Installing, disabling and completely removing McAfee from Windows. We remove all traces of Mcafee antivirus How to completely remove mcafee windows 8.1

FAQ 23.10.2022
Chercher

Often, software manufacturers offer to install other related products during installation. And it often happens that the user does not pay attention to such software, but only later notices it on the computer. One of such applications can be McAfee antivirus, and many users have a question about how to completely remove it from Windows 10.

McAfee is a very common antivirus. What is its use? The fact is that it is an extremely useful and simple program that can effectively protect your PC from threats. In addition, the software has good reviews. However, many users still do not need it for various reasons. For example, another licensed antivirus may already be installed on your computer. In this case, it becomes necessary to remove it, but deleting it using the standard method will not help in this case, since the software leaves its traces throughout the system, including in the registry.

Let us immediately clarify that there are several versions of the product - AntiVirus Plus, Internet Security, Total Protection and McAfee LiveSafe.

Uninstallation of any of these versions is carried out using similar methods on an OS of any bit size, be it x32 Bit or x64 Bit.

The surest way is to completely remove the antivirus and its accompanying data manually. The sequence of actions in this case can be imagined as follows:

  1. We get rid of the antivirus itself. To do this, you need to go to the control panel. This can be done by clicking on the search icon located next to the Start menu and entering the appropriate query.
  1. Go to the “Programs and Features” section in the control panel that opens.
  1. Find McAfee Security Scan Plus or a similar name in the list of installed programs, click on it and click on the “Uninstall/Change” button. We do the same with the McAfee WebAdvisor program, if it is present in this list.
  1. We activate both proposed items and click on the “Delete” button, and when the process is complete, reboot the PC. The program will be removed from the computer, but this will not end there.
  1. We destroy residual files. To do this, you need to go to the partition on the hard drive on which the antivirus was installed. By default, all programs are installed on the system drive “C:” in the “Program Files” folder, so we are looking for McAfee here. The user should see two folders.
  1. We delete them: select them, right-click, and then click on the “Delete” line.
  1. But the procedure is not over yet. It is necessary to remove the drivers. To do this, you need to open the “Windows” folder on the system drive “C:”, and then go to the “System32” section and then to the “Drivers” folder.
  1. We find and remove the following list of drivers using the standard method:
  • mfeapfk;
  • mfeavfk;
  • mfebopk;
  • mfeclnk;
  • mfehidk;
  • mferkdet;
  • mfewfpk.

If for some reason you are not sure that the driver you are removing is associated with McAfee, you can right-click on it and go to “Properties”.

In the “Digital Signatures” section, look at the name of the signatory. If McAfee appears in the name, the driver can be safely removed.

  1. Having removed all of the above drivers, we move on to cleaning the registry. To open it, enter the key combination Win + R on the keyboard and enter the command “regedit”. Click "OK" or Enter.
  1. In the registry editor that opens, press the combination Ctrl + F and enter McAfee in the search field, then click on “Find Next.”
  1. We right-click on the found entry and click on “Delete”, then press F3 and continue deleting entries until they run out.

You can also clean the registry after uninstalling the antivirus using automated means, for example, CCleaner.

Just open this utility, go to the “Registry” item and click on “Search for problems”, and after completing the search, click on “Fix all”.

This completes the manual removal procedure. As you can see, this method is quite labor-intensive and requires a lot of time from the user. For those who do not want to uninstall components manually, a separate utility has been developed, which we will consider further.

Using MCPR

  1. In the uninstaller window that opens, click on the “Next” button.
  1. Activate the “Agree” item and click on “Next” again.
  1. Enter the proposed captcha in the window provided for it and click on “Next” for the last time. The removal of all components will begin, after which all that remains is to restart the computer or laptop.

MCPR Removal Utility is the simplest tool suitable for any user. However, we will also look at the last, alternative method - using various third-party utilities.

We will use, but other similar programs can successfully cope with the task. Such solutions are good because they remove not only the antivirus itself, but also all residual files and data.

In this method, everything is as simple as possible:

  1. Open the program (you can download it through the official website), find McAfee in the list provided, click on it and click on “Delete”.
  1. We are waiting for the process of creating a restore point to complete, with which the system can be returned to working condition.
  1. We remove the antivirus using a standard uninstaller, which will open automatically. To do this, activate both proposed items and click on “Delete”.
  1. We are waiting for the process to complete.
  1. After the removal is complete, select the advanced mode and click on “Scan”. The button will not be active until the antivirus is removed.
  1. We are waiting for the scanning process to complete.
  1. A list of registry entries related to McAfee will be generated. To clean the registry, click “Select all” and then “Delete”.
  1. After deleting entries in the registry, the formation of a list of remaining files will automatically begin.
  1. Click on “Select all” and “Delete” again. All associated residual files will be automatically deleted.

Some objects will remain, but the utility will immediately notify you that they will be deleted the next time you start the OS (in our case, only 8 files remain). Click “Finish”.

