Removing McAfee and Norton from my computer

[Liz651]

I have been trying for THREE days to remove these anti=virus programs from my computer.  This is ludicrous! I should not be fighting to do this.  I went into the Apps and removed McAfee, I have followed instructions on running MCPR.exe and ran through that even getting to the restart and here Mcafee is still popping up along with Norton.  The Norton app does not show in the apps but it is still popping up and I cannot conduct my business!  IS there a way to get these programs off my computer and shame on HP for allwoing them to do this on a brand new computer. It is like a nightmare!  Same as having a VIRUS!

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @Liz651,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

Thank you for posting your query. I will be glad to help you.

I hear your frustration loud and clear, and you're right to feel this way. You bought a brand-new HP computer expecting a clean, efficient experience, not a battle with stubborn pre-installed software that refuses to leave. It’s not just annoying, it’s disruptive, especially when it’s interfering with your work.
 

Let’s fix this once and for all. I’ll walk you through removing both McAfee and Norton completely, with official tools and links. No fluff, just what works.

Step 1: Completely Remove McAfee

Even after uninstalling from Apps & Features, McAfee can leave behind services and pop-ups. Here’s how to fully remove it:

Use the McAfee Consumer Product Removal Tool (MCPR)

1. Download the MCPR tool from the official McAfee site:
   👉 Download MCPR Tool
2. Run the tool:
   • Double-click MCPR.exe
   • Click Next, then Agree
   • Enter the CAPTCHA when prompted
   • Wait for the process to complete (can take up to 20 minutes)
   • Restart your PC when prompted
3. Check for leftovers:
   • Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager
   • Go to the Services tab and stop any McAfee-related services
   • Press Win + R, type taskschd.msc, and remove any McAfee tasks
4. Optional: Clean registry entries (only if you're comfortable):
   • Press Win + R, type regedit
   • Navigate to: 
     • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\McAfee
     • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\McAfee
   • Right-click and delete these folders (after backing up your registry)

Step 2: Completely Remove Norton

Norton can be even more persistent, especially if it doesn’t show in Apps.

✅Use the Norton Remove and Reinstall Tool (NRnR)

1. Download the NRnR tool from Norton’s official site:
   👉 Uninstall your Norton device security product on Windows
2. Run the tool:
   • Double-click NRnR.exe
   • Click Agree
   • Click Advanced Options > Remove Only
   • Click Remove, then Restart Now
3. After the restart, check for any remaining Norton folders:
   • C:\Program Files\Norton
   • C:\Program Files (x86)\Norton
   • Delete them if they still exist

I hope this helps.

Take care and have an amazing day!
 

Did we resolve the issue? If yes, please consider marking this post as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" to give us a helpful vote - your feedback keeps us going!

Regards,

VikramTheGreat

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @Liz651,
 

I hope this helps. Please try the steps shared and let us know how it works.

Take care and have an amazing day!
 

Did we resolve the issue? If yes, please consider marking this post as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" to give us a helpful vote - your feedback keeps us going!

Regards,

VikramTheGreat