Frequent McAffee warnings about unsafe Edge browser sites

Those warnings do not indicate that Microsoft Edge is “allowing sites to be hijacked.” Edge includes multiple built-in protections for unsafe sites and downloads:

• Microsoft Defender SmartScreen warns about phishing, malware, suspicious pages, and unsafe downloads.
• HTTPS-First Mode upgrades HTTP to HTTPS when possible and warns about insecure connections.
• Edge also shows a connection security icon in the address bar so insecure, invalid-certificate, and dangerous sites are easier to identify.

If the warnings are appearing as fake “McAfee” pop-ups or full-screen scam pages, the more likely causes in the provided guidance are:

1. Malicious or compromised websites using deceptive ads or pop-ups.
2. Browser notification abuse, where a site was previously allowed to send notifications.
3. Scareware pages designed to pressure users with fake infection alerts.

Recommended actions in Edge:

1. In Microsoft Edge, open Settings and more > Settings > Privacy, search, and services > Security.
2. Make sure Get alerts about insecure connections is turned on.
3. When visiting sites, check the address bar security icon:
   • Avoid entering personal information on sites marked Not fully secure or with invalid/outdated certificates.
   • Avoid sites flagged as Suspicious or dangerous website.
4. If Edge shows a SmartScreen warning for a site that appears unsafe, avoid the site.
5. If a site is unsafe but Edge did not warn, report it through Settings and more > Help and feedback > Report unsafe website.
6. If a site was blocked incorrectly, from the warning page select More information > Report that this site doesn't contain threats.
7. If a full-screen scam page appears, Edge’s scareware blocker may exit full-screen, stop aggressive audio, and show a warning. Use Close page unless the site is known to be safe.

If the issue is specifically recurring fake McAfee alerts, the accepted guidance in similar cases is that these are often browser-based scam notifications or pop-ups, not evidence that McAfee found a real infection.

• How can SmartScreen help protect me in Microsoft Edge? | Microsoft Support
• Secure your web browsing with HTTPS-First Mode in Microsoft Edge | Microsoft Support
• Securely browse the web in Microsoft Edge | Microsoft Support
• Prevent online scams with the scareware blocker in Microsoft Edge | Microsoft Support
• Prevent malware infection
• How can I remove McAfee Norton Pop Ups on Windows 11? It is not showing up on Apps or Task Manager. - Microsoft Q&A