MrConsumer recently ordered a new Dell desktop computer since his old one was just over 10 years old. Even with discounts and waiting for a good sale, his new pc was still going to cost about a thousand dollars.
Dell lets you customize your computer to a degree by adding, upgrading, or removing certain components such as memory, SSDs, or the video card. They also state the increase or decrease in price as a result of any change.
On the same customization page at the end, Dell includes a section on software. Here, you can see that the computer comes with McAfee antivirus.
Only if you look at the detailed online invoice after you make your purchase, which is not emailed to you, do you see that you actually purchased McAfee.
*MOUSE PRINT:
McAfee wasn’t a freebie that Dell threw in with my purchase, they charged me $31.58 plus tax for a year’s subscription to it, that I neither asked for nor wanted. And in fact, I uninstalled it when the computer arrived as Windows 11 comes with Microsoft Defender built in.
My first request to Dell to get a $31.xx refund went unresponded to. My second request took Dell at least two weeks to process, but I just got a phone call saying they would make an exception and give me a $33.55 refund.
The internet is filled with complaints about Dell tacking on charges to computer purchases for what generally would be considered optional add-ons. I can’t believe some class action lawyer has not gone after the company for this practice that has apparently been going on for years.
We asked Dell to comment on their practice of forcing computer buyers into the purchase of McAfee. A spokesperson responded:
McAfee+ Premium protection is included in the price of that system and listed in the specifications on the webpage. We offer this to provide our customers with a security suite that helps protect their device, identity and privacy. It includes antivirus, identity monitoring, VPN and more. The invoice provides a more detailed price breakdown of the system, including all SKUs that make up the system. The invoice price will match the price listed on the webpage, ensuring that, prior to purchase, customers are informed of the total price they’ll pay for the specifications listed.
All that sidesteps the issue we raised that it should be the customer’s option to purchase or not purchase McAfee and the price should be disclosed before purchase. What do you think?
Bought my last Dell 4 years ago and although McAfee was offered, it was not charged for. I bought a Lenovo desktop back in December and McAfee was also included at no cost. My complaint to both companies is how “sticky” that company’s software is. For the first month of owning the computer, I was getting reminders to activate the software almost daily. In almost all review websites (and I think Consumer Reports) McAfee is not considered a serious contender for computer safety. In fact, it has been shown to slow down your system, with Norton taking that top spot and McAfee not far behind. Is this the only way that McAfee can “sell” their junk?
There is no longer ANY need, and hasn’t been for years now, for ANY third party antivirus. Viruses aren’t a threat to PC’s anymore as bad actors have found new ways of attack using social engineering that antivirus can not block. What Edgar’s point here is, is that the price of the McAfee is hidden from the selection page and only appears when you look at the invoice that most people don’t bother looking at. You won’t see the charge while you’re ordering and configuring your PC, but it’s in there
The beef about McAfee is absolutely valid.
However, the rest of this comment is misleading. Viruses are most definitely still a threat to be reckoned with. As for Windows 11 PCs, Microsoft’s built-in antivirus is decent (possibly enough for the average user) but still not quite as good/comprehensive as the top third-party tools, which, typically, also happen to bundle other useful security features.
So please do your homework before you conclude that your computer is immune to viruses it’s fine to start clicking on mysterious attachments in emails and downloading random programs from random websites.
For example: https://www.techradar.com/pro/is-antivirus-software-necessary-in-2025
Bravo, Ed, for your insistence on clarity in purchasing not only the product profiled, but in all purchases. Sellers today, will say, write and do anything to influence or force consumers into incremental revenue opportunities for them. They often default a “cart”, to include incremental items, whereby a consumer must intentionally delete the items they don’t wish to purchase. It can be difficult to detect these add-ons, whereby some consumers may miss them and end up purchasing them by default. A wise consumer is not only well-informed by Consumer World, but also learns what to look for, and how best to be their own advocate. Thanks, Ed, for all you do.
Thanks for the very kind words, Glenn.
You’ll notice they charged you for the warranty as well, that showed as “included” in the product selection page
David… I knowing purchased the one year premium service because otherwise software issues are not covered by Dell.
So, how do we purchase a new computer that does not come with McAfee? Just the fact that it is pushed on people has had me uninstalling it on every new desktop or laptop purchase for years because I’d rather make my own choice about security. Glad you caught that you were charged. I’m in the market again for a new Windows 11 desktop and now I have one more thing on the list to watch out for. And to think, Dell was a brand I was considering.
Deb… Perhaps if you buy the computer at a retail store or warehouse club you might avoid the McAfee issue…. I don’t know. And it also may depend on which Dell computer you buy at Dell.com also.
Several years ago, I ordered a Dell laptop for a neighbor. When I opened the package, I found two computer motherboards inside. A phone call corrected that. Later, I tried to order a Dell laptop that promised FREE SHIPPING from an emailed ad, but completing the online order form kept adding a shipping charge. I called Dell, and the rep could not (or would not) find the ad I was ordering from. After threatening to cancel the order, they wiped out the shipping charge.
Does Dell still offer a no-OS or Linux OS option? You could probably save yourself quite a bit going that route and most likely McAfee doesn’t work on that anyway.
You’re right for consumers anti-virus protection is so much less needed now than it was ten years ago. Between Microsoft’s steps to secure Windows and browser security finally taking steps to isolate the browser from the computer, it is much safer to be online now than it used to be.
I imagine you hit the nail on the head here. Dell doesn’t want anyone asking about the price of McAfee. I noticed next to 1-year it just says ‘selected’ not how much it costs. That’s a red flag.
After reading this article I went to the Dell website to investigate. I only looked at 2 models but both had 3 “standard” options to choose from. Some options listed McAfee as a 30 day trial and others as 1 year protection in the “tech specs” area. This could be the reason there was a charge for it on the computer you purchased
McAfee is not needed when Windows defender exists.
Talk about Dark Patterns! This is totally bogus!! And you’re right; some smart lawyer should file a lawsuit.
Are there any SMART lawyers around? Just asking.
Hmm, I normally agree with your takes, but I think you’re off on this one.
When I spec’d out a Dell 10 minutes ago:
– It was advertised as “Starting at $1499”
– The (I agree, pretty useless) McAfee 1-year membership was pre-selected (uh oh!)
– But upon checking out, the price was STILL $1499 + tax
This seems like the whole “fuel surcharge” thing with airlines. Yes, it’s bogus, but *it’s baked into the price up-front*, so — point redemptions aside — who cares?!
This is why I would never buy a Dell or any computer from Dell itself. Costco is the absolute hands down best deal all around. No BS and a whole lot more is included at a lower price than you’d ever get anywhere else. Plus a fantastic return policy and a better warranty. Edgar, you know how to price/value shop – you should look into this. Also, McAfee is well known as not that great and even bad for a computer so I would never fall for that either. My Costco Dell did not come with it. I opt for free antivirus like Avast or Bitdefender.