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How to remove a Protection History report from Windows Defender?

Anonymous
2023-06-26T05:02:58+00:00

My Windows Defender detected malware. Since it stated the exact location of the threat, I remove it manually.

However, since it is already listed on Windows Defender active threat, Windows Defender provides options for what I want to do with the threat.

Choosing 'Remove' or 'Quarantine' won't give any result as the threat is not present anymore.

Please tell me how to remove this log from my Windows Defender Protection History.

Thank you

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Settings

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

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  1. DYARI BARHAM 33,361 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2023-06-26T05:39:14+00:00

    Hi Robby,

    I'm Dyari. Thanks for reaching out. I will be happy to assist you in this regard.

    Before cleaning the Protection history, kindly scan for viruses & malware with the free Malwarebytes to be assured your computer is clean and safe:

    https://www.malwarebytes.com/mwb-download

    Then, to remove a Protection history, go to the below directory:

    C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows Defender\Scans\History\Service > Delete all the files inside it and restart your computer.

    You can find more steps to disinfect your computer:

    https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/for...

    Please do not hesitate to ask if you need further assistance.

    Stay safe.

    ____________________________________________________________

    Standard Disclaimer: There are links to non-Microsoft websites. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the sites that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the sites before you decide to download and install it.

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  1. Anonymous
    2023-08-29T18:01:01+00:00

    Your instructions do not work because the system does not allow access to the Windows defender/Scans folder. Do you have any other instructions? Thank you Ivan

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  2. Ramesh 176.1K Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2023-08-29T18:02:23+00:00

    Boot into Safe mode and delete that folder. This works in most cases.

    Start your PC in safe mode in Windows - Microsoft Support: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/start-your-pc-in-safe-mode-in-windows-92c27cff-db89-8644-1ce4-b3e5e56fe234

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  3. Anonymous
    2023-09-25T07:42:05+00:00

    It's a shame that deleting the history of windows defender is probably deliberately more complicated, and it is impossible to remove the message "access to folders has been blocked" at all. I guess I have to accept that this can only be removed with a fresh clean install of Windows. :-(

    10+ people found this answer helpful.
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  4. Anonymous
    2023-09-22T06:53:06+00:00

    Hi there. I cannot use

    C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows Defender\Scans\History\Service >

    to remove protection history.

    I can go to as far as Scans then cannot go on cos it said "you don't currently have access to this folder".

    Can anybody help?

    Thank you.

    10+ people found this answer helpful.
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