Product Q&A

How do I install a digital download product?

After you complete your purchase, you'll receive an email with your activation code. Visit www.mcafee.com/activate, enter your activation code and email address, and follow the steps on your screen.

If you're experiencing issues redeeming your software after purchase, follow the step-by-step instructions here to ensure a smooth download and installation process. Detailed instructions can be found on the Dell software download page. Contact us for support if you have any questions. Please be aware that there might be slight variations for each brand. Contact us for support if you have any questions. Please be aware that there might be slight variations for each brand.

Is this the latest version?

Yes, regardless of what version you purchase. When you download and install your McAfee protection you'll receive the latest version. McAfee products come with automatic updates that ensure you are always protected with the latest security patches and enhancements, keeping your devices safe from emerging threats.

What is the McAfee Virus Protection Pledge?

Our commitment is to your peace of mind. If any McAfee-supported device is infected with a virus, we pledge to make sure our experts remove it, or we'll give your money back—guaranteed.*

• Free Benefits With Auto-Renewal: For many qualifying product subscriptions McAfee offers additional benefits for free when you are enrolled in auto-renewal. You can check your eligibility for these benefits in your My Account [home.mcafee.com] page. Not all benefits are offered in all locations or for all product subscriptions. System Requirements [mcafee.com] apply.  Turning off auto-renewal terminates your eligibility for these additional benefits. 
• Virus Protection Pledge (VPP): If we cannot remove a virus from your supported device we’ll refund you the amount you paid for your current term subscription. The refund does not apply to any damage or loss caused by a virus. You are responsible for backing up your data to prevent data loss. See terms here: mcafee.com/pledge [mcafee.com]."

What is McAfee Smart AI™?

It is your defense against AI scams and disinformation. The rise in AI-generated content has made it difficult to determine what’s real from what’s fake. In a digital world where seeing is no longer believing, McAfee Smart AITM is your defense against AI-generated scams and election disinformation. Our patent-pending AI technology powers our text scam detector and antivirus solutions.

When does the subscription begin?

Your McAfee begins upon activation, ensuring that your devices are protected right from the start. Your subscription is activated when you visit www.mcafee.com/activate and enter your activation code and your email address then click next.

What is the difference between paid and free antivirus?

Usually, free antivirus software offers baseline malware protection that may not be sufficient to combat the ever-evolving threat landscape. This is particularly true when it comes to the wide variety of zero-day threats and digital threats that go beyond just antivirus. Some features may be limited in use – even worse, some free programs can even gather your personal data in exchange for their services. On the other hand, paid antivirus subscriptions give you up-to-date, advanced security protection against a wide variety of malware and digital threats. Paid solutions also tend to come with richer features and services. For example, McAfee® Total Protection includes identity protection and a VPN to protect your personal info. Rest assured that with our free 30-day trial you’ll get all the features of our flagship product, including antivirus, web protection, password manager, and more. Take advantage of our free trial and gain greater peace of mind every time you use your devices.

How does an antivirus detect emerging malware and threats?

Security tools of the past relied on manually gathering malware definitions (the different types of malicious software that had been found in the wild, like viruses, ransomware and spyware). As threats have advanced in nature and complexity, industry-leading antivirus software like McAfee Total Protection, also quickly developed to stay ahead of cybercriminals. At McAfee, we use strategies like behavioral detection and machine learning to ensure we can detect, isolate, and eliminate all recognized malware and even zero-day digital threats (brand new threats that haven't been seen before) to keep you safe online.

What does McAfee's advanced firewall do?

Help safeguard your home network by blocking dangerous traffic with McAfee's advanced firewall. McAfee's Advanced Firewall works on top of Windows Firewall for optimal protection. The Windows Firewall on your PC can be turned on to help stop dangerous internet traffic. McAfee's Advanced Firewall provides additional capabilities to stop dangerous traffic that may go out from your computer to the internet. This helps to prevent your PC from connecting to malicious computer systems, servers, or domains.

Can McAfee protect my data from ransomware attacks?

Yes, McAfee's security solutions employ advanced technology to detect and block ransomware, to help safeguard your devices and valuable data.

Can McAfee protect me from identity theft?

Yes, McAfee+ plans include features that help protect you from identity theft by helping secure your personal information to prevent unauthorized access to your online accounts. While McAfee provides you tools and resources to protect yourself from identity theft, no identity can be completely secure.

Are you having trouble redeeming your software after purchasing it?

If you're experiencing issues redeeming your software after purchase, follow the step-by-step instructions here to ensure a smooth download and installation process. Detailed instructions can be found on the Dell software download page. Contact us for support if you have any questions. Please be aware that there might be slight variations for each brand. Contact us for support if you have any questions. Please be aware that there might be slight variations for each brand.