Before changing anything, identify where the McAfee pop-up is coming from. A notification from an installed McAfee product is different from a browser website notification or a fake security warning using McAfee’s name. The correct fix depends on the source.
If the Notification Comes from the McAfee App
- Open the McAfee application from Start or its notification-area icon.
- Open its settings or notification preferences.
- Review optional alerts, informational messages, and promotional notifications.
- Turn off only the nonessential notification categories you do not want.
- Keep important security warnings enabled if you continue to rely on McAfee for antivirus protection.
The exact labels can change between McAfee product versions. Avoid disabling real-time protection or other security defenses merely to silence promotional messages.
If the Pop-Up Appears in Chrome, Edge, or Another Browser
A web notification can display a familiar company name or logo even when it did not originate from that company’s installed software. Check the browser’s notification permissions and remove permission for websites you do not recognize or no longer trust.
- Open your browser’s site or notification settings.
- Review the websites allowed to send notifications.
- Block or remove suspicious sites.
- Close suspicious tabs and avoid clicking buttons inside an alarming pop-up.
Watch for Fake McAfee Virus Warnings
A web page claiming that McAfee found several viruses can be scareware rather than a genuine antivirus result. Do not call a phone number, install an unknown cleanup program, enter payment details, or grant remote access because a browser page says your PC is infected.
If you suspect malware or unwanted software, close the browser and run a scan with the trusted security product actually installed on the PC.
If You No Longer Want McAfee
If McAfee is installed and you have decided not to use it, uninstalling the product is cleaner than disabling its protection while leaving it installed.
- Open Settings.
- Select Apps.
- Find the McAfee product you intend to remove.
- Choose Uninstall and follow the product’s prompts.
- Restart the PC if the uninstaller requests it.
After removal, verify that Windows Security or another trusted security product is providing the protection you expect.
What If Pop-Ups Continue After McAfee Is Removed?
That is a strong reason to check browser notification permissions, installed browser extensions, startup applications, and unwanted software. If the message was coming from a website rather than McAfee itself, uninstalling McAfee would not remove the site’s notification permission.
Windows 10 Support Has Ended
Microsoft ended ordinary Windows 10 support on October 14, 2025. Standard Windows 10 installations no longer receive normal free security updates or technical support. Eligible PCs can use temporary Extended Security Updates, but upgrading a compatible computer to Windows 11 is the better long-term security approach.
Summary
First identify the source of the pop-up. Adjust optional McAfee notifications if it is a genuine app alert, remove suspicious browser-notification permissions if it comes from a website, and uninstall McAfee only if you no longer want to use it. Do not disable antivirus protection just to stop messages.