McAfee uses real-time scanning options that you can change to suit your needs. To change these settings, you need to decide which threats McAfee checks for, where it checks for them, and which file types it checks. For example, you can define whether McAfee checks for unknown viruses, or cookies that websites might use to track your behavior, and whether it scans local drives only, or network drives as well. You can also define the types of files that it scans.
| • | Set real-time scanning options Real-time scanning options define what McAfee looks for during a real-time scan, as well as the locations and file types it scans. Options include scanning for unknown viruses and tracking cookies, and buffer overflow protection. |
| • | Turn off real-time scanning Occasionally you might want to stop real-time scanning, perhaps for troubleshooting. However, turning off real-time scanning leaves your PC exposed to threats, and your protection status on the Home Page shows that your PC is "at risk." |
| • | Turn on real-time scanning Real-time scanning checks files for viruses each time you or your PC accesses them. Keep real-time scanning activated to ensure the safety of your PC. |
| • | Use Access Protection You can use Access Protection to protect your most essential McAfee files, registries and services in case you accidentally delete them. It also protects against malware that attacks anti-virus software. |