McAfee is a popular anti-virus and comprehensive computer security suite of programs primarily deployed on the Microsoft Windows Operating System (OS). McAfee protects computers from all types of malware, phishing, and other security threats. Unfortunately, when McAfee’s real time security options are enabled, it can prevent installation of some legitimate programs. It can also prevent the use of popular Peer-2-Peer applications used for online collaboration and file sharing programs. Many McAfee users face the task of figuring out how to temporarily disable the program. The steps for disabling stand-alone McAfee are different from those of the comprehensive McAfee Security Center suite of programs.

Steps to Disable McAfee Antivirus

Step 1 – Right click the McAfee program icon in the computer’s system tray. The McAfee icon is a red “M” that appears when the System Tray view is expanded by selecting the left arrow button next to the system clock display.

Step 2 – Select the “Exit” or “Disable” menu option that appears on the McAfee properties menu (version dependent).

Step 3 – Choose the “Yes” menu button on the subsequently displayed dialogue box confirming your intention to disable McAfee Anti-Virus. The application will automatically be enabled if you restart the computer.

Step 4 – Reverse the above directions when disabling is complete in order to enable anti-virus protection on your computer.

Steps to Disable McAfee Security Center

Step 1 – Double click the McAfee program icon located in the Windows System Tray to open the McAFee Security Center.


Step 2 – Choose the “Advanced” menu tab and click “Configure.”

Step 3 – Select the “Files” menu button on the upper most program toolbar.

Step 4 – Select the “Disable” menu button located on the subsequent screen in the center of the display.

Step 5 – Input a time to automatically turn the McAfee Security Center back on. The McAfee Security Suite will be automatically enabled when the computer is restarted independent of the time input. There will be no protection against computer malware until the suite of applications is turned back on.