The antivirus product has been completely removed from the computer.

In some cases, the user is satisfied with the functioning of the antivirus, but wants to remove it because it has quarantined necessary files or is preventing a program from installing correctly. In such cases, it is not at all necessary to resort to extreme measures.

Restoring files from quarantine

If the necessary trusted files are quarantined, you can simply restore them. Let's figure out how this is done:

  1. Open the antivirus, click on the settings icon and select “Quarantined items”.
  1. Select the desired object, click on it and click on the “Restore” button. In our case, not a single file was quarantined.
  1. Close the window and check the required file. It should now be available.

If the antivirus interferes with the installation of any software or, for example, a game, you can simply disable it for a certain time.

Shutdown

Let's figure out how to turn it off for a while. In this case, everything is quite simple:

There may be situations when the antivirus needs to be disabled for a longer period of time. To do this, you must use the instructions below.

Disable McAfee services

If you need to disable your antivirus, but don’t want to remove it, you can disable all services responsible for its operation. To do this, you need to carry out the following sequence of actions:

  1. Press Win + R on the keyboard and enter the command “msconfig” in the window that opens. Click on Enter or “OK”.

    Results

    We have examined in as much detail as possible all the removal methods, as well as methods for temporarily disabling the defender. As you can see, there are quite a lot of options - from manual removal to using specialized utilities.

    Antivirus is a complex program that cannot be removed using standard methods known to everyone. You should not immediately resort to the uninstallation procedure, because it effectively protects the computer from software threats of various types and effectively protects the user while using the Internet. A clear indication for removal will be a replacement for McAfee already installed on your computer - any other anti-virus product.

    Video instruction

    For greater clarity, we attach detailed video instructions that explain the process of carrying out all the operations described above.

McAfee is a development of the company of the same name, which is a division of Intel Security. The antivirus is paid, prices for users can be found on the official website. Unfortunately, the company distributes its product with the help of installers of other software, and free trial versions are not able to protect the device from serious threats. Therefore, users often wonder how to completely remove McAfee from Windows 10.

Uninstall McAfee manually

Many users install an antivirus due to inattention. The program saves its data in all “corners of the operating system” and getting rid of it is not so easy.

Programs and components

Before you begin uninstalling McAfee and all its components, try disabling Anti-Virus. If the tray icon does not have an exit button, proceed to remove it:

  1. Go to Explorer - “Uninstall or change a program.”
  2. Select McAfee LiveSafe and click Uninstall/Change.
  3. Check the boxes under each item and click “Delete”.
  4. Wait until the removal procedure is completed.
  5. Restart your computer when the operation is complete.

Important! If you installed a package of applications from McAfee (for example, Internet Security, WebAdvisor) and the additional software was not removed when you uninstalled LiveSafe, clean it manually in Programs and Features.

Remaining files and folders

Check if files and folders remain after removing McAfee antivirus from Windows 10:


Removing drivers

Check to see if the drivers for this program are still in the system. Go to C:\Windows\System32\drivers and check for the following files:

  • mfeapfk.sys;
  • mfeavfk.sys;
  • mfebopk.sys;
  • mfeclnk.sys;
  • mfehidk.sys;
  • mferkdet.sys;
  • mfewfpk.sys.

Advice! To verify that a file belongs to McAfee Inc. go to the file properties, in the “Digital Signatures” tab the name of the signatory is indicated.

Cleaning the registry

For this:


Remove McAfee using programs

There is special software that can facilitate the removal procedure:


Still have questions about uninstalling McAfee products? Write about it in the comments or use

As you know, incompletely removed programs and their components can interfere with further work on the laptop. There is a need to completely remove all unnecessary elements. McAfee is a removal utility from the manufacturer of a well-known antivirus. With its help you can remove all products from McAfee. In this article we will tell you how to remove McAfee from a laptop using such a utility.

Instructions on how to remove McAfee from a laptop

There are two methods - one of them is standard, and the second involves using the McAfee utility. Let's look at each of them in more detail, after which you can choose the most optimal and effective one for yourself.

First way:

1) In the lower left corner of the screen, open the menu Start by clicking on it with the left mouse button.

2) Select menu item Control Panel, next section Programs and components.

3) Click on the icon Programs and components. A list of programs will open, where you will only have to find and select McAfee antivirus.

4) After that, move the cursor and double-click the left mouse button on the program name. In the Programs and Features window, you must confirm that you are indeed uninstalling the program. To do this, click on the button Yes.

5) This will start the process of removing McAfee antivirus from your laptop.

6) All you have to do is restart your computer and check if the program has been removed from your computer.

If the automatic removal of McAfee antivirus was not completed successfully, then use the second method, which will be discussed below.

Second method (special).

1) The first thing you should do is go to the official McAfee website and download a special removal utility. You can do this using the link below.

2) The next step is to close all McAfee windows.

3) Then you should run the utility. To do this, double click on MCPR.exe.

4) A utility window will open in which you must click "Next"(Further).

