Checking Windows Event Logs
In Windows, an event is any significant occurrence in the system or in a program that requires users to be notified, or an entry added to a log. The Event Log Service records application, security, and system events in Event Viewer. With the event logs in Event Viewer, you can obtain information about your hardware, software, and system components, and monitor security events on a local or remote computer. Event logs can help you identify and diagnose the source of current system problems, or help you predict potential system problems.
To check for hardware problems, use the Event Viewer to check the System Event Log.
To check for application problems, use the Event Viewer to check the Application Event Log.
To open the Event Viewer,
- on Windows XP
Click the Start button in the Desktop's lower-left corner
In the popup window, click the Control Panel entry
In the Windows Control panel, click the Performance and Maintenance entry
In the Windows Control panel's Performance and Maintenance section, click Administrative Tools
In the window listing Administrative Tools, double-click the entry for Event Viewer
- on Windows Vista or Windows 7
Click the Start button in the Desktop's lower-left corner
In the popup window, click the Control Panel entry
In the Windows Control panel, click the System and Security entry
In the Windows Control panel's System and Security section, click Administrative Tools
In the window listing Administrative Tools, double-click the entry for Event Viewer
- on Windows 8, Windows 10, or Window 11
While depressing your keyboard's
key, strike the X key In the the Power Task Menu that appears, select Event Viewer
How to Use the Window Event Viewer on Windows 10 and Windows 11