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How Do I Remove McAfee Completely from Windows 10?
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.
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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.
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These keywords cover users’ broad inquiries and help guide a comprehensive removal approach.
Step 1: Uninstall McAfee via Windows 10 Settings / Control PanelBegin 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 ManuallyIf 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
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
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
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
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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