How do I delete Protection History in the windows defender?

mm 0 Reputation points
2026-10-03T14:59:05.96+00:00

Hello,

Recently my windows defender protection history log has been getting larger and larger. Every time I open it it takes 5 minutes to load.

I have tried:

  1. Deleting C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows Defender\Scans\History in safemode (after turning off real time protection, cloud-based protection and tamper prevention before switching to safemode, because in safe mode windows defender just does not work for me)
  2. Deleting C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows Defender\Scans\History\Service in safemode (after turning off... etc)
  3. Deleting event viewer windows defender logs
  4. Waiting 15 days
  5. Reinstalling through ISO image
  6. Deleting all mpcache files in C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows Defender\Scans\ (after turning off... etc)

However, all the logs are still there and it is still taking extremely long to load.

Any ideas on how to fix this? Thank you.

Microsoft Security | Microsoft Defender | Other
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  1. Marcin Policht 109.6K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
    2026-10-03T16:54:04.9+00:00

    You might want to give https://github.com/LesFerch/ClearDefenderHistory a try

    If the above response helps answer your question, remember to "Accept Answer" so that others in the community facing similar issues can easily find the solution. Your contribution is highly appreciated.

    hth

    Marcin

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