McAfee has expired. Does your version of Assurance cover all that McAfee does?

Many OEM manufacturers provide trial versions of anti-virus programs preinstalled on computers as part of their software package. It is not uncommon for a computer manufacturer to partner or enter into an agreement with a well known anti-virus vendor (Norton, McAfee, etc) to include their product as part of a marketing strategy for generating revenue. Computer advertisements that say they include anti-virus protection is a selling point for many buyers.

• For Symantec and McAfee, ‘Arms Race’ for Security

Pre-packaged trial security software allows the user to receive the benefit of a fully working version for a limited time in order to experience all features and functionality. When the trial period expires, the user will have to either remove the software or purchase the full version in order to keep using the product. Before the trial expiration period, you may receive repeated notices about renewing or purchasing a subscription in order to continue using the anti-virus. Since most folks know very little about computer security and anti-virus software, many tend to keep whatever came with their system when they first purchased it. Thus, the anti-virus vendor recaps the cost of providing the trial version for free. Bottom line...it's all about increasing profits and finding new and creative ways to do so.

Although Norton (Symantec) and McAfee are as good as any other well known anti-virus program, they require numerous services and running processes that consume a lot of system resources and often results in complaints of high CPU usage. Anti-virus software components insert themselves deep into the operating systems core where they install kernel mode drivers and resource heavy processes that load at boot-up. Those issues plus the cost factor are the primary reason many folks look for an alternative anti-virus. IMO, Norton and McAfee are better utilized in an Enterprise system environment protecting many client computers.

If you are using Windows 10, then I would recommend Windows Defender (Windows Antivirus). I explain why in this topic.
Also see my comments about Windows Defender (Windows Antivirus) in Choosing an Anti-Virus Program.

If you choose to remove the OEM's third-party trial anti-virus it is best to do so from within its program group Uninstall shortcut in Start Menu > All Programs or by using Apps & features in Windows 10 or Programs and Features (Add/Remove Programs) in Control Panel as explained here. In most cases, using the uninstaller of the software not only removes it more effectively, but it also restores many changed configuration settings. Important! Reboot when done and delete the Program folder if it still exists in Windows Explorer.

In some instances normal uninstalling may fail, not work properly or result in continued detection by another anti-virus program after removal. Most anti-virus vendors provide clean-up utilities or removal tools on their web sites to remove remnants left behind after uninstalling, or for a failed uninstall or failed reinstall. Remnants include related registry entries, files and folders created in various areas of the OS.

• How to remove McAfee products from a PC running Windows <- be sure to read the important note if your McAfee product came preinstalled
• How to completely uninstall McAfee Internet Security from Windows 10 with McAfee Consumer Products Removal Tool (MCPR)
• McAfee Consumer Products Removal tool alternate download 1
• McAfee Consumer Products Removal tool alternate download 2

Important Note: As a preinstalled product...this also means the third-party anti-virus software most likely will be included on your factory recovery disks. If you ever reformat using the vendor's recovery disks, that anti-virus will be reinstalled as part of the default software that came with your computer.