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Activating McAfee Antivirus Plusvia Retail Card or Online

Step-by-step guidance for downloading, installing, and activating your McAfee Antivirus Plus subscription on Windows or Mac.

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How to Download and Activate McAfee Antivirus Plus

McAfee Antivirus Plus provides broad virus detection and blocks malware, including malicious websites, rootkits, Trojans, viruses, and phishing schemes. It also quarantines threats that have already entered your system. To activate your subscription, you need a valid 25-digit product key and a McAfee account.

Steps to Install McAfee Antivirus Plus

  1. Visit www.mcafee.com/mav/retailcard.
  2. Enter your 25-digit activation code from your retail card or online purchase confirmation.
  3. Sign in to your McAfee account — or create one if you don't have one yet.
  4. Verify your email address when prompted.
  5. Download the installer and run it on your Windows or Mac device.
  6. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete installation. Your subscription activates automatically once the product key is validated.

Virus Protection Pledge

McAfee Antivirus Plus includes a Virus Protection Pledge when you enroll in automatic renewal. Under this pledge, if a virus or malware bypasses the antivirus on your device, McAfee offers remote remediation assistance to help remove it.

Troubleshooting Activation Issues