- Download and run the McAfee Software Install Helper tool.
- Type your registered email address and password, and then click Login.
NOTE: If you can’t remember your password, click Forgot Password? and follow the prompts.
- Click Start, accept the License Agreement, and follow the prompts. Your installed McAfee software might be uninstalled and reinstalled to resolve the issue. So, the tool might take 15 minutes or more to complete.
When the McAfee Software Install Helper tool completes, your issue is resolved.
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How to Install Antivirus on Windows
Your PC is vulnerable if you don't use antivirus software and keep it up to date. But it's easy to get protected: we show you what to do.
There are so many threats to your data that you can’t afford to bury your head in the sand when it comes to antivirus. Fortunately, you’re not doing that because you’re reading this article, and we’ll show you how simple it is to download and install software that will protect your files (and more) from the latest malware.
Does Windows have built-in antivirus software?
Your first question could well be whether you need to do anything at all. And it’s true that Microsoft includes Windows Defender in Windows 10, and it should be protecting you by default. It’s a decent choice if you just want barebones antivirus. It doesn’t have as many features and can’t quite match the very best security packages, but it offers a surprisingly good level of protection – even beating some paid-for antivirus.
What antivirus should I use for Windows 10?
There are two main types of antivirus software available – paid and free. Many of the major security brands, including Avast, Bitdefender, and Kaspersky, offer a free version to tempt you into its garden, but you might be surprised that both free and paid versions share the same core antivirus engines, and therefore offer the same protection from malware.
This means it will shield your computer from viruses, trojans, attachments in email messages, and similar pests. It may not offer extra features such as warnings for dangerous websites, protection from spyware. Indeed, moving up to the paid-for premium versions usually brings advanced features like protecting your webcam from snoopers, scam warnings on social media, password managers, and secure vaults where you can store important data that can’t be corrupted by the blight that is ransomware. You can of course try the free version first and then move to the paid subscription if you like the software and think the additional features are worth the investment. To see our recommendations, check out our roundup of the best antivirus software.
How to prepare a Windows PC/ MAC to install McAfee?
The installation methods for McAfee products, such as LiveSafe or Total Protection, vary depending on the product and the device to which you’re installing. Follow the steps below to download and install McAfee software on your device.
First-time install to a PC or Mac
- Go to myaccount.mcafee.com.
- Click Sign In.
- Do one of the following:
- If you already have a McAfee account:
- Type the email address for your McAfee account.
- Type the password for your McAfee account.
- Click LOG IN.
- If you don’t have a McAfee account:
- Click REGISTER NOW.
- Enter your details such as first name, last name, and email address. Assign a strong password for your account.
TIP: For better security, choose a complex password with both letters and numbers.
- Read the McAfee License Agreement and Privacy Policy. Click I AGREE.
- If you already have a McAfee account:
Step 2: Start the installation
- Select:
- The type of device that you want to install to.
- The McAfee software that you want to install.
- Click Download.
- Read and accept the License Agreement.
- Make a note of the serial number shown. You might be prompted for it later.
TIP: Keep the browser window open so that the serial number is always visible.
- Follow the instructions to install your McAfee software.
NOTES:
- If the install to your Windows 7 or earlier PC fails, you might need to run the Pre-Install tool. See the Related Information section for details.
- To successfully install McAfee software on Mac computers with Apple silicon, make sure that you’ve Rosetta installed.
- To install Rosetta 2, follow the steps to install Rosetta 2 on your Mac.
- To learn more about Rosetta 2, see Rosetta Translation Environment.
Install to a Windows 7 PC or Mac from a different device
Use these steps to install your McAfee product on a secondary computer, such as your child’s PC or Mac, from your primary PC or Mac. For example, you can send an installation link from your main computer, and have your child click the link to complete the installation on their computer.
Step 1: On the primary computer where you want to start the process
- Go to mcafee.com.
- Click My Account.
- Click Sign In.
- Type:
- The email address for your McAfee account.
- The password for your McAfee account.
- Click Log in.
Step 2: Send a download link to the secondary computer
- Hover your mouse over My Account.
- Click Subscriptions.
- Click Add Device next to the product that you want to install.
- Select the Windows or Mac device type.
- Click Send Link, then:
- Type the email address for an email account on the PC or Mac that you want to install to.
- Click Send Email.
An email with a download link is sent to the computer to where you want to install.
Step 3: On the secondary computer
- Open the email application.
- Open the email from McAfee.
- Click the download link in the email.
- To complete the installation, follow the prompts.
NOTES:
- If the install to your Windows 7 or earlier PC fails, you might need to run the Pre-Install tool. See the Related Information section for more details.
- To successfully install McAfee software on Mac computers with Apple silicon, make sure that you’ve Rosetta installed.
- To install Rosetta 2, follow the steps to install Rosetta 2 on your Mac.
- To know more about Rosetta 2, see Rosetta Translation Environment.
Repeat install to a Windows 7 PC or Mac
After your first installation, you can install your McAfee software on another PC or Mac, as long as you have enough unused licenses. You can also reinstall your McAfee software on your PC or Mac:
Step 1: Sign into the McAfee website
Go to mcafee.com on the computer you want to protect.
- Click Sign In.
- Type:
- The email address for your McAfee account.
- The password for your McAfee account.
- Click Log in.
Step 2: Start the installation
- Hover your mouse over My Account.
- Click Subscriptions.
- Click Add Device next to your McAfee subscription.
- Select the device type.
- Click Download.
- Select the McAfee product you want to install, and then click Download again.
NOTE: If you want to reinstall to a different computer:
- Click Send Link.
- Type the email address of the other computer to where you want to install.
- Click Send Email. An email with a download link is sent to the computer you want to install to.
- Sign into the other computer.
- Open the email application.
- Open the email from McAfee.
- Click the download link in the email.
Step 3: Complete the installation
- Read and accept the McAfee License Agreement.
- Make a note of the serial number shown. You might be prompted for it later.
TIP: Keep the browser window open so the serial number is always visible.
- Click Download.
- Double-click to run the setup file.
- To install your McAfee software, Follow the instructions.
NOTES:
- If the install to your Windows 7 or earlier PC fails, you might need to run the Pre-Install tool. See the Related Information section for more details.
- To successfully install McAfee software on Mac computers with Apple silicon, make sure that you have Rosetta installed.
- To install Rosetta 2, follow the steps to install Rosetta 2 on your Mac.
- To know more about Rosetta 2, see Rosetta Translation Environment.