virus popups after uninstalling mcafee free trial . Defender running instead

[Redlimo]

Uninstalled mcafee  on new computer. Set up Defender . Now constantly getting popups for mcafee and Norton , but all  say  there are viruses. How do I stop these

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @Redlimo 

Welcome to the HP Support Community! We're here to help you get back up and running.

Thank you for sharing this, and I’m truly sorry you’re dealing with these persistent popups—it’s unsettling to see virus warnings, especially after setting up Windows Defender. 

Let’s walk through a clean and effective way to stop these alerts and restore peace of mind.

 

1. Check for Leftover McAfee/Norton Components

Even after uninstalling, remnants may remain and trigger alerts:

• Open Settings > Apps > Installed Apps
• Search for:
  • McAfee
  • Norton
  • Any Security Scan or WebAdvisor
• Uninstall anything related to these brands

Also check:

• Control Panel > Programs and Features for hidden entries

 

2. Clear Browser Notifications and Extensions

Many fake virus popups come from browser hijackers:

• Open Chrome, Edge, or Firefox
• Go to Settings > Site Settings > Notifications
  • Remove any suspicious sites (e.g., security-check.xyz, your-pc-is-infected.com)
• Go to Extensions/Add-ons
  • Remove anything unfamiliar or security-related that wasn’t installed by you

 

3. Run Full Defender Scan

Let’s ensure your system is clean:

• Open Windows Security > Virus & Threat Protection
• Click Scan Options > Full Scan
• Let it run completely and remove any threats

 

4. Reset Browser Settings

To eliminate hidden redirects:

• In Chrome:
  Settings > Reset and Clean Up > Restore Settings to Original Defaults
• In Edge:
  Settings > Reset Settings > Restore Settings to Default Values

 

5. Use Microsoft’s Malware Removal Tool

This tool targets known threats that may bypass Defender:

• Download from:
  Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool
• Run a full scan and follow prompts

 

If the Issue Persists

If popups continue:

• Consider installing Microsoft Defender Offline for a deeper scan:
  Defender Offline Scan Guide
• Or use Microsoft Safety Scanner:
  Safety Scanner Download

Let me know if you'd like help reviewing your scan results or preparing a cleanup checklist. I’ll make sure everything is secure and running smoothly.

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Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye