{"id":18401,"date":"2025-03-06T12:45:46","date_gmt":"2025-03-05T23:45:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/geeksonwheels.co.nz\/?p=18401"},"modified":"2025-03-17T12:02:11","modified_gmt":"2025-03-16T23:02:11","slug":"is-my-antivirus-active","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/geeksonwheels.co.nz\/security-safety\/is-my-antivirus-active\/","title":{"rendered":"Is My Antivirus Active?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Did your device come preloaded with antivirus software? Or perhaps you downloaded Norton Antivirus or Malwarebytes a few years ago. Are you asking yourself, \u201cIs my antivirus active?<\/em>\u201d It\u2019s worthwhile checking if your protection is up to date. If your antivirus has expired or requires updating, then your devices may be vulnerable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


We get a lot of customers asking, \u201cDo I need antivirus on my Mac?\u201d Or \u201cDo phones need antivirus?\u201d It\u2019s important to keep all of your devices and important files protected. So, read on to learn how you can check if your antivirus is active. Please note that you will need an internet connection to renew your subscription and activate your antivirus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Why should I check if my antivirus is active?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

New devices often come with trial versions of popular antivirus software. Once these trials expire, your device may no longer be protected. Or perhaps the version installed was a limited free offering that doesn\u2019t run constant scans on your device. If that is the case, your computer could be at risk!

Maybe you never activated your antivirus software because \u201cMacs don\u2019t get viruses\u201d or \u201cit already has Windows Security installed\u201d. Mac users should still use premium antivirus software for an extra layer of protection. The same can be said for those with Windows devices. While Windows Security is pre-installed, more robust protection is recommended. It offers better safeguarding against Zero-day attacks and constant background scans to keep your device protected around the clock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Watch out for antivirus renewal scams!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s great to ensure your antivirus subscription is active. But always be wary of pop-ups or emails either pushing you to renew or claiming a renewal has been processed and paid for.
Always verify the sender’s<\/strong> address and verify your subscription details by opening the antivirus app on your device and looking at your subscription details. Usually, these will be found in the account section of the app<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alternatively, you can check your account and subscription details through the antivirus website. Avoid the sponsored results at the top of the page and find the genuine website.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do not click links in unexpected emails and avoid providing personal details, payment information or login credentials, except via the application if possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Image Source: Malwarebytes<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How do I check if my Malwarebytes antivirus is active?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Malwarebytes<\/a> makes it easy to see if your antivirus is active. Simply open up the application, and if your antivirus protection is no longer active, a pop-up message should appear. If that isn\u2019t the case for you, there should be an \u201cActivate subscription\u201d button on the top banner of the application window.

If you can see that button, or any of the features have a lock icon with Upgrade <\/em>then you are running the free version. This is fine if that\u2019s all you want, but\u2026.
You aren\u2019t getting any of the benefits of antivirus software, which you likely need. No 24\/7 antivirus and anti-malware protection, no rootkit protection, ad blocking or phishing protection. All of this leaves your device vulnerable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you decide you\u2019d like to activate the Malwarebytes premium antivirus protection, simply tap Activate Subscription then Sign in<\/strong> using your login details or create an account <\/strong>if you haven\u2019t already. Alternatively, you can choose to activate your subscription using a license key we provide. Simply renew your subscription via the GeekShop<\/a> and your renewal code will be emailed to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Image Source: Norton Antivirus<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Norton: Is my antivirus active?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n


Norton Antivirus is another popular anti-malware software that comes with a free trial pre-installed on many devices sold by large retailers. If your free trial has expired or you haven\u2019t renewed your subscription, your device may be vulnerable.

Unless you\u2019ve chosen another premium antivirus software, then it\u2019s a great idea to activate or renew your antivirus subscription.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you need to activate your Norton antivirus on a Windows or Mac, simply open your Norton device security<\/strong>. Click Activate Now <\/strong>or Subscribe, <\/strong>then sign in <\/strong>to your Norton account and follow the steps to Select the license > Enter a key. <\/strong>If you don\u2019t have an existing subscription, click Buy a subscription. <\/strong>Instructions for activating a subscription via a mobile device can be found on the Norton site<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are two ways to renew an expired Norton Subscription. Via the application is the first method. Simply open your Norton application<\/strong>, then on the main window, click Renew <\/strong>or Renew Now<\/strong>. Follow the instructions to make a secure payment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The other way to renew your antivirus subscription is to renew it from your account via the Norton website<\/a>. Sign in <\/strong>to your account, in the My Subscriptions <\/strong>tab, click Subscribe Now<\/strong> next to the subscription that you want to renew. Then follow the payment instructions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now you can rest easy knowing your antivirus is active and working to protect you and your device.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Image Source: McAfee Antivirus<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Renewing my McAfee antivirus: How to<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

McAfee is another popular antivirus software that often comes preinstalled on devices. So how can you verify your subscription? Or even activate or renew an expired subscription.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Firstly, you\u2019ll want to verify if your subscription is active. To do this on a Windows device, find your McAfee icon in the task bar and right-click, then select verify subscription from the menu. You can also check within the app. Open your McAfee app, Click Account, then select My Subscription. Here, you will be able to find details of your subscription status and when it will expire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Similarly to Norton or Malwarebytes, you can also check your subscription details via the web. Visit myaccount.mcafee.com<\/a> and Sign in<\/strong> using your registered email and password and Click Subscriptions<\/strong> to see the details. This will include your expiration date, product info and purchase history all in one place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If your subscription has expired simply click renew <\/strong>and enter your payment details to ensure you stay protected. If you need to activate a new subscription, it\u2019s just as simple.
Head to mcafee.com\/activate<\/a> and redeem your product key.<\/strong> Then, you\u2019ll need to enter the unique product key found on your Retail Card<\/strong> or eCard. <\/strong>After you\u2019ve done this, it\u2019s just a matter of following the onscreen instructions to download and install your McAfee security application.

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

An active antivirus subscription is often the only layer of defence you and your devices have against malware and other malicious files. An inactive antivirus subscription is like having a security alarm that isn\u2019t plugged in. If you\u2019re struggling to activate your antivirus subscription or would like some help with staying safe online, call Geeks on Wheels<\/a> today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Did your device come preloaded with antivirus software? Or perhaps you downloaded Norton Antivirus or Malwarebytes a few years ago. Are you asking yourself, \u201cIs my antivirus active?\u201d It\u2019s worthwhile checking if your protection is up to date. If your antivirus has expired or requires updating, then your devices may be vulnerable. We get a […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":18402,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[25],"tags":[279,657,658,656,655],"class_list":["post-18401","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-security-safety","tag-antivirus","tag-antivirus-subscription","tag-malware","tag-mcafee","tag-norton"],"yoast_head":"\nIs My Antivirus Active? - Geeks on Wheels<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"How to check your antivirus is active. Malwarebytes, Norton, McAfee. Make sure your antivirus subscription is up to date. 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