Is the McAfee virus warning fake?

It's a real virus, and here's why

McAfee virus warning messages may look convincing to people unfamiliar with cyber security, but don't be fooled.

McAfee really did create an app called "Block It," but the virus it warned you about didn't exist.

Get the latest on your technology in PCMag's Surveillance & Security newsletter. The McAfee threat alerts that we receive from our email inboxes are designed to scare you with information about malicious apps, but they're also often pretty misleading. That's because when it comes to cyber-security threats, they're often more fiction than fact, or at least what we call "fake news." While the "warning" is true in the sense that McAfee did publish the software, they did not release a virus called "Block It" for Windows and macOS. So while the warning may be somewhat accurate, at least from a strictly technical perspective, you're not being warned of a real virus.

But how can you be sure? I asked a few experts about the source of this viral campaign and learned a few things. I spoke with security researchers MalwareTech researcher John Mertic, malware expert Chris Jager and McAfee security expert Marc Rogers about the warning and were told that McAfee developed it to make the product seem more popular, but that its creation had nothing to do with a virus. They were all adamant that the McAfee virus messages are not related to actual viruses, and there's no harm to us or our computers that comes from seeing them. However, the McAfee virus warning software that many users encounter and click on might be dangerous if they install apps they don't trust, so be sure to read the fine print carefully before downloading any third-party software.

I spoke with security researcher MalwareTech researcher John Mertic, malware expert Chris Jager, McAfee security expert Marc Rogers, and my editor in chief, Eric Bangeman, about the origins of the McAfee virus warnings and learned the following: What do they all think about the fake McAfee virus message?

Why is McAfee not working?

I recently got a Mcafee 2026 and have been having problems, like it won't start at all, or when it does it will freeze up completely.

also when the Mcafee screen pops up and it says "the program started and is ready to use" it doesn't load, I have no idea why. I have tried reinstalling Mcafee to no avail. Also I found a forum where someone said he downloaded Mcafee 2026 through a website, but it didn't work, I went to the site and it was the version that is meant to be used with Windows 8 and Windows 7, so does anyone know of a way to remove the Mcafee from my laptop and get a refund?

I have just removed McAfee from my HP laptop, and the program now works like a charm. After trying to get rid of it for a week, I thought I would have to take it to the next level.

I called McAfee, and they gave me the option of getting a refund on the product. All I had to do was fill out a form and fax it in. The program did not function at all, and they agreed to give me a refund. I called the same day, and the refund was mailed to me, and they put a credit on my account for the refund. I called again to see if I could do anything else with my purchase, but the person I talked to was very professional, and he told me that all I had to do was call McAfee, and they would mail me a refund.

I called the McAfee headquarters, and the lady I talked took the money out of my account, which I was very grateful for. If you are having problems with McAfee, call them and see what they can do for you. It's a good thing you called them before buying the program.

Have you had issues with the program and then called the company to ask about a refund? If so, this is the route you can take, and it's a good thing that you called the company, because there is a much better chance of a successful result.

Should I still use McAfee?

I downloaded, installed and started McAfee AntiVirus software on my Windows 10 PC.

As a test I tried to open a random website. It showed a security warning with the message Potentially Harmful File detected with an option to download an update. I accepted the update which then took about 20 minutes to download and install. The website I tried to open was

This wasn't the first time I've seen McAfee warnings and updates for random websites. It's a familiar sight when I log in to McAfee.

I thought, well, if this is the best antivirus software for Windows 10, why bother using McAfee? The reason I'm asking is because I read a review on CNet which said: The McAfee app is not all that great. It has limited functionality, doesn't find many security problems and seems to be used as a crutch to avoid more comprehensive security software on the market. I should note that it doesn't work on Windows 10 PCs running the desktop version of the operating system.

I've also read a similar review on PCWorld where the reviewer wrote: I tested all of the basic security features on each of the antivirus apps that Microsoft makes available on Windows 10 PCs, and found McAfee's program lacking in most areas. It didn't have any real-time protection against malware, and its online scan only looked for problems on your local drive and within the file system.

So, the message is that you shouldn't trust McAfee when it comes to security. If this is true then wouldn't it make sense to move on to another antivirus software? I'm wondering if I'm missing something here? Is there another security software that's better than McAfee? A recent article at PCMag says that McAfee has released two security updates which include a flaw in Windows Shell, a vulnerability in Microsoft Office and a problem in Internet Explorer. If these issues are being fixed by McAfee then why does it still advise that you use McAfee? I hope I'm missing something here.

Why does my McAfee keep disconnecting?

I run Windows 8.

1, and have a McAfee subscription that keeps disconnecting on me. I know my McAfee is working fine, because I get emails every time a new virus is detected (which it is not).

When it does go offline, when I start up my laptop and my McAfee pops up, I am presented with the "Internet Connection Disconnected" message. I then try to enter my password, but can't. So I go back to the main McAfee screen and it is no longer disconnected.

Does anyone have any idea what is going on? Thank you! Answer. You have not given us enough information to give a definitive answer. I think you need to supply details about how you are starting your machine, from what you have done. For example: Do you use an unattended startup - ie do you set up the machine, then leave it on? Do you use a separate user profile for your admin logins, or does your admin login use the same profile as you? Do you just log in as your admin user name? Do you use McAfee as your main antivirus software, or have you replaced it with something else, or even done a fresh install of Windows? Do you use it in Win 7 or Win 8? I would suggest that you provide as much detail as you can about what you are doing and when you are getting the disconnect message. If you can supply all the details I will be able to do a little more work.

The connection has been established but the system is still not responding. What should I do next? This situation is usually caused by a problem on your computer. It may be due to a software update, or an application that is causing a problem, or a network problem, or your computer is infected with a virus. When this happens you need to start troubleshooting the problem. What are the symptoms? What does the screen look like at this point? If your Windows Firewall has any settings which you can configure. Is there any other firewall software on your system? Have you installed other antivirus software?