Hi
If I no longer use MSE and have no intention of going back to it, can I delete old defintions updates dating back to 3 years ago up to the present? And if I can, how is it done?
I dont know if they take up a large amount of space on my “C” drive.
Thanks for any help I can get in answering this. Also would like to know if possible, is Bitdender Free a good AV program?
![]() |
Patch reliability is unclear. Unless you have an immediate, pressing need to install a specific patch, don't do it. |
SIGN IN | Not a member? | REGISTER | PLUS MEMBERSHIP |
-
MSE old defintions delete
Home » Forums » Cyber Security Information and Advisories » Code Red – Security/Privacy advisories » MSE old defintions delete
- This topic has 3 replies, 4 voices, and was last updated 10 years, 9 months ago.
AuthorTopicWSschonman
AskWoody LoungerSeptember 11, 2014 at 7:41 am #496387Viewing 2 reply threadsAuthorReplies-
WSCLiNT
AskWoody LoungerSeptember 11, 2014 at 8:07 am #1467019It differs depending on the OS. On my Windows 7 x64 machine, they are here:
C:ProgramDataMicrosoftMicrosoft AntimalwareDefinition Updates
In XP, I believe that they will be found in the Documents and Settings branch under Application Data, but I dont have access to an XP machine at the moment.
The branch is protected.
On my machine that folder is about 260 megs in size.
^_^
MVP Consumer Security, Moderator Microsoft Community
-steveDo not delete that folder. MSE manages it on its own. Note that I mentioned that this location is protected — removing it or emptying it might damage MSEs ability to protect the PC and/or update.
If you are that tight on space, you need to uninstall or remove something else or get a bigger drive.
Mie may be bigger due to the fact that I’m running the beta and had been using v2 on this machine. I suspect that your folder size is more typical.
^_^
MVP Consumer Security, Moderator Microsoft Community
-steveLeave it alone and find something else to remove to make more space.
MSE shares dependencies with Windows Update & or other aspects of the OS. -
Trev
AskWoody LoungerSeptember 11, 2014 at 10:47 am #1467032Also would like to know if possible, is Bitdender Free a good AV program?
I installed it on a friends computer after MSE showed disappointing test results.
It seems to be very effective and is unobtrusive with little effect on system resources and a minimalist interface.
Definitely worth a try. -
WSCalimanco
AskWoody LoungerSeptember 11, 2014 at 10:49 am #1467034Are you using XP? If so, are you referring to the left over uninstallers shown in Add/Remove Programs? These refer to all hotfixes, not just updates for MSE. They can be removed safely with CCleaner without affecting the hotfixes themselves. It may need two or three passes to get them all. If you have Vista or later, they are handled differently by the OS and the option doesn’t appear.
Viewing 2 reply threads -

Plus Membership
Donations from Plus members keep this site going. You can identify the people who support AskWoody by the Plus badge on their avatars.
AskWoody Plus members not only get access to all of the contents of this site -- including Susan Bradley's frequently updated Patch Watch listing -- they also receive weekly AskWoody Plus Newsletters (formerly Windows Secrets Newsletter) and AskWoody Plus Alerts, emails when there are important breaking developments.
Get Plus!
Welcome to our unique respite from the madness.
It's easy to post questions about Windows 11, Windows 10, Win8.1, Win7, Surface, Office, or browse through our Forums. Post anonymously or register for greater privileges. Keep it civil, please: Decorous Lounge rules strictly enforced. Questions? Contact Customer Support.
Search Newsletters
Search Forums
View the Forum
Search for Topics
Recent Topics
-
AMD : Out of Bounds (OOB) read vulnerability in TPM 2.0 CVE-2025-2884
by
Alex5723
8 hours, 47 minutes ago -
Totally remove or disable BitLocker
by
CWBillow
7 hours, 41 minutes ago -
Windows 10 gets 6 years of ESU?
by
n0ads
4 hours, 30 minutes ago -
Apple, Google stores still offer China-based VPNs, report says
by
Nibbled To Death By Ducks
19 hours, 34 minutes ago -
Search Forums only bring up my posts?
by
Deo
19 hours, 47 minutes ago -
Windows Spotlight broken on Enterprise and Pro for Workstations?
by
steeviebops
1 day, 7 hours ago -
Denmark wants to dump Microsoft for Linux + LibreOffice
by
Alex5723
23 hours, 53 minutes ago -
How to get Microsoft Defender to honor Group Policy Setting
by
Ralph
1 day, 7 hours ago -
Apple : Paragon’s iOS Mercenary Spyware Finds Journalists Target
by
Alex5723
1 day, 18 hours ago -
Music : The Rose Room – It’s Been A Long, Long Time album
by
Alex5723
1 day, 19 hours ago -
Disengage Bitlocker
by
CWBillow
1 day, 9 hours ago -
Mac Mini M2 Service Program for No Power Issue
by
Alex5723
1 day, 21 hours ago -
New Win 11 Pro Geekom Setup questions
by
Deo
19 hours, 43 minutes ago -
Windows 11 Insider Preview build 26200.5651 released to DEV
by
joep517
2 days, 4 hours ago -
Windows 11 Insider Preview build 26120.4441 (24H2) released to BETA
by
joep517
2 days, 4 hours ago -
iOS 26,, MacOS 26 : Create your own AI chatbot
by
Alex5723
2 days, 8 hours ago -
New PC transfer program recommendations?
by
DaveBoston
13 hours, 13 minutes ago -
Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22631.5545 (23H2) released to Release Preview
by
joep517
2 days, 12 hours ago -
Windows 10 Build 19045.6029 (22H2) to Release Preview Channel
by
joep517
2 days, 12 hours ago -
Best tools for upgrading a Windows 10 to an 11
by
Susan Bradley
2 days ago -
The end of Windows 10 is approaching, consider Linux and LibreOffice
by
Alex5723
1 day, 4 hours ago -
Extended Windows Built-in Disk Cleanup Utility
by
bbearren
1 day, 13 hours ago -
Win 11 24H2 June 2025 Update breaks WIFI
by
dportenlanger
3 days, 7 hours ago -
Update from WinPro 10 v. 1511 on T460p?
by
CatoRenasci
2 days, 5 hours ago -
System Restore and Updates Paused
by
veteran
3 days, 9 hours ago -
Windows 10/11 clock app
by
Kathy Stevens
2 days, 21 hours ago -
Turn off right-click draw
by
Charles Billow
3 days, 13 hours ago -
Introducing ChromeOS M137 to The Stable Channel
by
Alex5723
3 days, 16 hours ago -
Brian Wilson (The Beach Boys) R.I.P
by
Alex5723
5 hours, 4 minutes ago -
Master patch listing for June 10, 2025
by
Susan Bradley
3 days, 18 hours ago
Recent blog posts
Key Links
Want to Advertise in the free newsletter? How about a gift subscription in honor of a birthday? Send an email to sb@askwoody.com to ask how.
Mastodon profile for DefConPatch
Mastodon profile for AskWoody
Home • About • FAQ • Posts & Privacy • Forums • My Account
Register • Free Newsletter • Plus Membership • Gift Certificates • MS-DEFCON Alerts
Copyright ©2004-2025 by AskWoody Tech LLC. All Rights Reserved.