McAfee Help

Frequently asked questions

Here are answers to frequently asked questions.

When you purchase McAfee software you get a subscription that lets you install and use the software on a certain number of PCs for a certain period of time. The length of your subscription depends on your purchase, but usually starts when you activate your software. Activation entitles you to receive regular, automatic updates that keep your PC protected against the latest threats.

How can I renew my subscription?

1On your Subscription Information page, click Renew my subscription.
You can also renew your subscription from the Home Page by clicking Renew.
2Log in to your McAfee account.
3 Find the subscription you want renew on your My Account page, and then click Renew.
If you purchased your McAfee software through an Internet Service Provider (ISP), contact your ISP to renew your subscription.

How can I buy more licenses for my installed product?

Some subscriptions allow only one license. If your subscription does not allow you to add licenses, you can buy a new subscription to protect more computers.

1On your Subscription Information page, click Buy more licenses.
2Log in to your McAfee account.
3 Follow the on-screen instructions to buy more licenses.
If you purchased your McAfee software through an Internet Service Provider (ISP), contact your ISP to change the number of licenses in your subscription.

How secure is my payment transaction?

Making purchases from our website is completely secure. The McAfee® SECURE™ icon displayed on our website only appears when the website has passed our intensive, daily security scan for possible personal information vulnerabilities, links to dangerous sites, phishing, and other online dangers.

How can I update my billing information?

1On your Subscription Information page, click Edit billing information.
2Log in to your McAfee account.
3 In the left pane, click My Profile.
4In the billing information table, click Update.
5Update your billing information, and then click Save.
If you purchased your McAfee software through an Internet Service Provider (ISP), contact your ISP to update your billing information.

How can I update my email address?

1On your Subscription Information page, click Edit my profile.
2Log in to your McAfee account.
3On the left menu click My Profile.
4Click Update in the Account Information table.
5Type your new email address in the Email Address field, and type it again in the Re-enter Email Address field.
6In the Current Password field, type your password, then click Save.
If you purchased your McAfee software through an Internet Service Provider (ISP), contact your ISP to update your email address.

How can I retrieve my password?

1Go to the McAfee website (http://www.mcafee.com) and click Log in.
2Click Forgot your password?
3Follow the on-screen instructions to retrieve your password.

How can I change my password?

1On your Subscription Information page, click Edit my profile.
2Log in to your McAfee account.
3In the left pane, click My Profile.
4 In the Account Information table, click Update.
5Type your password in the Password Field, and type it again in the Re-Enter Password field.
6In the Current Password field type your password. Remember to type your existing password, not your new one.
7Click Save.
If you purchased your McAfee software through an Internet Service Provider (ISP), contact your ISP to retrieve or update your password.

How can I deactivate my software?

After you deactivate, your software remains installed on your computer, but you're no longer protected against the latest threats. Remember, only deactivate your software if you want to make a license available to protect another computer, if you're using more licenses than your subscription allows, or if you're no longer using a computer.

1On your Subscription Information page, click Deactivate this software.
2Log in to your McAfee account.
3Click Deactivate to confirm deactivation.

How can I reactivate my software?

You can reactivate your software if you want to start protecting a computer again. If you have an available license, you can use it to reactivate your software; otherwise, you can purchase a new one. Remember to check for software updates after you reactivate your software to ensure you're fully protected against the latest threats.

1 On your Subscription Information page, click Reactivate.
You can also reactivate your software on the Home Page by clicking Reactivate.
2Log in to your McAfee account. After your software is reactivated, you'll see a confirmation message on your subscription details page.
3Check for software updates.
If you purchased your McAfee software through an Internet Service Provider (ISP), you cannot deactivate or reactivate your software.

How can I check for Protection updates?

Protection updates deliver the latest feature enhancements that keep your McAfee software running smoothly all the time.

1 In the notification area of the taskbar, right-click your McAfee product icon.
2Select Check for updates. An alert informs you that the updates are complete or your software is up to date.
3Click OK.