How to Remove Windows Defender Security Warning on Mac: 3 Best Ways

Written by

Hashir Ibrahim

Reviewed by

Ojash

Last updated: October 13, 2023

Expert verified

Getting a Windows Defender Security Warning on Mac might seem out of place and even alarming. After all, Windows Defender is primarily associated with Microsoft’s Windows operating system. So, why would a Mac user see such a warning?

This guide dives into the reasons behind this unexpected alert and provides the best methods to address and remove the Windows Defender Security Warning on your Mac. Let’s dive right in.

Before We Begin

A potential cause for deceptive security alerts on Mac could be malware. With MacKeeper’s Antivirus, you can stop malware before it settles in. Plus, it offers tools to boost your Mac’s speed and ensure your privacy remains intact.

What’s the Windows Defender Security Warning on Mac?

The Windows Defender Security Warning on Mac is often a deceptive alert, as Windows Defender is designed for Windows, not Mac.

Since Windows XP, Microsoft has given users a free Windows Defender antivirus. It’s a go-to for many because it’s free and reliable. But scammers use fake Windows Defender alerts to trick people, especially Mac users.

They might say your computer has a virus and ask you to download software, share info, or call a number. Regardless of the prompt, these alerts are phishing attempts to get your credentials or trick you into subscribing to a bogus Windows Defender service.

The simplest solution? Don’t click any links or download any software from the alert. Instead, consider scanning your Mac with a reputable antivirus or security software to ensure it’s threats-free.

Why Are You Seeing Windows Defender Security Warning on Your Mac?

The appearance of a Windows Defender Security Warning on Mac can be puzzling since Windows Defender is a tool specifically for Windows. Here’s why you might see it:

1. 🛑 Adware/Malware: Some malicious programs display fake alerts to trick users into downloading more malware or buying unneeded software.
2. 🌐 Misleading Websites: Certain sites show fake warnings to make users think their device is infected, pushing them to download harmful software.
3. 💻 Cross-Platform Software Confusion: Occasionally, software made for both Windows and Mac might mistakenly show a Windows-specific alert on a Mac.

How to Remove Windows Defender Security Warning Pop-ups on Mac

If you’ve got the Windows Defender Security Warning on Mac and want to fix this peculiar issue, you’re in the right place. In the following sections, I’ll guide you on effectively removing these pesky pop-ups from your Mac and ensuring a smoother computing experience.

1. Remove Suspicious Extensions From Your Browser

Ever notice your browser acting weird or showing unexpected pop-ups, like the Windows Defender Security Warning? Sometimes, the problem is sneaky extensions you didn’t know were there. These can slow things down and even be risky.

In this section, I’ll show you how to remove unwanted browser extensions on your Mac.

a. Safari

Follow these steps to remove browser extensions on Mac from Safari:

1. Open Safari on your Mac.

2. Click Safari in the menu bar and select Settings from the drop-down menu.

3. Click the Extensions tab to view all your installed extensions.

4. Find the extension you want to remove and click it.

5. Click the Uninstall button to confirm that you want to remove the extension.

b. Chrome

Follow these steps to remove extensions from Google Chrome on your Mac: 

1. Click the Google Chrome icon in your Dock or search for it in the Applications folder.

2. Click the three-dot icon in the top right corner of the Chrome window. Hover your mouse over More Tools and select Extensions from the submenu.

3. Find the extension you want to remove from the list of installed extensions.
4. Click the Remove button next to the extension you want to uninstall. Confirm the removal when prompted.

5. If you want to temporarily disable an extension without removing it, you can toggle off the switch next to it.

c. Firefox

Follow these steps to remove unwanted extensions on Firefox:

1. Open Firefox on your Mac by clicking its icon in the Dock.

2. Click Firefox in the menu bar and select Settings.

3. Click Extensions & Themes in the left-hand menu to view all the extensions installed in Firefox.

4. Find the extension you want to remove and click the three dots icon. Tap Remove in the drop-down menu.

5. Click Remove again to confirm that you want to remove the extension.

d. Remove Browser Extensions With MacKeeper

With MacKeeper, cleaning up these extensions is a breeze. MacKeeper makes managing browser extensions easy. You can see and control extensions from all browsers in one spot.

Follow these steps to remove browser extensions on your Mac using MacKeeper:

1. Download and install MacKeeper on your Mac.
2. Open MacKeeper and click the Smart Uninstaller option in the left sidebar.

3. Click the Start Scan button to scan your computer for installed browser extensions.

4. Once the scan is complete, click Browser Extensions in the left sidebar and locate the extension you want to remove from the list.

5. Click the checkbox next to the extension you want to remove and tap Remove Selected.

6. Confirm the action by clicking the Remove button in the confirmation dialog box.

7. Wait for the uninstallation process to complete.

2. Reset Your Browser to Default Settings

Sometimes, the best way to fix browser issues, like getting a Windows Defender Security warning, is to start fresh. Resetting your browser to its original settings can clear out any unwanted changes or problems.

