The quickest fix is usually to remove the site or extension that is sending the fake McAfee alerts, then block browser notifications and run a security scan. The most common cause is a website notification permission, not a real McAfee virus warning.

What to do

  1. Open your browser’s notification settings and remove any unfamiliar sites from the Allowed list.
  1. Turn off site notifications so random pages can’t ask again.
  1. Check browser extensions and uninstall anything you do not recognize.
  1. Clear browser cookies/site data if the pop-up keeps returning.
  1. Run a full scan with Microsoft Defender or another trusted antivirus.

Browser steps

Chrome

Go to Chrome settings, then Privacy and security, then Site settings, then Notifications, and remove suspicious sites from the allowed list.

Set notifications so sites cannot keep asking for permission.

Edge

Go to Edge settings, then Cookies and site permissions, then Notifications, and remove unknown sites from the allowed list.

Also check Edge extensions and remove anything suspicious.

If it keeps coming back

If the popup returns after you remove notifications, it may be tied to a malicious extension, stored site data, or a leftover app entry on Windows.

In that case, delete suspicious browser data, review installed apps, and consider resetting browser settings.

Safety note

A real antivirus warning should appear inside software you intentionally installed, not as a random web page shouting that you have a virus.

If the alert is asking for payment or claiming your computer is “infected” in a browser tab, treat it as a scam pop-up.