In this paper, the differential lightning protection strategy and comprehensive evaluation of ±800 kV UHV HVDC transmission lines. The differential lightning protection configuration optimization method is described in detail, covering the calculation of lightning trip rate, analysis of main lightning protection measures, and lightning protection transformation process. By calculating the lightning protection level and trip rate of each base tower, a targeted transformation plan is formulated. Finally, the typical line lightning protection configuration scheme is given, and some base towers are taken as examples to show the change of trip rate before and after the transformation. The results show that the lightning protection transformation measures effectively reduce the line trip rate, and the average lightning trip rate of each line segment is significantly reduced, providing a reference for the differential lightning protection transformation of transmission lines.