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Can’t Open Windows Defender Scans Folder: How to Access it
You need administrative rights to access the Scans folder
2 min. read
Published onJanuary 24, 2024
published onJanuary 24, 2024
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Key notes
Many users reported that they can’t open the Windows Defender Scans folder and this can be a problem, especially if they want to delete scan history.
In today’s guide, we’re going to show you a couple of methods that you can use to access this folder on your PC.
Why can’t I open the Windows Defender Scans folder?
This is a system file and it’s protected from access. The only to access it is to obtain administrative privileges.
How do I open the Windows Defender Scans folder?
1. Manually enter the folder
For a more user-friendly solution, you can use any otherfile manager for Windows 11, as long as you start it as an administrator.
2. Use Safe Mode
If you can’t open the Windows Defender Scans folder, you can easily obtain the necessary permissions through other applications or by using Safe Mode.
Sadly, this isn’t the only permission issue you can encounter, and many users reported thatWindows Defender Service can’t be startedon their PCs. We also have a guide on what to do ifWindows Defender is blocked by Group Policy, so don’t miss it.
Do you know a different method to access this directory? If so, share it with us in the comments section.
More about the topics:Microsoft Windows Defender,Windows 11 guides
Milan Stanojevic
Windows Toubleshooting Expert
Milan has been enthusiastic about technology ever since his childhood days, and this led him to take interest in all PC-related technologies. He’s a PC enthusiast and he spends most of his time learning about computers and technology.
Before joining WindowsReport, he worked as a front-end web developer. Now, he’s one of the Troubleshooting experts in our worldwide team, specializing in Windows errors & software issues.
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Milan Stanojevic
Windows Toubleshooting Expert
Before joining WindowsReport, he worked as a front-end web developer. Now, he’s specialized in Windows errors & software issues.
