Windows 10: Windows 10: Checking Windows Security's Protection History makes the app crash

I got a notification saying that a program that was blocked by Windows Security. I wanted to allow the program, so I clicked on the notification and navigated to the app's 'protection history' tab, but the protection history said 'No recent actions'. I couldn't click on anything and the app froze briefly before closing down.I tried resetting Windows Security and restarting my computer, but that didn't fix the issue.I also looked online and found these somewhat dated? posts:https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/protection-history-crashes/e6d54506-4712-4bb0-88bc-8b518b3d8bf0^^

:)

 

Clear Windows Security Center (Defender) Protection History

Did not work for me. After going through all steps I still have protection history full

 

Windows Security app crashes when trying to view Protection History

I'm running 1909. Whenever I try viewing "Protection History", the Windows Security app crashes:

Because of this, I cannot respond to "Ransomware protection" blocks when needed.

I am guessing that something to do with Windows Defender became corrupted. I have already tried deleting "C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows Defender\Scans\History" and rebooting, but that didn't help. I've run "sfc /scannow", but that only replaced ("repaired") unrelated shortcut files I'd deleted previously.

Here are the last few lines of output from Sysinternals Process Monitor, right before the crash:





I created the missing "GEH" directory, and then noticed that the "POF.dat" file was successfully created inside it when I tried viewing "Protection History" again, but SecHealthUI.exe still crashed.

- - - Updated - - -

Now, for some reason, when I get an "Unauthorized changes blocked" message in the Action Center, I can open it, and "Protection history" opens without an issue. But if I launch the "Windows Security" app separately, and try viewing "Protection history" that way, it still crashes.

I'm pretty much out of ideas. Can someone help?

 

Protection History Crashing

Hello, Danielo Sweet

Welcome to the Microsoft Community.

If you encounter a crash while trying to access the protection history in Windows Security, you can first troubleshoot by following the steps below:



1. Turn off real-time protection and cloud-provided protection:

Open Update and Security > Windows Security Center > Virus and Threat Protection > Update and Security Settings.

Click Manage Settings.

Disable Real-time Protection and Cloud Delivery Protection.

Close the Settings window.

Navigate to the following path:. C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows Defender\Scans\History\Service

Delete everything in the folder.

Enable Real-time Protection and Cloud Delivery Protection again.



2. Check for Windows updates: Make sure your operating system is up to date. Windows updates usually include bug fixes and stability improvements.



3. Run Windows Security Troubleshooting:

Press Win + I to open Settings.

Go to Update and Security > Troubleshooting.

Scroll down and find Windows Security.

Click it, and then click Run Troubleshooter.



4. Clear Windows security cache:

Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box.

Type services.msc and press Enter.

Find "Security Health Services" in the list, right-click on it, and select "Restart."

Try to access the protection history again.



5. Check for third-party antivirus interference: If you have third-party antivirus software installed, it may conflict with Windows security. Try disabling or uninstalling it temporarily to see if the problem persists.



6. Check for errors in the event viewer:

Press Win + X and select Event Viewer.

Navigate to Windows Log > Applications.

Look for any errors or warnings related to Windows Security or Security Health services that coincide with the crash time. You can share it here.





7. Create a new user account: Sometimes, a corrupted user profile can cause problems. Create a new user account and see if Windows security works without crashing when accessed from the new account.

You can create an account by following the link below:

Manage user accounts in Windows - Microsoft Support



8. Perform a System File Checker (SFC) scan:

Open the command prompt as an administrator (search for cmd, right-click, run as an administrator).

Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.

Let the scan finish. It will check and repair any corrupt system files.

Disclaimer: Running Microsoft Safety Scanner can help you check if the system is disturbed or malicious software exists. To avoid any trouble for you, please back up all your personal files first to ensure you do not lose data.

In addition, you can also refer to the following thread at the same time, which seems to be similar to your problem, you can refer to:

Protection History Keeps Crashing - Microsoft Community

You can try it out by referring to the steps above, and after that, give some feedback and I will further support you.

Best regards



Bobhe | Microsoft Community Support Specialist