5) For further removal process, be sure to check the box "Agree"(Agree) and press again "Next"(Further).

6) A protective field will appear in which the numbers are hidden. They will need to be sorted and entered into the special field below. After that click "Next"(Further).

7) The removal process will begin. Wait for it to complete. After which you will need to restart the laptop. Click "Restart" to perform a reboot.

After rebooting, McAfee antivirus will be completely removed from your computer system. Now you can easily install a new antivirus, for example, Kaspersky antivirus.

Although McAfee Internet Security does a great job of protecting your system from malware and other risks associated with surfing the Internet, it puts a lot of stress on your computer, which can slow down its performance. You can uninstall McAfee Internet Security quite easily and quickly (on both Windows and Mac OS) if you follow the steps in this article.

Steps

Uninstall McAfee Internet Security on Windows

    Deactivate the license.

    Open System Settings or Control Panel. To uninstall McAfee Internet Security in Windows 10, open the system settings, and in Windows 8/7/Vista, open the Control Panel.

    • Click "Start".
    • Select "Settings".
      • In Windows 8, in the top right corner of the screen, swipe down from top to bottom and tap "Search". In the search bar, enter "Control Panel", and then in the search results, click "Control Panel".
      • On Windows 7/Vista, click "Start" – "Control Panel".

  1. Uninstall the program. To completely remove McAfee Internet Security, follow the on-screen instructions.

    • Click "System" - "Programs and Features".
    • Highlight McAfee Internet Security, click Uninstall, and follow the onscreen instructions.
      • In Windows 8, click View: and select Large Icons, then click Programs and Features and select McAfee Internet Security, then click Uninstall and follow the onscreen instructions.
      • In Windows 7/Vista, click Programs - Programs and Features, highlight McAfee Internet Security, click Uninstall, and follow the onscreen instructions.

    Uninstall McAfee Internet Security on Mac OS

    1. Sign in to your McAfee account. To use a McAfee Internet Security key (license) on another computer, you must deactivate the license on the computer on which you are uninstalling the program. In this case, you will not have to buy a key again.

      Deactivate the license. By signing into your McAfee account, you can view complete McAfee Internet Security license information, including license version, expiration date, and expiration date.

    2. Go to the Applications folder. This folder stores all the programs installed on your computer.

      • Open Finder.
      • Select Programs.
        • If the Applications folder is not in the Finder sidebar, use the finder located in the upper-right corner of the Finder window to find the folder.

    3. Run the McAfee Internet Security uninstaller. This step will allow you to completely remove McAfee Internet Security.

      • Locate and open the folder where McAfee Internet Security is stored.
      • Double-click the McAfee Internet Security Uninstaller file.
      • Check the “Uninstall SiteAdvisor” option and click “Continue.”

    4. Confirm the removal of the program. To do this, enter the administrator password - this way the system will understand that you have the right to remove the program and are doing this for a reason.

      • Enter the administrator password and click OK.
        • This refers to the administrator password for the Mac OS system, not for the McAfee account.
      • Click Finish.
      • Restart your computer.


Sometimes antivirus becomes a bigger problem than viruses - this can be said about the McAfee utility. If you are unlucky and you bought a laptop on Windows 10, and McAfee antivirus was initially pre-installed, and you do not want to use this program, then you need to uninstall it. But removing an antivirus is not such an easy task. In this article, you will learn how to remove McAfee antivirus on Windows 10.

Removing McAfee from your computer completely

As a rule, McAfee is not used, but users simply forget about it. As a result, the utility, firstly, takes up space on the hard drive, and secondly, loads the system. Sometimes there is even a conflict between McAfee and another antivirus you want to install. Therefore, if you do not use McAfee, then you need to remove it. Before that, you can try to get acquainted with this antivirus, because it is not that bad. Perhaps its replacement, or another antivirus program, will seem even worse to you.

Uninstallation occurs in the same way as uninstalling any program - through the control panel. But it doesn't stop there. The antivirus will definitely leave traces in the registry. Next, you need to download, or any similar program, and clear the registry of traces of McAfee. After this procedure, you need to restart the device and only after that you can assume that McAfee has been completely removed from Windows 10. And you can install another antivirus, for example.

Removing McAfee using a utility

The McAfee antivirus developer company took care of users and released an official utility that will completely remove McAfee from your Windows 10 device. You can download the utility from the official website using this link. Next, you need to place the program on your desktop and run it. The removal process will take about 2 minutes, after which the OS will automatically reboot and you will be completely rid of McAfee.

Replacement for McAfee

But you can’t use a computer without an antivirus at all. Therefore, select any option from the list. But be careful, if you decide to install power hungry, the device will start working much slower. In this case, you need to choose only from those antiviruses that are suitable. For example, you can choose . And if you have problems uninstalling McAfee, here is a short video instruction, using the example of uninstalling this utility on Windows 8, but the uninstallation concept on Windows 10 is similar:

  • Useful programs for Windows 10


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