How to Uninstall McAfee Total Protection

This wikiHow teaches you how to remove the McAfee Total Protection app from your Windows or Mac computer.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

On Windows

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/2f\/Uninstall-McAfee-Security-Center-Step-1-Version-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Uninstall-McAfee-Security-Center-Step-1-Version-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/2f\/Uninstall-McAfee-Security-Center-Step-1-Version-7.jpg\/aid13133-v4-728px-Uninstall-McAfee-Security-Center-Step-1-Version-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Click the Windows logo in the bottom-left corner of the screen.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/97\/Uninstall-McAfee-Security-Center-Step-2-Version-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Uninstall-McAfee-Security-Center-Step-2-Version-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/97\/Uninstall-McAfee-Security-Center-Step-2-Version-7.jpg\/aid13133-v4-728px-Uninstall-McAfee-Security-Center-Step-2-Version-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Click the gear-shaped icon in the lower-left side of the Start window.
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a1\/Uninstall-McAfee-Security-Center-Step-3-Version-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Uninstall-McAfee-Security-Center-Step-3-Version-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a1\/Uninstall-McAfee-Security-Center-Step-3-Version-7.jpg\/aid13133-v4-728px-Uninstall-McAfee-Security-Center-Step-3-Version-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It's in the Settings window. Doing so opens a list of your currently installed apps.
    • If you don't see a list of your currently installed apps, make sure that you're on the right tab by clicking Apps & features in the upper-left side of the window.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d7\/Uninstall-McAfee-Security-Center-Step-4-Version-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Uninstall-McAfee-Security-Center-Step-4-Version-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d7\/Uninstall-McAfee-Security-Center-Step-4-Version-7.jpg\/aid13133-v4-728px-Uninstall-McAfee-Security-Center-Step-4-Version-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    You'll find the "McAfee® Total Protection" heading in the "M" section of the menu.
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c1\/Uninstall-McAfee-Security-Center-Step-5-Version-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Uninstall-McAfee-Security-Center-Step-5-Version-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c1\/Uninstall-McAfee-Security-Center-Step-5-Version-7.jpg\/aid13133-v4-728px-Uninstall-McAfee-Security-Center-Step-5-Version-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Doing so expands the heading.
  6. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/0d\/Uninstall-McAfee-Security-Center-Step-6-Version-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Uninstall-McAfee-Security-Center-Step-6-Version-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/0d\/Uninstall-McAfee-Security-Center-Step-6-Version-6.jpg\/aid13133-v4-728px-Uninstall-McAfee-Security-Center-Step-6-Version-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It's below the "McAfee® Total Protection" heading.
  7. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b1\/Uninstall-McAfee-Security-Center-Step-7-Version-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Uninstall-McAfee-Security-Center-Step-7-Version-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b1\/Uninstall-McAfee-Security-Center-Step-7-Version-7.jpg\/aid13133-v4-728px-Uninstall-McAfee-Security-Center-Step-7-Version-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    You'll see this option above the first Uninstall option.
  8. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/4c\/Uninstall-McAfee-Security-Center-Step-8-Version-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Uninstall-McAfee-Security-Center-Step-8-Version-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/4c\/Uninstall-McAfee-Security-Center-Step-8-Version-6.jpg\/aid13133-v4-728px-Uninstall-McAfee-Security-Center-Step-8-Version-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This will take you to the McAfee uninstall wizard.
  9. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/8d\/Uninstall-McAfee-Security-Center-Step-9-Version-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Uninstall-McAfee-Security-Center-Step-9-Version-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/8d\/Uninstall-McAfee-Security-Center-Step-9-Version-5.jpg\/aid13133-v4-728px-Uninstall-McAfee-Security-Center-Step-9-Version-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Once McAfee's uninstall wizard opens, complete it by doing the following:
    • Check the "McAfee® Total Protection" box.
    • Check the "Remove all files for this program" box.
    • Click the blue Uninstall button.
    • Click Uninstall again when prompted.
  10. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a0\/Uninstall-McAfee-Security-Center-Step-10-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Uninstall-McAfee-Security-Center-Step-10-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a0\/Uninstall-McAfee-Security-Center-Step-10-Version-4.jpg\/aid13133-v4-728px-Uninstall-McAfee-Security-Center-Step-10-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Once McAfee finishes uninstalling, you'll be prompted to restart your computer. This will complete the uninstallation process and remove McAfee from your computer.
    • You can click Restart later to restart your computer manually at a different time, but keep in mind that the uninstallation process won't be complete until you restart the computer.
  11. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/0e\/Uninstall-McAfee-Security-Center-Step-11-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Uninstall-McAfee-Security-Center-Step-11-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/0e\/Uninstall-McAfee-Security-Center-Step-11-Version-4.jpg\/aid13133-v4-728px-Uninstall-McAfee-Security-Center-Step-11-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you haven't restarted your computer, Windows Defender (the default Windows antivirus protection) may still be turned off. While it will eventually turn itself back on, you can speed up the process by doing the following:
    • Open Start
    • Type in windows defender
    • Click Windows Defender Security Center
    • Click Turn on if possible. If you instead see green checkmarks (not red Xs) next to the different security icons on the dashboard, Windows Defender is enabled.
    12. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

