McAfee KB - Upgrade your Windows installation for the latest McAfee protection

Upgrade your Windows installation for the latest McAfee protection

Document ID: 000002234

Your McAfee software performs best on the latest version of Windows. So, to safeguard your computer and your personal data, we recommend that you upgrade your PC to the latest Windows version available.

By using the latest version of Windows, you also benefit from regular Windows security patches and performance improvements.

Follow the steps in this article to learn how to upgrade your PC to Windows 10 or 11. We also include steps that show you how to download and install the latest version of your McAfee software.

Why you should upgrade

Although older Windows versions such as Windows 7, 8, and 10 continue to function, the latest Windows version provides you with access to advanced features and compatibility with modern software, including the latest versions of McAfee LiveSafe and Total Protection.

TIP: A PC running the latest version of Windows, and the latest version of McAfee software, provides comprehensive protection against the latest emerging threats and vulnerabilities.

Start by checking that your PC is compatible with the latest Windows versions, then back up your data.

Check Windows compatibility with your PC

Before you upgrade, check to see if your PC meets the minimum system requirements for the Windows version you want to upgrade to.

Microsoft provides detailed compatibility guidelines and system requirements for the latest Windows releases on the following pages:

You should also determine if your McAfee software can be used on the version of Windows that you want to upgrade to.

As a guide, our latest versions of LiveSafe and Total Protection (version 16.0.103 and later) work with the following Windows versions:

Items	Minimum System Requirements
Operating Systems	Microsoft Windows 11 — 64-bit Intel, AMD, and ARM processors supported Microsoft Windows 10 — 64-bit Intel and AMD processor. NOTE: October 2018 update (Redstone 5) required
Storage requirements	A minimum of 200MB is required to install new LiveSafe and Total Protection, with 300MB preferred
Processor support	Intel, AMD, and ARM64 processors are supported with new LiveSafe and Total Protection NOTE: ARM is only supported by McAfee software versions 16.0.103 or later, on Windows 11 computers

If you have an earlier version of LiveSafe or Total Protection installed, you'll need to upgrade it to work with the latest Windows versions. See the steps at the end of this article to learn how to download and install the latest version of LiveSafe or Total Protection.

To learn more about McAfee system requirements, see see Minimum system requirements for McAfee apps.

Back up your data

Before starting any significant operating system upgrade, it's crucial to back up your important files, documents, and settings.

You can do this by creating a system image, or by copying your data to an external hard drive, cloud storage, or another reliable backup solution.

This precaution guarantees that your data remains safe and accessible even if issues occur during the upgrade process.

To learn more, see this official Microsoft article: Backup and Restore in Windows.

After confirming that your PC supports the version of Windows that you want to upgrade to, and after backing up your important data, you're ready to upgrade Windows.

Click to expand the relevant section below, depending on your target Windows version, and then follow the steps:

I want to upgrade to Windows 11

To upgrade to Windows 11, from Windows 7, 8, or 10, follow the steps below.

NOTE: If your PC doesn't meet the minimum requirements for Windows 11, you'll be informed when you start the upgrade process.

Visit Microsoft's official Windows 11 download page.
Under Windows 11 Installation Assistant, click Download now.
When the Windows 11 Installation Assitant download completes, double-click it to start the process.
Follow the instructions to complete the installation process.
After the upgrade, ensure your data is intact, and reinstall any necessary software.
Go to the Ensure the latest Windows updates are installed section, below.

After upgrading to Windows 11, follow these steps to ensure that you have the latest updates and security patches:

Click the Start button on the bottom left of your Windows desktop.
Click the Settings gear icon on the left side.
Select Update & Security.
Click Windows Update in the left panel.
Click Check for updates to search for the latest version.
If an update is available, follow the instructions to install it.
Allow your system to restart if necessary.

I want to upgrade to Windows 10

If you're using Windows 7 or 8 and prefer to upgrade to Windows 10 instead of Windows 11, follow the steps below.

NOTE: If your PC doesn't meet the minimum requirements for Windows 10, you'll be informed when you start the upgrade process.

Visit Microsoft's official Windows 10 download page.
Under Create Windows 10 installation media, click Download tool now.
When the Windows 10 Installation Media Creation Tool download completes, double-click it to start the process.
Select Upgrade this PC now.
Follow the instructions to complete the installation process.
After the upgrade, ensure that your data is intact, and then reinstall any necessary software.
Go to the Ensure the latest Windows updates are installed section, below.

After upgrading to Windows 10, follow these steps to ensure that you have the latest updates and security patches:

Click the Start button on the bottom left of your Windows desktop.
Click the Settings gear icon on the left side.
Select Update & Security.
Click Windows Update in the left panel.
Click Check for updates to search for the latest version.
If an update is available, follow the instructions to install it.
Allow your system to restart if necessary.

Download and install your McAfee software

After successfully upgrading Windows, we recommend that you download and install the latest version of McAfee software from the McAfee Protection Center:

Here's how:

Go to protection.mcafee.com.
Select Get started.
Type the email address and password for your McAfee account.
Click Sign in.
Scroll down to the My protection section.
On the Antivirus tile, click Download now:
On the next screen, select Download.
Read and accept the License Agreement, then wait for the file to download.
Double-click the downloaded file to start the installation.
Follow the instructions to complete the installation.

Upgrade your Windows installation for the latest McAfee protection

Why you should upgrade

Download and install your McAfee software

Use our virtual assistant for guided solutions.

Need to talk to an expert?

STILL NEED HELP?

Tune up your PC with our TechMaster service

COMPUTER INFECTED?

Get McAfee Virus Removal Services.

The current article is not available in

Login

is not supported, please continue in English.

Upgrade your Windows installation for the latest McAfee protection

Why you should upgrade

Download and install your McAfee software

Use our virtual assistant for guided solutions.

Need to talk to an expert?

STILL NEED HELP?

Tune up your PC with our TechMaster service

COMPUTER INFECTED?

Get McAfee Virus Removal Services.

ASIA PACIFIC

EUROPE

LATIN AMERICA

NORTH AMERICA