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, and usually starts when you activate your software. Activation entitles you to receive regular, automatic updates that keep your PC protected against the latest threats.

I used to make purchases on the McAfee website. Why do I make purchases in my software?

Making purchases in your McAfee software is a safe and convenient way to purchase McAfee products and services. When you make a purchase in your software, it is the same as making a purchase from your My Account page on the McAfee website.

How can I renew my subscription?

If you purchased your McAfee software through an Internet Service Provider (ISP), contact your ISP to renew your subscription.
1On the Subscription Information page, click Renew.
2Verify or enter your billing and payment information:
If... Do this...
You need to enter your billing and payment information Click Enter information, fill out all of the required fields, then click Save.
Your billing and payment information is already on file Enter your password, then click Log in.
3Review the Shopping Cart details, then click Place order.

How can I check the number of licenses I'm using?

Go to your My Account page on the McAfee website (http://home.mcafee.com) to check how many licenses you're using, and how many licenses are still available. You can visit the My Account page any time to install and reinstall your software, view your subscription information, and update your account information.

How can I buy more licenses for my installed product?

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

If you purchased your McAfee software through an Internet Service Provider (ISP), contact your ISP to change the number of licenses in your subscription.
1On your Subscription Information page, click Buy more licenses.
2Verify or enter your billing and payment information:
If... Do this...
You need to enter your billing and payment information Click Enter information, fill out all of the required fields, then click Save.
Your billing and payment information is already on-file Enter your password, then click Log in.
3On the Shopping Cart page, review and change the selections.

I'm renewing my subscription. How can I change the length of my subscription?

1On your Subscription Information page, click Renew subscription.
2On the Shopping Cart page, select your subscription length.
This option might not be available for all products.
3Verify or enter your billing and payment information:
If... Do this...
You need to add your billing and payment information Click Enter information, fill out all of the required fields, then click Save.
Your billing and payment information is already on-file Enter your password, then click Log in.
If you purchased your McAfee software through an Internet Service Provider (ISP), contact your ISP to change the number of licenses in your subscription.
4Review the purchase details, then click Place order.

How secure is my payment transaction?

Making purchases in your McAfee software is completely secure. The McAfee® SECURE™ icon in your software and on our website indicates your transaction is safe. The icon appears only when the website has passed our intensive, daily security scan for possible personal information vulnerabilities, links to dangerous sites, phishing, and other online dangers. When you make a purchase, your information is protected over the Internet using SSL encyrption.

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, then click Save.
If you purchased your McAfee software through an Internet Service Provider (ISP), contact your ISP to update your billing information.

How is my payment method used?

Your payment method is used to purchase your McAfee product and kept on file in your account details. This makes it easy to renew your subscription when it expires.

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.
4In the Account Information table, click Update.
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 reset my password?

1Go to the McAfee website (http://home.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?

If you purchased your McAfee software through an Internet Service Provider (ISP), contact your ISP to retrieve or update your 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 a password in the Password Field, and type it again in the Re-Enter Password field.
6In the Current Password field, type your password, then click Save.
Remember to type your existing password, not your new one.

How do I know if my purchase was processed?

When you make a purchase, you see a receipt that lists your purchase information. You also receive an email to confirm your purchase. Your McAfee account is updated to reflect your purchase as soon as it's processed.

Where can I review my subscription?

Go to your My Account page on the McAfee website (http://home.mcafee.com). You can also visit the My Account page to install and reinstall your software, check your available licenses, and update your account information.

How can I reinstall my software?

Go to your My Account page on the McAfee website (http://home.mcafee.com) to reinstall your software. You can also visit the My Account page to view your subscription information, check your available licenses, and update your account information.

How can I check for protection updates?

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

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.