When I try to access my protection history Inside Windows Security, there are four blue dots that load forever. I've tried everything. Can I please get some help here? Thank you

nadav 0 Reputation points
2026-09-02T16:01:20.1933333+00:00

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Windows for home | Windows 10 | Security and privacy

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  1. Ramesh 180.9K Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2026-09-04T07:26:40.3466667+00:00

    Have you tried the batch file in the link TaoLi posted? Link: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/3922062/windows-10-checking-windows-securitys-protection-h

    After running it, restart Windows.

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  2. TaoLi 110.6K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-09-03T12:13:34.53+00:00

    Hello,

    That message means the DetectionHistory folder has already been removed, so you do not need to run that command again.

    Please open PowerShell as Administrator and run:

    Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.SecHealthUI -AllUsers | Reset-AppxPackage

    After it finishes, restart the PC and check Protection History again.

    Microsoft also provides general app repair/reset guidance here: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/apps/repair-apps-and-programs-in-windows

    If it still keeps loading, please let me know what happens after running the PowerShell command.

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  3. TaoLi 110.6K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-09-02T16:35:03.47+00:00

    Hello,

    This is usually caused by corrupted Windows Defender Protection History data.

    Please boot Windows into Safe Mode, then open Command Prompt as administrator and run:

    rd /s /q "C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows Defender\Scans\History\Service\DetectionHistory"

    Restart the computer normally afterward and check Protection History again. This clears the existing Protection History entries but does not disable Microsoft Defender.

    Safe Mode instructions: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/start-your-pc-in-safe-mode-in-windows-92c27cff-db89-8644-1ce4-b3e5e56fe234

    A similar Windows 10 Protection History issue was resolved using this method: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/3922062/windows-10-checking-windows-securitys-protection-h

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