Computer Help and Support

Eliot Rosewater

(32,843 posts) Sat Aug 14, 2021, 10:43 AM Aug 2021

McAfee All Access came with my LG laptop, it expires soon, is Windows Defender enough? [View all]

I read one article that it isnt enough as it doesnt update often enough to catch some bad stuff. But that article could have been written by someone at McAfee or Bitdefender or Norton and disguised as legit, no way of knowing.

I dont want to pay $60 to renew it if I dont have to.

If I had to remove it, could I?

Any suggestions appreciated.

p,s. everyday if I dont CATCH the popup that will start "safe search" when I restart the browser and unclick the box I will get what I assume is a new browser search and not the one I want and use, this is a daily thing I have to do, can I get rid of that permanently?

39 replies

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McAfee All Access came with my LG laptop, it expires soon, is Windows Defender enough? [View all] Eliot Rosewater Aug 2021 OP

I just stuck with the Microsoft program that came on the computer captain queeg Aug 2021 #1

For basic anti-malware protection, Windows Defender is as good as many paid AV products, Eugene Aug 2021 #2

That's what I use, MS defender JohnSJ Aug 2021 #3

I would not want to only depend on Windows Defender Nictuku Aug 2021 #4

Thanks, I knew some of this but good reminder. I also have MB the paid version. Eliot Rosewater Aug 2021 #10

I usually just use Control Panel Nictuku Aug 2021 #23

I dumped all the "trial" av stuff and just use Defender. Except... TreasonousBastard Aug 2021 #5

👆🏽 This. IrishAfricanAmerican Aug 2021 #6

I have the paid version of MB, forgot to mention that. thanks Eliot Rosewater Aug 2021 #9

I like Avast nt Wicked Blue Aug 2021 #7

Kaspersky Free Version FrankTC Aug 2021 #8

I do this for a living... orwell Aug 2021 #11

Thanks, great advice! Eliot Rosewater Aug 2021 #12

You are a financial institution, orwell Aug 2021 #21

It definitely is in my opinion, only caveat BootinUp Aug 2021 #13

Windows Defender is adequate for your needs, despite what some others might say. Earth-shine Aug 2021 #14

I dont know how to reinstall Windows so if my OS is damaged removing McAfee I will Eliot Rosewater Aug 2021 #15

Yes. Uninstalling security software can result in damaged Windows files ... Earth-shine Aug 2021 #17

Thanks, I will PM You when I decide to do it and I will use my phone to talk to you on DU while Eliot Rosewater Aug 2021 #18

That's the way most software is uninstalled. But, it doesn't always work with anti-virus. Earth-shine Aug 2021 #22

Part or all of Windows defender is currently off on mine due to mcafee, once I remove mcafee Eliot Rosewater Aug 2021 #26

What version of Windows is this? It matters! Earth-shine Aug 2021 #34

20H2...does that sound right? Eliot Rosewater Aug 2021 #35

It's a version of Windows 10. I've never removed antivirus from 10, but I think it should go well. Earth-shine Aug 2021 #36

Flash drive? Thanks, we are way past my pay grade now...Thanks but Eliot Rosewater Aug 2021 #37

Stop getting all this advice, especially from that guy below ... and me ,too. Earth-shine Aug 2021 #38

Thanks... Eliot Rosewater Aug 2021 #39

Defender usually gets above average in independent ratings. lpbk2713 Aug 2021 #16

I only use defender, because I decided years ago the so called protectors were busy scraping data ShazamIam Aug 2021 #19

Before you reinstall windows BootinUp Aug 2021 #20

I am hoping I dont have to reinstall Windows because I removed mcafee... Eliot Rosewater Aug 2021 #25

This message was self-deleted by its author BootinUp Aug 2021 #27

i think i misunderstood. you have or have not uninstalled mcafee? BootinUp Aug 2021 #28

Thanks, per above response I have not tried yet, scared that something will go wrong. Eliot Rosewater Aug 2021 #29

there is a cleanup tool. BootinUp Aug 2021 #30

couple additional thoughts BootinUp Aug 2021 #31

Thanks, no questions yet. But thanks, really. I am nervous so maybe i will wait till tomorrow Eliot Rosewater Aug 2021 #32

I know that feeling BootinUp Aug 2021 #33

I use Webroot, it covers all my devices. Historic NY Aug 2021 #24