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How Do I Remove McAfee Completely from Windows 10?

Author: Nichas Pooran
by Nichas Pooran
Posted: Sep 30, 2025

McAfee antivirus is a common security solution pre-installed on many Windows 10 PCs or installed later by users to protect their devices from malware, viruses, spyware, and other threats.

Remove McAfee Completely from Windows 10 Click on This Link

However, there are multiple reasons why you might want to completely remove McAfee from your system. Perhaps you are switching to a different antivirus product, facing performance issues, or simply want to reclaim system resources. Whatever the reason, knowing How Do I Remove McAfee Completely from Windows 10? is crucial to ensure your system is fully cleaned of all McAfee components.

This detailed article offers an exhaustive, step-by-step guide to removing McAfee thoroughly and safely from Windows 10. It covers native Windows uninstall methods, using specialized removal tools, manual cleanup of residual files and services, registry tweaks, and verification of full removal. Additionally, it includes 30 popular keywords and phrases that people also search related to McAfee removal, helping you understand the most common user queries around this topic.

Common Reasons for Fully Removing McAfee on Windows 10

While McAfee provides essential protection, users often decide to remove it completely because:

  • It was pre-installed as bloatware and you prefer a different security product

  • You experience system slowness or resource hogging linked to McAfee

  • Uninstall errors leave residual McAfee components causing conflicts

  • You want to troubleshoot specific problems by reinstalling or switching antivirus

  • You upgrade to Windows 11 or migrate devices and want a fresh security setup

  • You distrust or want to disable auto-renewals/subscriptions linked to McAfee products

Knowing how to remove it properly avoids leftover files that can degrade performance or security.

People Also Search: Related Keywords and Queries

People looking to remove McAfee often explore related searches including:

  • McAfee complete uninstall Windows 10

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  • Delete McAfee firewall rules

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  • Remove McAfee from Programs and Features

  • Clean McAfee from AppData folder

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  • McAfee license removal

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  • How to reinstall after McAfee removal

  • Is McAfee safe to uninstall?

  • McAfee consumer product removal guide

  • Windows Defender vs McAfee uninstall

  • McAfee protection disabled after uninstall

These keywords cover users’ broad inquiries and help guide a comprehensive removal approach.

Step 1: Uninstall McAfee via Windows 10 Settings / Control Panel

Begin with the standard uninstall process:

  • Open Settings from the Start menu or press Windows + I

  • Go to Apps> Apps & Features

  • Scroll or search for McAfee products (such as McAfee LiveSafe, Total Protection, WebAdvisor)

  • Select each product and click Uninstall

  • Follow the on-screen prompts

  • Alternatively, open Control Panel> Programs and Features, locate McAfee, and uninstall

  • After uninstalling all visible McAfee products, restart your computer

This removes the main McAfee applications but might leave behind residual components.

Step 2: Use the McAfee Consumer Product Removal Tool (MCPR)

The MCPR tool is an official McAfee utility to remove stubborn leftover files and services:

  • Go to McAfee’s official support website and download the latest MCPR tool executable

  • Run the tool as administrator (right-click> Run as administrator)

  • Accept the license agreement and enter the captcha code

  • Let the tool scan and remove all remaining McAfee components automatically

  • Once completed, you will be prompted to reboot; restart your PC

  • After reboot, MCPR confirms McAfee has been removed

This tool is the most reliable solution to tackle failed uninstalls and leftover files.

Step 3: Remove Leftover Files and Folders Manually

If MCPR did not clean all files, manually delete any remaining directories:

  • Open File Explorer and enable viewing hidden files

  • Search and delete McAfee folders in these common locations:

    • C:\Program Files\

    • C:\Program Files (x86)\

    • C:\ProgramData\ (hidden folder)

    • %AppData%

  • Be sure to empty your Recycle Bin afterward

  • Exercise caution when deleting files to avoid removing unrelated critical data

Step 4: Clean Up McAfee Services and Startup Items
  • Press Windows + R, type services.msc and press Enter

  • Locate McAfee services; right-click, then Stop and set startup type to Disabled

  • Open Task Manager’s Startup tab and disable McAfee-related startup entries

  • Open System Configuration (msconfig) and similarly disable McAfee entries

  • Reboot your PC for changes to apply

Step 5: Remove McAfee Registry Entries (Advanced Users)

Warning: Editing registry entries can cause system problems if done incorrectly. Always back up your registry before modifying.

  • Press Windows + R, type regedit and press Enter

  • Use Find (Ctrl + F) to search for "McAfee"

  • Carefully delete only McAfee-associated keys and values

  • Continue searching (press F3) until all related entries are removed

  • Close Registry Editor and reboot your system

Step 6: Verify Complete Removal and Ensure New Security

After all removal steps:

  • Confirm McAfee no longer appears in Apps or Programs and Features

  • Check running processes in Task Manager for McAfee components

  • Run a malware and security scan with Windows Defender to confirm system safety

  • Install alternative antivirus software or enable Windows Defender for continuous protection

Summary

Answering How Do I Remove McAfee Completely from Windows 10? involves a thorough process starting with native Windows uninstall options, followed by running the McAfee Consumer Product Removal (MCPR) tool, manual deletion of files, cleanup of services and startup items, and optionally, removing registry entries. By following these steps precisely, you guarantee no McAfee files, services, or hidden entries remain, which could impair system performance or interfere with new antivirus installations.

Including the most searched keywords and related user queries enriches your grasp of common challenges and advanced solutions for McAfee removal. With patience and this comprehensive approach, you can confidently manage and maintain a clean, secure Windows 10 environment free from McAfee residues.

About the Author

I am Nichas Pooran, I am 23 Year old, I am from New York,

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Author: Nichas Pooran
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Nichas Pooran

Member since: Aug 23, 2025
Published articles: 307

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