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How do I block invasive McAfee ads?

DAVID PIKE 20 Reputation points
2025-07-27T23:57:30.0066667+00:00

I have recently installed Windows 10 on my tower PC. When browsing (usually with Firefox, occasionally with Edge), I am frequently assaulted by ads for McAfee anti-virus that take over my entire Windows session, and prevents me from doing any work. There is no "decline" option. To recover, I have to log out of Windows altogether and restart. After a short time, the ad comes back. How do I disable all ads from McAfee?

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Apps
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  1. Zoevi-V 1,045 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2025-07-28T07:39:06.41+00:00

    Hi David,

    Thanks for reaching out. I understand how disruptive those full-screen McAfee ads can be, especially when they interrupt your browsing and prevent you from working.

    Here are several steps you can take to stop these pop-ups:

    1.Disable McAfee Notifications in Windows Settings

    • Press Windows Key + I to open Settings > Go to System > Notifications
    • Scroll down to find McAfee in the list of apps > Toggle itOff

    2.Adjust McAfee Settings

    • Open the McAfee Security Center
    • Click on Settings (usually in the top-right corner)
    • Go to General Settings and Alerts
    • Uncheck options under Informational Alerts and Protection Alerts
    • Click Apply to save changes

    3.Remove McAfee Browser Extensions

    • In Chrome or Edge, go to Extensions
    • Look for McAfee WebAdvisor or similar
    • Click Remove

    4.Uninstall McAfee (Optional)

    If you’re not using McAfee for protection:

    • Go to Control Panel > Programs > Uninstall a Program
    • Select McAfee and click Uninstall
    • You may also use the official McAfee Removal Tool to clean up leftover files

    5.Block Browser-Based Fake McAfee Ads

    Some pop-ups may be fake and triggered by websites:

    • In Chrome:chrome://settings/content/notifications
    • In Edge:edge://settings/content/notifications
    • Find suspicious sites and click the three dots next to them >Block

    For more detailed guidance, you can refer to this official McAfee support article: 👉 How to Stop the Popups – McAfee

    Disclaimer: The link above leads to a third-party website. Please use caution and verify the source before conducting any further actions.

    I hope these help you resolve the issue quickly. Wishing you the best of luck!

    Best regards,

    Zoevi – Microsoft Q&A Support Specialist

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  1. DAVID PIKE 20 Reputation points
    2025-07-28T20:19:22.7433333+00:00

    Not sure how, but I seem to have removed McAfee on my own:

    1. No McAfee Notifications found in Windows Settings
    2. No McAfee Security Center found
    3. No McAfee listed in extensions (either Edge or FireFox)
    4. No McAfee entry in list of installed programs, so can't uninstall.
    5. No McAfee found in Edge settings

    Guess I was just that mad about it!

    Many thanks for all your help. Now I know for certain it's gone, and what to do if it comes back.

    • David
  2. DAVID PIKE 20 Reputation points
    2025-07-28T20:24:18.91+00:00

    Oops, seems I used "answer" instead of "reply". Here it is again:

    Not sure how, but I seem to have removed McAfee on my own:

    1. No McAfee Notifications found in Windows Settings
    2. No McAfee Security Center found
    3. No McAfee listed in extensions (either Edge or FireFox)
    4. No McAfee entry in list of installed programs, so can't uninstall.
    5. No McAfee found in Edge settings

    Guess I was just that mad about it!

    Many thanks for all your help. Now I know for certain it's gone, and what to do if it comes back.

    • David Not sure how, but I seem to have removed McAfee on my own:
      1. No McAfee Notifications found in Windows Settings
      2. No McAfee Security Center found
      3. No McAfee listed in extensions (either Edge or FireFox)
      4. No McAfee entry in list of installed programs, so can't uninstall.
      5. No McAfee found in Edge settings
      Guess I was just that mad about it! Many thanks for all your help. Now I know for certain it's gone, and what to do if it comes back.
      • David
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