What Is the Windows Event Viewer, and How Is It Useful?
Ever heard of something called the Windows Event Viewer? It’s an incredible tool that helps you analyze the event logs on your device. Simply put, the Event Viewer shows you detailed information about the processes that take place on your PC.
Now, let’s check out how you can use this tool to understand everything that’s happening on your PC. But first, let’s explore event logs a bit.
What Are Windows Event Logs?
Windows event logs refer to the pieces of information thatrecord the activity on your device. These event logs provide you with information about the operating system and third-party software programs. They can even help you easily understand various Windows error messages.
For example, if you’re running into a problem, the event logs can help you understand where exactly the issue is coming from. That way, you can be able to get to the root of the issue and apply the relevant troubleshooting steps.
In other instances, event logs can show you the actions taken by your PC to troubleshoot certain errors. For example, if an issue got resolved mysteriously, you may track how the PC resolved it by analyzing event logs.
To view the event logs, you’d have to use the Windows Event Viewer.
How to Use the Windows Event Viewer to Analyze Event Logs
You canopen the Event Viewerin various ways. The easiest way is to pressWin + Xand then selectEvent Viewerfrom the menu items.
Let’s now take a look at how this tool works.
Understanding the Event Viewer Interface
Once you’ve opened the Event Viewer, you should see the main menu towards the top-left corner. Now, click theWindows Logsdrop-down menu.
Here’s a brief description of the options that appear below theWindows Logsmenu:
Below theWindows Logsdrop-down menu, you should see theApplications and Services Logsdrop-down menu. This menu contains options that help you view and analyze event logs for Windows PowerShell and other services.
In this article, we’ll only take a detailed look at theSystemoption under theWindows Logsdrop-down menu. Once you’re familiar with handling event logs for this folder, everything else should be fairly simple.
Viewing and Understanding Log Details
Now that you’re familiar with the Event Viewer interface, let’s get started.
Click on theWindows Logsdrop-down menu and select theSystemoption. Now, let’s explore all the information displayed in the middle pane.
On the top part of the middle pane, you should see these five options:Level, Date and Time, Source, Event ID,andTask Category.
TheLeveloption shows the status of a particular task. Here are the options that you’d usually see below this option:
To understand eachLeveldisplay message in detail, click on a specific task and check the information displayed in theGeneraltab (on the bottom part of the middle pane).
To display more details about a log event, click theDetailstab next to theGeneraltab.
Now, the bottom part of the middle pane displays all the event log information in one place. This includes theLevel, Date and Time, Source, Event ID,andTask Categoryoptions that we’ve discussed.
Here are some of the additional options that appear in this pane:
Finding and Filtering Event Logs
The Event Viewer also makes it easy for you to find and filter specific logs. You can do all this using theActionspane on the right-hand side.
To search for an event log, click theFindbutton on the Actions pane. From there, search for an event log using theSourcename,Event ID,orTask Category.
For example, if you’re looking for a specific task with an Event ID of 6013, type6013in theFind whatbox and clickFind Next. This should highlight your task in the middle pane.
If you have several tasks with the same Event ID, this should display the first result. To navigate to the other options, keep clicking theFind Nextbutton until you locate your task.
You can also filter your log events according toDate and Time, Level, Task Category, Source, Keywords, User,andComputer. As an example, let’s check out how you can filter your event logs based on theLeveloption:
You can also perform other actions by selecting the relevant options on theActionspane. For example, you cansave, copy,andclearevent logs.
If you want to view and analyze Windows event logs on a remote device, right-click on theEvent Viewer (Local)option in the top-left corner of the screen. From there, select theConnect to Another Computeroption.
Easily Analyze PC Processes With the Event Viewer
Just like any other Windows device, your PC might run into issues from time to time. And if you really want to understand what’s causing those issues, try using the Windows Event Viewer.
Wondering how to get started with using this tool? The tips we’ve covered are all you’ll need. And once you get to the root of the problem, you’d have to use the relevant PC troubleshooters.
If you’re running into system problems or rogue settings, you should use these free Windows 10 repair tools to fix your PC.
Not Linux, not Windows. Something better.
My foolproof plan is to use Windows 10 until 2030, with the latest security updates.
you’re able to block out the constant surveillance and restore your privacy with a few quick changes.
Freeing up vital memory on Windows only takes a moment, and your computer will feel much faster once you’re done.
It’s not super flashy, but it can help to keep your computer up and running.
