How do u delete Windows Defender mpcache files?

Shammikit · January 16, 2022

Hi, in one of our computers the C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows Defender\Scans folder consists of a bunch of mpcache files that add upto around 10gb. I would like to delete them as it is consuming too much space. Tried deleting them manually but I get the error saying Windows Defender Service is using this file and it cannot be deleted. I noticed that even if I turn off Windows Defender from settings, it doesn't allow the files to be deleted. Also noticed that the Defender service cannot be stopped in the services Window as the options are greyed out. Some insight to get this done would be really helpful. Thanks.

Kilrah · January 16, 2022

That's one of the choices in the Disk Cleanup wizard.

Shammikit · January 17, 2022

15 hours ago, Kilrah said:

That's one of the choices in the Disk Cleanup wizard.

I see. After some searching I managed to find a solution. I had to install a third party software to disable Windows defender and stop the service until I delete the mpcache files manually. Got it done this way.