For most home users: and rely on Windows Defender + common sense. If you must keep it, silencing the pop-ups takes 3 minutes in settings—but expect them to return after major updates.

Malicious ads on certain websites can trick users into clicking "Allow" on a notification prompt, which then lets the site send "McAfee-branded" alerts directly to your desktop.

If you have McAfee installed and intend to keep using it but want the ads to stop, you can adjust the in-app settings.

Many Windows 11 users don’t realize that (built-in) is now a top-tier antivirus.

Go to Settings > Cookies and site permissions > Notifications . Remove any sites listed under the "Allow" section.