How to Completely Uninstall McAfee from Windows 11

McAfee antivirus is often pre-installed on Windows 11 PCs, offering solid protection against threats. However, you might want to remove it to free up space, switch to another antivirus, or avoid subscription prompts.

Uninstalling McAfee isn’t always a one-click process—leftover files can stick around if not appropriately handled. This guide provides easy, precise steps to remove McAfee from your Windows 11 system, leaving no traces behind.

Whether you opt for Windows Defender or want a cleaner PC, we’ll cover simple methods to get the job done. From using Windows tools to McAfee’s official removal utility, you’ll have everything you need to uninstall it smoothly. Let’s get started.

Why Remove McAfee?

• Improve PC speed by reducing resource use.
• Use Windows Defender or another antivirus instead.
• Get rid of pre-installed trial versions.
• Avoid conflicts with other security software.

Easy Steps to Uninstall McAfee from Windows 11

Step 1: Uninstall McAfee Using Settings

• Press Win + I to open Settings.
• Go to Apps > Installed Apps.
• Find McAfee Total Protection (or similar) in the list.
• Click the three-dot menu, select Uninstall, and confirm.
• Follow the McAfee uninstaller prompts, check all boxes to remove files, and click Remove.
• Restart your PC when done.

This works for most cases, but if McAfee lingers, try the next step.

Step 2: Use the McAfee Removal Tool (MCPR)

• Download the MCPR tool from McAfee’s support page.
• Find MCPR.exe in your Downloads folder and double-click to run it (right-click and choose Run as Administrator if needed).
• Click Next, agree to the license, and click Next again.
• Type the CAPTCHA code shown and click Next.
• Wait for the tool to remove all McAfee files—it’ll say “Removal Complete” when finished.
• Click Restart to reboot your PC.

This step ensures a deep clean, removing all McAfee components.

Step 3: Check and Remove Leftovers

• Press Win + R, type services.msc, and hit Enter.
• Look for McAfee services (like “McAfee Framework Service”), right-click, and select Stop.
• Open File Explorer, go to C:\Program Files and C:\Program Files (x86), and delete any McAfee folders.
• Restart your PC to clear everything out.

This step catches anything the uninstaller might miss.

Final Thoughts

With the right approach, completely uninstalling McAfee from Windows 11 is straightforward. Whether you use the Settings app, Control Panel, or the MCPR tool, combining methods ensures no leftovers remain. Following this guide, you can free up resources, avoid conflicts, and tailor your PC’s security to your preferences.

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