Windows defender

Brenda Haberl 20 Reputation points
2026-10-21T12:43:28.39+00:00

Windows defender found 1 threat, how do I quarantee it?

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Security and privacy
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AI answer

2026-10-21T12:43:50.82+00:00

Open Windows Security → Virus & threat protection → Protection history, select the detected threat, and choose Actions → Quarantine.

  1. Open Start, type Windows Security, and open it.
  2. Select Virus & threat protection.
  3. Select Protection history.
  4. Expand the card labeled Threat found – action needed.
  5. Select Actions, then Quarantine. Approve the administrator prompt if shown; administrator privileges are required to review threat details.
  6. Check that the card now says Threat quarantined. The file is blocked in a safe location and cannot run. ^1^

If the status instead says:

  • Threat blocked: Defender has already blocked and removed it; no further action is required.
  • Remediation incomplete: Expand the card and perform the additional action displayed.
  • Threat quarantined: Leave it quarantined or select Remove to delete it permanently. Do not select Restore unless the file is known to be safe.

Avoid Allow on device unless the file and its publisher are trusted; allowing it permits the file to run and suppresses future alerts. Quarantine is the safer choice when uncertain. ^2^

References

  1. Protection History in the Windows Security App | Microsoft Support
  2. Antivirus and antimalware software: FAQ | Microsoft Support
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  1. DaveM121 (2) 18,080 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2026-10-21T12:51:20.5466667+00:00

    1

    Defender should automatically quarantine the malware that was found, if not, open Defender.

    Go to Protection history, is action required indicated beside the listed infection, if so, select that and choose to quarantine the infection.

    The file will then be moved into the quarantine folder where it can no longer affect your system and will be deleted automatically later.

    2

    You can also clear the infection list and clean out the quarantine folder using this method.

    Start Windows in Safe Mode.

    Open File Explorer, then on the View menu at the top, temporarily turn on 'Hidden Items'.

    Navigate to this folder: C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows Defender\Scans\History\Service

    Delete the contents of that Service folder.

    Navigate to this folder:

    C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows Defender\Quarantine

    Delete the contents of that Quarantine folder.

    Close File Explorer and restart Windows.

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