Windows 10 users need to be aware of a nightmarish flaw that can seriously gobble up any free hard drive space they have. The bug discovered by Bleeping Computer can result in literally hundreds of thousands of files being created on an affected Windows 10 computer. Although these files are small, ranging from 600 bytes to 1 KB, the large volume can consume gigabytes of space.
In one case, an affected user stated that 30 GB of their hard drive was occupied by almost a million small files.
The bug is a problem with Windows Defender and started with version 1.1.18100.5 of the antivirus software.
The files are located in C: ProgramData Microsoft Windows Defender Scans History Store.
Those affected by the bug reported thousands of files viewed in this location.
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As one concerned user commented on this issue on a Microsoft forum: “When real-time protection is enabled, hundreds / thousands of files are created in about 20-30 minutes.
“Most of these files are either 1 KB or 2 KB in size. Approximately 950,000 files were saved in 24 hours and required 30 GB of space. This does not seem normal. No threats have been detected and no scanning is in progress or updates. These files appear to be encrypted, or at least we can’t open them in Notepad and see no useful data. This only happens on a server. “
During another Reddit operation, another affected user wrote, “I think there is a big problem with Windows Defender consuming disk space. It started last week and the folder is in programData Microsoft Windows Defender Scans History Store is gigantic! Just cheer up. I first noticed that one of the veeam backups failed due to the VSS writer. I logged into the server and the c: drive was only 0.99 a few days ago GB on c: That was 30 GB! “
Fortunately, the frustrating bug has now reportedly been fixed in version 1.1.18100.6 of Windows Defender.
You can check which version of Windows Defender you have installed by going to the Windows Security page.
Then click the Settings gear icon in the lower left of the screen and select About.
You can see which version of Windows Defender you are running on this screen.
If you’re on version 1.1.18100.6, go to Windows Update> Check for Updates.
This will allow you to download the latest update for Windows Defender Antivirus from Microsoft.
