How to Uninstall McAfee Security Scan Plus on Windows 11

McAfee Security Scan Plus is a free tool that checks your PC’s security status, such as whether antivirus and firewall protection are active, and then recommends McAfee products. Many people never chose to install it; it has often come bundled as an optional offer with other software downloads. If you already use Microsoft Defender or another antivirus, Security Scan Plus mostly adds pop-ups and background activity you don’t need.

Security Scan Plus is a normal app, so removing it from Windows 11 is quick. This guide covers McAfee’s recommended method, two alternatives, and what to do if it won’t uninstall.

What Security Scan Plus Does

The tool runs periodic checks on things like whether you have antivirus installed and up to date, whether your firewall is on, and whether your web browsing is protected. It then shows a report, usually with a recommendation to buy or try a McAfee product. It doesn’t remove viruses, block threats in real time, or replace an antivirus program. Windows 11 already shows similar status information for free in the Windows Security app, which is why many people decide they don’t need it.

Before You Start

• Use an administrator account. McAfee notes that you should be signed in to Windows with an account that has administrator permissions.
• Know what you’re removing. Security Scan Plus is not an antivirus. Uninstalling it doesn’t remove protection, and it doesn’t remove other McAfee products such as McAfee Total Protection or LiveSafe, which are uninstalled separately.
• Check your protection afterward. Make sure Microsoft Defender or another antivirus is active once you’re done.

Method 1: Uninstall from the Start Menu

This is the method McAfee’s support site describes for Windows 11 and Windows 10.

1. Click Start and select All apps.
2. Scroll to find McAfee Security Scan Plus.
3. Right-click it (or press and hold on a touchscreen) and choose Uninstall.
4. If Windows opens the Installed apps list, find Security Scan Plus there and click Uninstall again.
5. Follow the prompts to remove the program.
6. Restart your PC.

Method 2: Uninstall from Settings

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Go to Apps > Installed apps.
3. Type McAfee in the search box.
4. Click the three-dot menu next to McAfee Security Scan Plus and select Uninstall.
5. Confirm, follow the uninstaller’s prompts, and restart.

This method is handy because the search shows every McAfee product installed, so you can see whether anything else came along with it.

Method 3: Use Control Panel

1. Press Windows + R, type appwiz.cpl, and press Enter to open Programs and Features.
2. Select McAfee Security Scan Plus in the list.
3. Click Uninstall and follow the prompts.

Method 4: Use the Command Line (Advanced)

If you’re comfortable with commands, Windows Package Manager can uninstall many apps. Open Terminal as an administrator and run winget list mcafee to see the exact name, then run winget uninstall followed by that name in quotes. If winget doesn’t list it, use one of the methods above.

If Security Scan Plus Won’t Uninstall

• Restart and try again. A running scan or update can block removal.
• Close it from the system tray. Right-click its icon near the clock and exit, or end its process in Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc), then uninstall.
• Use McAfee’s removal tool. McAfee offers a Consumer Product Removal tool (MCPR) on its support site for removing McAfee software that won’t uninstall normally. Download it only from McAfee’s official website.

After Uninstalling

Confirm your antivirus is on

Open Windows Security from the Start menu and check Virus & threat protection. If you don’t use another antivirus, Microsoft Defender should be active. If it isn’t, see how to turn on Windows Defender in Windows 11.

Prevent it from coming back

Security Scan Plus is often offered during installs of other software. When installing programs, choose a custom or advanced install if offered, and uncheck any optional McAfee offers before clicking Next.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is McAfee Security Scan Plus a virus?

No. It’s legitimate software from McAfee. It’s just unnecessary for many people.

Will uninstalling it make my PC less secure?

No. It’s an assessment tool, not real-time protection. Your antivirus is what protects your PC.

Why does it keep showing pop-ups?

It runs periodic scans and shows results that often recommend McAfee products. Uninstalling it stops these pop-ups. If you still see McAfee pop-ups afterward, another McAfee product may be installed.

Should I keep it if I use McAfee antivirus?

It’s not required for McAfee antivirus to work. If you like its reports, you can keep it; otherwise it’s safe to remove.

Summary

To uninstall McAfee Security Scan Plus on Windows 11, go to Start > All apps, right-click McAfee Security Scan Plus, choose Uninstall, follow the prompts, and restart. You can also remove it from Settings > Apps > Installed apps or Control Panel, and McAfee’s removal tool can help if it won’t uninstall normally.