Getting started with Plusnet Protect
Need help downloading or installing Plusnet Protect? Our handy video will show you how.
Plusnet Protect FAQs
What's Plusnet Protect?
Plusnet Protect powered by McAfee is a security program that keeps you, your family and your Windows computers safe from online dangers and threats.
What features come with Plusnet Protect?
As well as peace of mind, you'll also get:
- anti-virus software – helps stop viruses getting onto your computer, checks there are none already there and removes any it finds
- anti-spyware software – prevents spyware making its way onto your computer and gets rid of any spyware that's already there
- firewall – stops anything nasty from gaining access to your computer and your data
- anti-phishing software – warns against malicious websites, protecting you from identity theft
- parental controls – lets you set filters for certain content, so your children can browse the Internet safely
- My Home Network – shows you all your connected devices so you can find out if someone who shouldn't be is using your Internet connection
- Shredder – allows you to permanently delete files which contain sensitive information
- vulnerability scanner – finds and installs the latest updates for Windows and your other programs
- QuickClean – allows you to remove unnecessary system and browser files, helping to keep your PC running smoothly
Will it run on my computer?
Plusnet Protect works with Internet Explorer, Firefox and Chrome on:
- Windows 10
- Windows 8 and Windows 8.1
- Windows 7
- Windows Vista with SP1
Your computer will need to have at least:
- 2GB RAM
- 500MB of free hard drive space
- 1Ghz processor
At the moment, Plusnet Protect doesn't work with:
- Apple computers, tablets and phones
- Android tablets and phones
- Tablets running non-supported versions of Windows
How much does it cost?
It depends which broadband package you've got. It's free for Unlimited and Unlimited Fibre Extra customers. And it's £2 a month if you've got Unlimited Fibre.
To check how much it is for older broadband products, like Plusnet Value and Broadband Your Way take a look at our broadband product archive.
How do I get it?
Just go to Add-Ons and choose Plusnet Protect from the list. We'll email you when it's ready to download.
Will it replace the security software I've got at the moment?
Before you install Plusnet Protect, it's a good idea to uninstall any security software you've got already. Running more than one security program on one computer can cause the software to get in a muddle and not work properly. If you can't do that, Plusnet Protect should be able to uninstall the software you've got at the moment, but we can't guarantee it'll work for everyone.
How can I remove Plusnet Protect?
If you don't want to use Plusnet Protect anymore, you can remove it from your account by going to the Add-Ons section of the Member Centre. To remove the software from your computer, you'll need to uninstall it by going to your Control Panel, then Programs and Features.
You can get it back again at any time by going to the Add-Ons section and clicking the Add button next to Plusnet Protect powered by McAfee.
How long does it take to install?
The download and installation usually takes about 30 minutes.
I'm having problems downloading, installing or using the software – what should I do?
If you've just added Plusnet Protect to your account, we'll email you a download link in a few hours. If you're having trouble installing Plusnet Protect, please get in touch with us.
How do I scan my PC for viruses with Plusnet Protect?
- On your computer's task bar (bottom right corner of your screen), right click the Plusnet Protect icon.
- Choose Scan.
- Click Full, Quick or Custom.
Or
- Open Plusnet Protect.
- Click Virus and Spyware Protection.
- Click Scan your PC.
- Click Full, Quick or Custom.
Or
- Open Plusnet Protect.
- Click Navigation.
- Under Features, click Scan your PC.
Plusnet Protect is showing me the message 'Your Computer is at risk' - what should I do?
That means you're not running real-time scanning. To turn it on:
- open Plusnet Protect
- click Virus and Spyware Protection
- click Real-time Scanning
- click Turn On, then Done.
Your status bar will then turn green and say 'Your Computer is secure'.
What happens if Plusnet Protect finds an infected file?
It'll try to clean the infected file. If it can't, you'll be given the option to quarantine the file, block access to it, or remove it completely.
Do I need to update the software myself?
When you're connected to the Internet, Plusnet Protect automatically checks for updates. You can also manually check for updates:
- on your computer's task bar (bottom right corner of your screen), right click the Plusnet Protect icon
- click Check for updates.
How do I restore my default firewall settings?
To restore your default settings:
- open Plusnet Protect
- click Web and Email Protection
- click Firewall
- click Restore Defaults.
How do I delete files using Shredder?
To delete files:
- open Plusnet Protect
- click Data Protection and Backup
- click Shredder
- choose Recycle Bin, Temporary Internet Files or click Let me choose, which lets you choose files individually
- choose from Quick or Comprehensive – comprehensive shreds are more secure but take longer
- click Shred.
How do I use QuickClean to perform system maintenance?
To run QuickClean:
- open Plusnet Protect
- click PC and Home Network Tools
- click QuickClean
- click Clean.
You can change what files are included by going to Settings, under the top banner.
How do I check my PC is up to date?
You can use the Vulnerability Scanner to check for available updates.
- Open Plusnet Protect.
- Click PC and Home Network Tools.
- Click Vulnerability Scanner.
- Click Scan.
Was this article helpful?
Thanks!
Thanks. Your feedback is really appreciated and helps us to improve our help and support.
Still need help?
Get in touch
-
Chat to us online
Online chat is currently unavailable, please choose another option.
Please enable functional cookies to use this feature. You can change your cookie settings at anytime.
Start chatYour browser's blocking online chat
To chat to us, please switch off any ad blocking software.
-
Give us a call
Our support phone lines are open 7 days a week.
Call us
Customer support
- 0800 432 0200 (from within in the UK)
- +44 345 140 0200 (from abroad)
7.30am - 10pm, every day Please have your username and password handy.
Business Customer support
- 0800 028 0282 (from within in the UK)
- +44 330 123 9123 (from abroad)
Open all day, every day. Please have your username and password handy.