Your Windows computer comes with Windows Defender, Microsoft’s antivirus application that guards against threats and attacks from viruses and malware. It keeps a log of its scans and activities in the folder designated as Protection History. Windows Defender maintains a 30 day period for retaining history of all what has been detected, mainly all scan logs. You could free some space and ensure Defender functioning properly by deleting the Protection History.
How to Remove the Microsoft Defender Protection History on Windows?
Method 1: Clear The Windows Defender Protection History Using Local Drive
By erasing the files in the Service folder in the Windows Defender folder on your hard drive, you can manually remove the Protection History. This is how:
Step 1: To open the Run box, press the Windows + R keys together.
Step 2: Copy the path below, paste it, then press OK or enter:
C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows Defender\Scans\History
Note: Choose View, then check the box next to Hidden items if you are not able to view the ProgramData folder when you access the Local Drive.
Step 3: Select all the files in the Service folder by opening it. To remove every file, use a right click and choose Delete. Next, close File Explorer.
Step 4: Then, find Windows Security and launch it.
Step 5: Click Manage settings under Virus & threat protection.
Step 6: Change the button to Off and back to On for Real-Time protection and Cloud-delivered protection.
Method 2: Clear The Windows Defender Protection History through PowerShell
If you need the Protection History to disappear without user intervention after a certain days, you can use a PowerShell command. Here’s how to go about it:
Step 1: In the search field, enter PowerShell.
Step 2: Select Run as administrator when you right-click on Windows PowerShell in the Best Match section.
Step 3: When the UAC prompt comes, select Yes. It will now launch the Administrator: PowerShell window.
Step 4: Enter after you type the below mentioned command or copy it and paste it:
Set-MpPreference -ScanPurgeItemsAfterDelay 7
Note: The protection history logs will be deleted after 7 days, which is indicated at the end. Simply alter that number to indicate the date you wish the protection history to be erased.
Bonus Tip: T9 Antivirus – The Best Alternative To Microsoft Defender
The most effective malware protection program on your computer is antivirus software. There are many different security tools available on the market, but real-time antivirus software, which guards against exploits and finds and deletes malware, is recommended. Malware, viruses, trojans, worms, spyware, adware, and other threats are all recognized by the T9 Antivirus Protection. The T9 antivirus contains the features listed below.
Malware Protection
Malware, Trojans, PUPs, adware, infections, and zero-day threats are among the hazards that T9 antivirus guards against.
Real-time security
Real-time protection, which discovers and stops malware before infecting your PC, helps prevent data breaches, identity theft, and other security threats.
Anything that you won’t need straight away should be taken out.
You may prevent becoming a victim of unknown apps that function in the background and jeopardize your computer’s and data’s security by swiftly recognizing and deleting unwanted startup items.
Avert falling victim to abuse.
The powerful T9 Antivirus Exploit Protection function protects PCs from malware infestations by security mistakes.
Updates to virus definitions.
Antivirus software must be regularly updated to identify and remove new malware threats as malware advances and hackers become more competent. T9 Antivirus protects you from the most recent dangers by periodically installing the most recent database definition updates.
Protect yourself from the most modern and complex threats.
In the modern networked society, sophisticated attacks are one of the largest security concerns. Using a complex program like T9 Antivirus and malware protection software, which offers real-time security and various defenses, is the best way to reduce these threats. Security technology identifies and effectively thwarts threats before data is compromised.
The Final Word: How to Clear the Microsoft Defender Protection History on Windows?
The above methods will help you to clear the Microsoft Defender Protection History on Windows. If you don’t like using the Microsoft Defender, then you can use the T9 antivirus, which has remarkable real-time monitoring and exploit protection.
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