wiping mcafee completely from my desktop

mikey mike 0 Reputation points
2026-09-28T03:25:43.6566667+00:00

i uninstalled the mcafee app that came with my desktop but i still have mcafee pop ups all the time. how do i completely and totally rid my desktop of anything and everything to do with mcafee?

Windows for home | Other | Security and privacy
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  1. Paulo GM 72,680 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-09-28T04:02:56.5366667+00:00

    Hi,

    If it is uninstalled, the popups showing could be just fake notifications from the browser. Just to confirm, would you be able to post a screenshot of the popup?

    In the meantime, to remove these notification banners coming from Edge, go to Edge Settings > Privacy, search, and services > Site permissions > All permissions > Notifications. Remove all the websites under the allowed section by clicking the three dots > Remove/Block.

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  2. AI answer

    2026-09-28T03:25:59.6666667+00:00
    1. Check whether McAfee is still installed under Start > Settings > Apps. If any McAfee app is still listed, select it and choose Uninstall. A restart is commonly needed after each uninstall.
    2. If McAfee is no longer listed but pop-ups continue, run a scan first with Windows Security before removing anything else. Microsoft recommends cleaning threats before removing a suspicious app.
    3. If Windows Security reports a threat was only partially removed, run the Malicious Software Removal Tool:
      • Press Windows key + R
      • Type %windir%\system32\mrt.exe
      • Select OK
      • Follow the prompts to scan and clean the PC
      • Restart the PC, then install the latest updates
    4. If the same pop-ups keep returning after restart, run Microsoft Defender Offline because recurring malware can reinstall itself silently:
      • Go to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security > Virus & threat protection
      • Under Current threats, select Scan options
      • Select Windows Defender Offline scan
      • Select Scan now
    5. Remove anything unnecessary or suspicious from Settings > Apps > Apps & features, not just McAfee. Unwanted software and adware can cause repeated security pop-ups.
    6. If an app will not uninstall cleanly, some security software may leave remnants behind. In that case, contact the software publisher’s support.
    7. If the problem still remains after scanning and cleanup, consider Reset this PC. This is a more drastic step and can require restoring data from backup. Back up files first.

    Important:

    • Do not run multiple antivirus products at the same time. That can cause instability and repeated issues.
    • After removing third-party security software, make sure Microsoft Defender Antivirus is enabled and Windows Firewall is turned on so the PC is not left unprotected.
    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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