Is it safe to clean Windows Defender folder

Question

_{Tuesday, September 18, 2018 9:45 PM}

Hi guys, 

I have a number of HP thin clients with Windows 10 installed. They're run out of free space and I found that a huge proportion of disk space is occupied by two folders.

and C:\Program Files\Windows Defender\platform

Is it safe to clean both folders? 

Regards

All replies (6)

_{Wednesday, September 19, 2018 9:12 AM}

Hi,

In order to help you better, I would like to confirm if clean means to delete the folder completely.

If it means to delete platform folder, you require permission from SYSTEM to make changes to this folder.

I suggest that you run Disk Cleanup to clean Windows Defender folder safely. It will delete non critical files used by Windows Defender. You can follow the steps below:

1. Type Disk Cleanup in the search field and press Enter

2. Check files in the Files to delete box , and then click Clean up system files button

3. Check files again and click OK

4. Click Delete Files in the pop-up windows

Hope these are helpful.

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_{Wednesday, September 19, 2018 9:57 AM}

Actually I meant to delete everything under platform folder.

I've already tried to run Disk Cleanup but this, unfortunately, doesn't free up much space. 

_{Wednesday, September 26, 2018 8:47 AM}

Hi,

I recommend that you do not delete Windows Defender platform folder, because some files are owned by System and TrustedInstaller.

Best 

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_{Friday, September 28, 2018 10:06 AM}

Any update?

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_{Tuesday, November 6, 2018 8:18 AM}

Hi,

I am trying to delete the content of Program Files\Windows Defender\platform folder. 

I took ownership of this folder and assigned Full Control permissions but still unable to delete as it looks like some special permissions are required. 

If someone could give a hint how to delete them that would be highly appreciated.

_{Tuesday, November 6, 2018 9:12 AM}

Hi,

Please refer to this link:

https://www.easeus.com/todo-backup-resource/copy-and-backup-files-without-admin-rights.html 

Note: This is a third-party link and we do not have any guarantees on this website. This is just for your convenience. And Microsoft does not make any guarantees about the content.

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