Adjusting the Size of an Event Log

by Barry Dysert
(last updated August 15, 2016)

The Event Log files don't take up a lot of disk space (e.g., the System event log by default only uses 16MB), but you can adjust the size of an event log so that it uses more or less disk space depending upon your needs. To do this, start by displaying the Event Viewer. The easiest way to do this is to use the search capabilities of Windows to look for "Event Viewer" (without the quote marks). Once the program is started, you can, if desired, use the Event Viewer to examine all of the event logs on your system.

Say that I want to adjust the size of the System event log. In the left pane of the Event Viewer I would expand the System Logs node and click on System. Then, in the right pane I'd click on Properties. Windows displays the Log Properties dialog box for the System event log. (See Figure 1.)

Figure 1. Adjusting the size of the System Log file.

Near the center of the screen you can see the maximum log size. By default the System event log is set to use up to 16384 KB. You can either type in the size you want used for the event log or use the up/down arrows at the right of the box to specify, in KB, the size.

Once you've indicated the size you want, click OK. Your System log will now grow to the maximum size you specified.

 This tip (12732) applies to Windows 7, 8, and 10.

Author Bio

Barry Dysert

Barry has been a computer professional for over 35 years, working in different positions such as technical team leader, project manager, and software developer. He is currently a software engineer with an emphasis on developing custom applications under Microsoft Windows. When not working with Windows or writing Tips, Barry is an amateur writer. His first non-fiction book is titled "A Chronological Commentary of Revelation." ...

MORE FROM BARRY

Understanding the Start Menu Search Box

The Start Menu Search Box is a great addition to Windows. It can save you a great deal of time by putting frequently used ...

Discover More

Cathy

Cathy is a small utility that lets you catalog network and external media for fast searching. It's handy if you have a ...

Discover More

Using the Findstr Command

Finding data within files is a common need. If what you're looking for is in a flat file, you can find what you're after ...

Discover More
More WindowsTips

Changing How Event Log Overruns are Handled

By default, the event logs are implemented in a circular buffer, i.e., when its maximum size is reached, the oldest ...

Discover More

Tracking Down Who Installed or Removed a Program or App

Managing a computer system can often involve a good deal of detective work. This tip looks at how you can use your ...

Discover More

Viewing Event Logs

Event logs are automatically maintained by the operating system. By periodically viewing them, you'll have a better idea ...

Discover More
Subscribe

FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WindowsTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."

View most recent newsletter.

(Your e-mail address is not shared with anyone, ever.)

Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is 7 + 1?

There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)

Newest Tips
Subscribe

FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WindowsTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."

(Your e-mail address is not shared with anyone, ever.)

View the most recent newsletter.

Links and Sharing
OUR COMPANY
OUR PRODUCTS
OUR AUTHORS
OUR SITES
 

Copyright © 2020 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.