Section 2: Antivirus software
Self-help procedures for the most common problems with popular security software, written independently. PC Fieldbook is not McAfee, Norton or Microsoft, and nothing here is official support. Every product procedure links to the vendor’s own support website for account, billing and subscription questions.
- Procedure 2.1: McAfee says “not protected” or will not update: what to check Confirm the subscription, run an update, turn real-time scanning back on and reinstall cleanly if needed.
- Procedure 2.2: Norton will not open, update or scan: what to check Restart, run LiveUpdate, check the subscription, then repair or reinstall Norton the safe way.
- Procedure 2.3: Remove McAfee or Norton completely from Windows Uninstall through Windows Settings, then use the vendor’s own removal tool if anything is left behind.
- Procedure 2.4: Microsoft Defender turned off? Switch real-time protection back on Get Defender protecting again after removing or switching antivirus software, or when the switch is greyed out.
- Procedure 2.5: Antivirus “renewal” invoices: how to spot the scam Invoices for renewals you never ordered are a common scam. Check your real account without touching the email.
- Procedure 2.6: McAfee plans explained: what each tier includes What the McAfee tiers add on top of basic antivirus, how renewal pricing works, and how it compares with Defender.
- Procedure 2.7: Norton 360 plans explained: what each tier includes What each Norton tier adds, what to check about renewal pricing, and how it compares with Defender.
- Procedure 2.8: Do you need paid antivirus? Defender compared with paid suites What Microsoft Defender already covers, what paid suites add, and a short way to decide for your household.