antivirus Archives - Rick's Daily Tips

How to remove an antivirus app that Windows can’t uninstall

Posted on September 3, 2026

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I receive dozens of tech questions every week, and as you might expect some questions get asked over and over.

One of the questions that gets asked most often is some variation of “How do I remove [McAfee, Norton or whatever] from my computer?”

For various reasons, antivirus apps can sometimes be difficult to remove with Windows’ native uninstaller, and I’ve had my own issues with many of them in the past.

Luckily, there’s a simple way to remove most any antivirus program from your computer: Just download and run that company’s automated removal tool! [Read more…]

Q&A: Do I need to run manual scans with my antivirus app?

Posted on June 30, 2026

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Question from Curtis: I have my antivirus program set to run automatic scans on three nights each week (I read somewhere that three times a week is the best schedule to follow).

My question is will those three automatic scans be enough to protect my computer from viruses or should I run manual scans too just to be safe? [Read more…]

Q&A: Does Windows 11 really need an antivirus app?

Posted on June 24, 2026

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Question from Marge: I just bought a refurbished laptop with Windows 11 on it and I want to make sure it’ll be safe from viruses.

It seems like I remember reading somewhere that you don’t need to buy an antivirus program for Windows 11 because it comes with one built-in.

The problem is other things I’ve read said you do need to install and antivirus program.

Which one is true? [Read more…]

Q&A: Can a PC with an antivirus app still catch a virus?

Posted on April 27, 2026

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Question from Arlen: I bought a new laptop in August 2022 and paid the people at Best Buy to install Webroot antivirus on it.

This machine has always worked great but a few weeks ago it locked up on me with a message saying it had been taken over by a hacker.

I was finally able to shut it down by holding the power button in but when I turned it back on it went right back to that same screen.

I took it to Best Buy and the technician said it had a virus and they were going to charge me $150 to remove it. [Read more…]

Q&A: Does my iPhone need an antivirus app?

Posted on January 17, 2026

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Question from Lilly: Hello, Rick. I just have a very quick question.

Do I need to install an antivirus app on my iPhone? One friend says I do and another friend says I don’t.

I’d really like to know for sure so I can make sure my phone is protected. I just don’t want to install another app if I don’t need it. But if I do need to install one, which one would you recommend? [Read more…]