Below, I’ve shared the steps to reset your browser to default settings for Safari, Chrome, and Firefox.

a. Reset Safari to Factory Defaults

Follow these steps to reset Safari to factory defaults:

1. Open Finder by clicking its icon in the Dock.

2. With Finder open, click Go in the menu bar and select Go to Folder.

3. Type the following directory in the box and press Enter:

~/Library/Preferences/

4. Find and drag the com.apple.Safari.plist file into the Bin.

5. Next, type the following directory in the Go to Folder box and press Enter:

~/Library/Safari/

6. Inside this folder, delete everything except the Bookmarks.plist file.

7. Lastly, bring the Go to Folder box again and type the following directory:

~/Library/Containers/

8. Type Safari in the search box on the top-right of the window and delete all files and folders that appear in the result.

b. Reset Chrome to Factory Settings

Follow these steps to reset Chrome to factory settings:

1. In Chrome, click the three vertical dots and go to Settings.

2. In the next window, click Reset settings in the left sidebar and select Restore settings to their original defaults.

3. A pop-up window will appear. Click Reset settings, and it will restore your Chrome settings to default.

c. Reset Firefox to Factory Settings

Here’s how to factory reset Firefox on Mac:

1. In Firefox, click the three horizontal lines and go to Help.

2. Select More troubleshooting information.

3. On the right, click the Refresh Firefox button.

4. When you click Refresh Firefox, a pop-up will appear at the top of the page. Click Refresh Firefox again.

3. Run a Virus Scan on Your Mac

If your Mac’s acting up or showing unexpected pop-ups, like the Windows Defender Security warning, it might be time for a health check. Running a virus scan can help find and remove any hidden threats.

Here’s how to run a virus scan on your Mac using MacKeeper:

1. Download and install MacKeeper.
2. Launch MacKeeper and navigate to the Antivirus tab in the left sidebar.

3. Initiate an instant virus scan by clicking the Start Scan button.

4. If viruses are detected during the scan, click the Fix Items button to resolve the issues.
5. You’ll see a No threats found message if your system is threat-free. You can tap the Restart button to run the scan again.

6. Enable real-time antivirus protection to safeguard your Mac from future threats by clicking the Enable button.

After setting up your security settings, MacKeeper will work quietly in the background. It’ll constantly check for dangers and stop any harmful actions in their tracks.

Tips to Protect Your Mac Against Scams

Protecting your Mac against scams is crucial for maintaining your device’s health and security. Here are some tips to help you stay safe:

1. 🔄 Regular Updates: Always keep your macOS and all applications updated. Apple frequently releases security patches to address vulnerabilities.
2. 🔒 Trusted Sources: Only download software and apps from reputable sources, such as the Mac App Store or official websites.
3. 🛡️ Antivirus Software: Consider installing a trusted antivirus solution to regularly scan and protect your Mac from threats.
4. 🎣 Beware of Phishing: Be cautious of unsolicited emails or messages that ask for personal information or direct you to suspicious websites.
5. 🔥 Enable Firewall: Turn on the built-in macOS firewall to block unauthorized incoming connections.
6. 💾 Backup Regularly: Use Time Machine or another backup solution to regularly backup your data. This can be a lifesaver if you ever encounter ransomware.
7. 🌐 Secure Browsing: Use browsers that offer security features and avoid visiting unsecured websites (those without HTTPS).
8. ✌️ Two-Factor Authentication: Enable two-factor authentication for your Apple ID and other critical accounts for an added layer of security.
9. 📚 Stay Informed: Regularly educate yourself about the latest scams and threats targeting Mac users.
10. 🔑 Limit Permissions: Don’t grant administrative privileges to software unless you’re certain of its legitimacy.
11. 📢 Check for Regular Security Updates: Apple often releases security updates. Ensure you have automatic updates turned on or regularly check for these.
12. 🤨 Be Skeptical: If something seems too good to be true, like an unexpected prize or offer, it probably is. Always approach such offers with skepticism.

Protect Your Mac Against Windows Defender Security Warning

Seeing a Windows Defender Security Warning on Mac can be confusing. But knowing what it is and how to handle it helps a lot. Always keep your Mac’s security top of mind. Update your software often and learn about common scams. Be careful with alerts and, if unsure, ask an expert.

Here are some more tips to protect your Mac against scams and malware:

• You can disable pop-ups on Safari and other browsers on your Mac to prevent unwanted pop-ups from popping up on your system.
• Some websites and apps install random toolbars on your browsers, which can be malicious. If you see an unidentified toolbar, remove such toolbars from your Mac browser.
• Malware can sneak onto your system via startup or login items. You can change startup programs on your Mac if you notice something suspicious.

Frequently Asked Questions