In Windows 11, the native safeguard against cyber threats is performed by Windows Security. This built-in security system diligently operates in the background, shielding your computer from an array of potential threats, encompassing viruses, malware, and ransomware. The tool, housed within the fortress of your operating system, is your digital sentinel.
However, Windows Security, much like a vigilant guardian, maintains a record of its scans and actions in the Protection History folder. This folder serves as an invaluable log, enabling you to scrutinize alterations and, if needed, revert them. While this meticulous record-keeping is good, there are instances when you might find the need to clear the Protection History. Perhaps it’s to declutter the log or simply to gain a better grasp of your system’s security landscape. Whatever the motivation, knowing how to clear the Protection History folder in Windows 11 is a skill worth acquiring.
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How to Clear Windows Defender Protection History
Now, let’s delve into the nuanced methods of clearing the Protection History in Windows 11:
1. Manually Clear Windows Security Protection History
Launch the File Explorer (Windows + E) and navigate to the Windows installation drive (usually C:).
Click on ‘View’ at the top of the window, from the ensuing menu, select ‘Show‘ and then ‘Hidden Items.’
Press ‘Windows + R’ and type C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows Defender\Scans\History.
Double-click on the ‘Service‘ in the ‘History‘ folder.
Right-click on ‘History‘ inside the ‘Service‘ folder and select ‘Delete.’
This manual intervention gracefully clears the Protection History on your Windows 11 computer.
2. Clearing Windows Defender Protection History via Local Group Policy
Search and open ‘Local group policy‘ from the Windows Start menu.
Navigate to the following path:
Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Microsoft Defender Antivirus > ScanOn the right side, find and double-click ‘Turn on removing items from scan history.’
In the window that appears, select ‘Enabled‘ and enter the desired time frame. Avoid setting the number of days to zero, as it signifies ‘forever.’ Click ‘OK‘ once done.
This meticulous adjustment through the Local Group Policy Editor seamlessly clears the Windows Security Protection History on Windows 11.
3. Clearing Microsoft Defender Protection History via PowerShell
Launch PowerShell as an administrator by right-clicking and selecting ‘Run as administrator.’
Paste the following command and hit ‘Enter’: Set-MpPreference -ScanPurgeItemsAfterDelay 30
Important Note: The ’30‘ at the end of the command denotes the days after which Windows Security will clear the Protection History log. Feel free to modify this number based on your preferences.
This PowerShell maneuver provides a dynamic alternative to clear the Microsoft Defender Protection History.
Conclusion
Armed with these nuanced methods, you now possess the expertise to elegantly clear the Protection History folder on Windows 11. These steps not only bestow you with a clean slate but also empower you to navigate the security landscape of your digital haven with precision.