Configure a new HP laptop with Windows Security instead of McAfee trial during new device setup ?

[MFMTretired]

Hi, What I understand is early in new device setup Windows initially activates Windows Security as the default security software and sometime later in the new device setup process McAfee becomes active, becomes the active security software, creates and activates a McAfee trial and might create a McAfee online account.  However early in the process while Windows Security is initially the active security software, before McAfee becomes active, there are steps to uninstall McAfee before it becomes active therefore leaving Windows Security as the active security software during and after device setup. More specifically in the early steps of the new device activation, after selecting language, etc. but before connecting to the internet, keystrokes can be used to display a Windows Task Manager window and "End Task" can be performed on any active McAfee tasks, then key stokes can be used to display a Windows Control Panel window and uninstall steps performed to uninstall McAfee software. The task manager and control panel windows are closed and the user then proceeds with the rest of the new device setup. The McAfee software does not become active, does not create/activate a McAfee trial and does not create a McAfee online account.  Windows Security continues to be the active security software and there is nothing else the user needs to do.  However I have not been able to find the actual procedure with steps.  So I would like to inquire as to whether this actually is a procedure that can be used and if so does anyone know where to find it with the steps ?  Any helpful information is appreciated.

[Max3Aj · Accepted solution]

@MFMTretired, Welcome to HP Support Community. 

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you. 
If you'd prefer to use Windows Security (Microsoft Defender) instead, you can prevent McAfee from activating by uninstalling it before connecting to the internet during setup.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to do this safely:

Before You Begin:

• Do not connect to Wi-Fi or Ethernet during initial setup.
• This ensures McAfee doesn’t auto-activate. 

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Start Device Setup

• Power on the laptop.
• Select language, region, keyboard layout, etc.
• When prompted to connect to Wi-Fi, skip this step.

Open Task Manager

• Press Shift + F10 to open Command Prompt.
• Type taskmgr and press Enter.
• In Task Manager, look for any McAfee-related processes (e.g., McAfeeTray, McAfeeScanner, etc.).
• Right-click and choose End Task for each.

Open Control Panel

• In the same Command Prompt window, type control and press Enter.
• Go to Programs > Programs and Features.
• Locate McAfee LiveSafe or any McAfee product.
• Right-click and select Uninstall.
• Follow the prompts to complete uninstallation.

Close All Windows

• Close Task Manager and Control Panel.
• Continue with the rest of the setup.
• Now you can safely connect to the internet.

Verify Windows Security is Active

• After setup completes, go to Start > Settings > Privacy & Security > Windows Security > Virus & Threat Protection.
• Confirm that Microsoft Defender Antivirus is active and protecting your device.

Optional Cleanup (Post-Setup)

If McAfee remnants remain, you can use the official McAfee Consumer Product Removal Tool (MCPR):

• Uninstall your McAfee product from a Windows PC | McAfee Support

Why This Works

• Windows Security is the default antivirus in Windows 11.
• McAfee only becomes active after internet connection and background activation.
• By uninstalling it early, you prevent trial activation. 

I hope this helps. 

Take care and have a good day. 

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. Select "Yes" on the bottom left to say “Thanks” for helping! 

Max3Aj

HP Support 

[MFMTretired]

Max3Aj  Thank you for the response as it completely provides the useful and helpful information I needed.  I have multiple HP laptops already and not using McAfee on them.  I wanted to purchase an additional HP laptop and configure it to be consistent with the others and was hoping not to have to perform the extra work to undo an automatically activated McAfee trial.  Your help is very much appreciated.  

[Max3Aj]

@MFMTretired, You're very welcome! I'm glad the steps helped clarify the process and align with how you've configured your other HP laptops. Skipping McAfee activation during setup is a smart way to keep things consistent and avoid unnecessary cleanup later.

If you have any more questions or need further assistance, please don't hesitate to ask. We're here to help! 

Thanks again for your confirmation, and we wish you an amazing day ahead! 

Regards, 

Max3Aj