How to Stop McAfee Pop-Ups on Windows 11

To stop McAfee pop-ups on Windows 11, first check where they come from. If the alert names Chrome or Edge and a website, block that site’s notifications in the browser’s settings. If it comes from the installed McAfee app, turn off its optional alerts in McAfee’s settings or Windows notification settings, or uninstall McAfee if you don’t want it. Removing McAfee won’t stop a website that has permission to send notifications.

This guide covers Windows 11, desktop Chrome, and Microsoft Edge. A McAfee logo on a warning doesn’t prove it came from your antivirus.

Check what is sending the message

Look at the sender and website address without clicking the message’s buttons. Then open your installed security app yourself from Start to check its status.

• Website notification: a corner alert names Chrome or Edge and a website. Follow the browser steps below, even if you have already uninstalled McAfee. Edge website notifications can appear while Edge is closed.
• Browser window or tab: a page claims your computer is infected or demands a phone call, payment, or remote access. Close it using the browser’s own tab or window controls.
• Installed McAfee app: you see the same warning or subscription status when you open the app independently. Check it there before deciding whether to change alerts or remove the app.

McAfee’s guide to misleading pop-ups explains why website alerts often copy security-software branding. Never call a number, install a download, or pay from a pop-up. If you already gave someone payment details or remote access, contact your bank and get trusted technical help.

Block the website in Chrome

Block the site’s notification permission. You don’t need to visit the site again.

1. Open Chrome and select the three-dot menu > Settings.
2. Select Privacy and security > Site Settings > Notifications.
3. Note the unwanted site’s address in the notification or the allowed-sites list. Under Not allowed to send notifications, select Add, enter that address, and select Add again.
4. Repeat for any other unwanted senders. Check that the address appears in the blocked list.

Google documents this route in its Chrome notification settings. Blocking a particular site lets you keep useful notifications from other sites. To allow a trusted site again later, change its notification permission back to Allow.

Block the website in Microsoft Edge

1. Open Edge and select Settings and more (the three dots), then Settings.
2. Select Privacy, search, and services > Site permissions > All sites.
3. Choose the website responsible for the messages.
4. Open its Notifications setting and choose Block.

Microsoft’s current Edge website notification instructions describe these controls. A pop-up blocker controls new browser windows; it does not revoke an existing notification permission. For other sources, see our Windows 11 pop-up guide.

Keep McAfee and reduce interruptions

If you keep McAfee, confirm the message in the app first. A malware detection, turned-off protection, or expired subscription needs your attention.

To turn off optional McAfee messages, open the McAfee app from Start, open its Settings (from the gear icon or your account menu), and look for General settings and alerts. Turn off Informational alerts or promotional messages if they’re listed. Menu names differ between McAfee versions, and real protection alerts can’t be turned off. McAfee’s help on alert types explains the difference.

To stop McAfee’s banners in the corner of the screen, open Settings > System > Notifications, find McAfee in the list, and turn it off or turn off its banners. This also hides real warnings, so open the McAfee app now and then to check its status.

Do not disturb can reduce interruptions temporarily, but it does not remove a website’s permission or solve an antivirus problem. Microsoft explains its behavior and exceptions in the Windows notification guide.

Uninstall McAfee if you no longer want it

Before uninstalling: make sure another antivirus, such as Microsoft Defender, will be active. Uninstalling doesn’t cancel a paid McAfee subscription. On a work or school PC, ask your administrator first.

1. Open Start > Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
2. Find the installed McAfee security app. Select its three-dot menu > Uninstall.
3. Follow the McAfee removal prompts. Approve an administrator prompt only if it belongs to the uninstall you started.
4. Restart the PC to finish removal.
5. Open Windows Security from Start. Select Settings > Manage providers, then check the Antivirus provider and its status.

These routes come from Microsoft’s Windows app removal instructions, McAfee’s standard uninstall guide, and Microsoft’s security provider settings.

Microsoft Defender Antivirus should turn back on after you remove McAfee. Check that it’s listed and on under Manage providers, and see how to turn Windows Defender off and back on in Windows 11 if Real-time protection is off. Microsoft explains how to check antivirus protection.

If the standard uninstall fails

Use McAfee’s MCPR removal instructions instead of an unofficial cleaner. Download a fresh copy from that page, run it, and restart after Removal Complete. If it fails, contact McAfee support. MCPR doesn’t remove McAfee PC Optimizer.

For the complete removal process, including the MCPR fallback and protection checks, see our McAfee uninstall guide for Windows 11.

Frequently asked questions

Why do I get McAfee messages when I never bought it?

A PC can include a preinstalled trial, and a website can also imitate McAfee. Check the installed app and the message’s sender rather than deciding from purchase history alone.

Should I reinstall McAfee just to stop the messages?

No. First identify their source. Browser notification scams require a browser permission change; reinstalling antivirus does not revoke that permission.

Will clearing notifications stop future pop-ups?

No. Clearing removes only the current messages. Block the website or turn off the app’s optional alerts to stop new ones.