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How to uninstall Norton or McAfee completely

Uninstall through Windows first. If the uninstaller fails or leaves pieces behind, each company provides its own free removal tool.

Applies to
Norton and McAfee consumer products on Windows 11 and 10
Difficulty
Moderate
Time
About 10 minutes
Updated

Quick answer

Uninstall from Settings, then Apps, then Installed apps, and restart. If that fails, use the Norton Remove and Reinstall tool (choose Remove only) or McAfee's MCPR tool, downloaded only from the official support sites. Uninstalling does not cancel your subscription; turn off auto-renewal in your account separately.

Removing your antivirus is safe as long as another one takes over. Microsoft Defender switches itself back on automatically once Norton or McAfee is gone.

  1. Decide what to do about your subscription

    Uninstalling the software does not cancel automatic renewal. If you do not want to be charged again, sign in to your account on the vendor's official website and turn off auto-renewal there. Type the address yourself rather than following an email link.

  2. Uninstall from Windows Settings

    Open Settings, then Apps, then Installed apps. Find the product, select the three dots next to it, and choose Uninstall. Follow the prompts; some products ask whether you want to keep settings or a browser add-on.

    Norton and McAfee can install several separate pieces, such as a VPN, a password manager or a web-protection add-on. Uninstall each one you no longer want.

  3. Restart the PC

    Restart so Windows can finish removing files that were in use and switch Microsoft Defender back on.

  4. If Norton will not uninstall: Norton Remove and Reinstall tool

    Go to support.norton.com, typing it yourself, and search for Norton Remove and Reinstall tool. Download and run it. To remove Norton without reinstalling it, choose Advanced Options, then Remove Only. Restart when it finishes.

  5. If McAfee will not uninstall: the MCPR tool

    Go to mcafee.com/support, typing it yourself, and search for the McAfee Consumer Product Removal tool (MCPR). Download and run it, enter the security code it shows, and restart when it reports that clean-up is complete.

    Download removal tools only from the official support sites. Copies offered on other websites, or by someone who contacted you, may be malware.

  6. Remove leftover browser add-ons

    Check your browser's extensions page for add-ons such as Norton Safe Web or McAfee WebAdvisor and remove them if you no longer want them. In Chrome or Edge, open the menu, then Extensions, then manage extensions.

  7. Confirm Microsoft Defender is protecting the PC

    Open Windows Security, then Virus & threat protection. You should see Microsoft Defender Antivirus as the active provider with real-time protection on. If not, follow turn Microsoft Defender back on.

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