Enable/disable McAfee spyware protection

For instructions on how to enable/disable McAfee spyware protection, click on the version of McAfee you currently have installed on your computer. If you've installed McAfee after March 19, 2012 you are using version 11.0.

To upgrade to the newest version of McAfee, check out our help article How do I upgrade my McAfee Internet Security Suite?

The instructions given below are for McAfee Internet Security Suite – Special Edition from AOL version 11.0.

Spyware protection removes spyware, adware, and other potentially unwanted programs from your computer. These programs gather and transmit data from your computer without your permission. You can disable or enable McAfee spyware protection at any time.How to

• Enable McAfee spyware protection
• Disable McAfee spyware protection

Enable McAfee spyware protection

1. In the Windows taskbar, next to the clock, right-click the McAfee (M) icon, and then click Open McAfee SecurityCenter.

Note: Alternatively, you can click Start, select All Programs, select McAfee, and then click McAfee SecurityCenter.

2. If you see the message Spyware Checking is Off (as shown in the image below), click Turn on to enable McAfee spyware protection. If you do not see the image below, skip to step 3.

3. On the McAfee SecurityCenter window, click the Real-Time Scanning: Off link.

4. On the right side of McAfee SecurityCenter window, click Real-Time Scanning settings.

5. Click Settings.

6. Scroll down to the Threats section, check the box next to Spyware and other potentially unwanted programs, and then click Apply.

Disable McAfee spyware protection

IMPORTANT: If you disable McAfee spyware protection, unwanted programs, spyware, and adware, if present on your computer, will remain undetected.

To disable McAfee spyware protection:

1. In the Windows taskbar, next to the clock, right-click the McAfee (M) icon, and then click Open McAfee SecurityCenter.

Note: Alternatively, you can click Start, select All Programs, select McAfee, and then click McAfee SecurityCenter.

2. On the McAfee SecurityCenter window, click the Real-Time Scanning: On link.

3. Click Settings.

4. Scroll down to the Threats section, uncheck the box next to Spyware and other potentially unwanted programs, and then click Apply.