How to use the McAfee Software Install Helper

Run the McAfee Software Install Helper if you were sent to this article.

The McAfee Software Install Helper helps you to identify and fix issue related to:

• Installation. For example, when installation fails with error 12152, error 0, or a message such as “something went wrong”.
• Subscription expiration. These issues can happen when you move from one McAfee subscription to another. If the change isn’t properly recorded, you might see unexpected messages that your subscription has expired.

Follow the steps below to run the tool. If the problem continues after you run the tool, contact Customer Service.

IMPORTANT:

• The Software Install Helper works only on English-language Windows 8, Windows 10, and Windows 11 computers. Don’t run the tool on any other versions or languages of Windows.
   
• The Software Install Helper doesn’t work with McAfee app versions 16.0.100 or later. You can only use the Software Install Helper on versions of McAfee app earlier than 16.0.100. For example, version 16.0.51.

How to run the McAfee Software Install Helper Tool

Follow the steps in the video to run the Install Helper. Or, you can follow the steps in this article:


To view and subscribe to more videos, visit the official McAfee YouTube channel. 

1. Download the McAfee Software Install Helper.
2. When the tool downloads, double-click the WSSInstallHelper.exe file to get started.
    
3. Click Continue to accept the License Agreement, and Privacy Notice.
    
4. Log in with your registered email address and password, and then click Login.
   NOTE: If you can’t remember your password, click Forgot Password. Then, follow the prompts.
    
5. Click Start, accept the License Agreement, and follow the prompts.
   To fix an issue, your installed McAfee app might be removed and reinstalled. This process might take 15 minutes or more to complete.
    
6. Click Restart when prompted to restart your PC. Sign in to Windows after the PC restarts. Click Run to continue.
   Your issue is fixed, after the Software Install Helper completes.

Connect with Customer Service

If the tool doesn’t work, you’ll be asked to connect to Customer Service. Click the prompt. A chat session with a McAfee Customer Service agent starts.

NOTE: If you can't complete the above step, you contact Customer Service for help.