On Mac

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a7\/Uninstall-McAfee-Security-Center-Step-12-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Uninstall-McAfee-Security-Center-Step-12-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a7\/Uninstall-McAfee-Security-Center-Step-12-Version-4.jpg\/aid13133-v4-728px-Uninstall-McAfee-Security-Center-Step-12-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Click the magnifying glass-shaped icon in the top-right corner of the screen to do so. A search bar will open in the middle of the screen.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a4\/Uninstall-McAfee-Security-Center-Step-13-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Uninstall-McAfee-Security-Center-Step-13-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a4\/Uninstall-McAfee-Security-Center-Step-13-Version-3.jpg\/aid13133-v4-728px-Uninstall-McAfee-Security-Center-Step-13-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Type terminal into the search bar in the middle of the screen.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a8\/Uninstall-McAfee-Security-Center-Step-14-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Uninstall-McAfee-Security-Center-Step-14-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a8\/Uninstall-McAfee-Security-Center-Step-14-Version-3.jpg\/aid13133-v4-728px-Uninstall-McAfee-Security-Center-Step-14-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Once it appears, double-click the Terminal result. This will open the Terminal window.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a1\/Uninstall-McAfee-Security-Center-Step-15-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Uninstall-McAfee-Security-Center-Step-15-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a1\/Uninstall-McAfee-Security-Center-Step-15-Version-3.jpg\/aid13133-v4-728px-Uninstall-McAfee-Security-Center-Step-15-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Type in sudo /Library/McAfee/cma/scripts/uninstall.sh and press ⏎ Return .
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/5d\/Uninstall-McAfee-Security-Center-Step-16-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Uninstall-McAfee-Security-Center-Step-16-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/5d\/Uninstall-McAfee-Security-Center-Step-16-Version-3.jpg\/aid13133-v4-728px-Uninstall-McAfee-Security-Center-Step-16-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you see a "Password" line appear, type in the password that you use to log into your Mac's administrator account, then press ⏎ Return .
  6. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/86\/Uninstall-McAfee-Security-Center-Step-17.jpg\/v4-460px-Uninstall-McAfee-Security-Center-Step-17.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/86\/Uninstall-McAfee-Security-Center-Step-17.jpg\/aid13133-v4-728px-Uninstall-McAfee-Security-Center-Step-17.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    While the uninstall command should prompt McAfee to begin uninstalling automatically, you may have to confirm the uninstallation by navigating through a pop-up window.
  7. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/26\/Uninstall-McAfee-Security-Center-Step-18.jpg\/v4-460px-Uninstall-McAfee-Security-Center-Step-18.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/26\/Uninstall-McAfee-Security-Center-Step-18.jpg\/aid13133-v4-728px-Uninstall-McAfee-Security-Center-Step-18.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Once McAfee indicates that is has been uninstalled successfully, you'll want to restart your computer to complete the process:
    8. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    McAfee doesn't show up on my uninstall program page, but I can see that I have it installed because the icon is on my task bar. What do I do now if I want to uninstall it?
    Community Answer
    If you go to the directory where the program is installed, there should be something labeled, "uninstall.exe," or likewise. Running that should do the trick.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 26 Helpful 10
  • Question
    How do I get McAfee off my Samsung Galaxy S8 mobile phone?
    Community Answer
    Go into your apps, hold on the app and drag it to the trash can. It will un-install and be gone. You can also go to your folders and manualy delete it from there.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 4 Helpful 3
  • Question
    On my MacBook I went into Finder, Applications, and McAfee (which I am trying to uninstall) is not there, yet the icon is still there in the upper-right corner of my screen and it keeps complaining! What should I do?
    Community Answer
    You deleted the application, but other installed files are still present. To uninstall completely, follow the instructions in this listing by entering the following commands at the command prompt: sudo /Library/McAfee/cma/scripts/uninstall.sh .
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 10 Helpful 2
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      • Upon completing your uninstallation, McAfee will almost immediately be replaced by Windows Defender on Windows computers.
        Thanks
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      • Macs don't have built-in antivirus protection. If you remove McAfee from a Mac, be sure to install a different antivirus program as soon as possible.
        Thanks
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to Disable McAfee LiveSafe or Total Protection Without Uninstalling
      How to
      Speed up a Windows XP Computer
      How to
      Clear Your Browser's Cookies
      How to Block Cookies in Chrome, Safari, & More
      How to
      Access Blocked Websites
      4 Ways to Block Porn on Android from Websites and Apps
      4 Simple Ways to View Cookies in a Web Browser
      How to Install an SSL Certificate on a Server
      How to
      Open Incognito Mode by Default in Google Chrome (Windows)
      How to
      Block a Program with Windows Firewall
      How to
      Hack a Computer
      How to
      Password Protect a Web Page
      How to
      Verify a PGP Signature
      How to
      Delete Tracking Cookies
      Advertisement

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 1,734,914 times.

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement