCPR tool, it’s good practice to check for any leftover files:
- Press
Win + R, type%ProgramFiles%, and press Enter. - Look for any McAfee folders and delete them.
- Repeat the process with
%ProgramData%and%AppData%.
Be cautious not to delete unrelated files.
Read More: How to Turn Hardware Acceleration On or Off in Chrome Easily
How to Uninstall McAfee on macOS (Monterey, Ventura, or Sonoma 2025)
Uninstalling McAfee on a Mac is slightly different but still manageable.
Step 1: Use the Built-In Uninstaller
If McAfee was installed via an installer package, it usually includes an uninstaller.
- Open the Applications folder.
- Locate the McAfee Endpoint Security for Mac or McAfee Total Protection folder.
- Look for an uninstaller application.
- Double-click the uninstaller and follow the prompts.
- Restart your Mac if required.
Step 2: Use Terminal for Manual Uninstall
If the uninstaller is missing or fails:
- Open Terminal from.
Applications > Utilities - Enter the following command and press Enter:
sudo /Library/McAfee/cma/uninstall.sh - Enter your administrator password.
- Wait for the script to complete and restart your Mac.
Step 3: Remove Leftover Files on macOS
Even after uninstallation, traces might remain:
- Open Finder and press
Cmd + Shift + G. - Go to
/Library/Application Support/,/Library/Preferences/, and/Library/LaunchAgents/. - Look for files or folders containing “McAfee” and move them to Trash.
- Empty your Trash to finalise the process.
What to Do After Uninstalling McAfee
Now that you’ve removed McAfee, it’s important to ensure your system remains protected.
Option 1: Use Built-in Security Tools
- Windows: Windows 10 and 11 come with Microsoft Defender Antivirus, a powerful and free built-in tool.
- Mac: macOS has several built-in security layers, including Gatekeeper, XProtect, and System Integrity Protection (SIP).
Option 2: Install Another Antivirus
Consider installing an alternative antivirus programme like
- Bitdefender
- Norton
- Kaspersky
- Malwarebytes
Always download from the official website and avoid running multiple antivirus programmes simultaneously.
Troubleshooting: Common Issues When Uninstalling McAfee
Problem 1: McAfee Won’t Uninstall
This often happens when system files are corrupted or if McAfee services are still running. Try using the MCPR tool or restart in Safe Mode before attempting removal.
Problem 2: Uninstall Option is Grayed Out
This might be due to admin restrictions or corrupted installation. Make sure you’re logged in as an administrator and try using the MCPR tool.
Problem 3: System Errors After Uninstall
If your system acts abnormally after uninstalling, check for leftover files, restart your device, and ensure another security solution is active.
Tips for a Smooth Uninstallation Process
- Back Up Your Data: Always back up important files before making major software changes.
- Disable Real-Time Protection Temporarily: This can help prevent system hangs during uninstall.
- Restart Your Computer: After uninstalling, reboot to ensure changes take effect.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to uninstall McAfee?
Yes, as long as you replace it with another security solution. Both Windows and Mac have strong built-in protection.
Can I uninstall McAfee if it came pre-installed?
Absolutely. Pre-installed software is optional, and you can remove it using the methods described above.
Will uninstalling McAfee affect my files?
No, your personal files and applications will remain intact. However, your system may be temporarily unprotected.
Final Thoughts
Knowing how to uninstall McAfee properly in Windows or Mac in 2025 ensures your device remains clean and secure. Whether you prefer built-in tools like Windows Defender or a third-party antivirus, removing McAfee doesn’t have to be complicated.
Always follow best practices, back up your system, and ensure you maintain continuous protection afterwards. With the right approach, uninstalling McAfee can be a quick, safe, and hassle-free process.
If this guide helped you, feel free to bookmark it for future reference or share it with someone facing the same issue.
