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 30 years, working in different positions such as technical team leader, project manager, and software developer.  He is currently a senior software engineer with an emphasis on developing custom applications under Microsoft Windows. ...

MORE FROM BARRY

Disabling Automatic Updates

If you don't like that Windows automatically downloads and applies updates in the middle of the night, you can gain some ...

Discover More

How to Remove Cortana's Search Box

If you want to free up some space on the taskbar, consider eliminating Cortana's search box. This tip tells you how.

Discover More

Performing Complex Calculations Using the Scientific Calculator

The next time you need to perform calculations at your computer, there's no need to fire up a big spreadsheet program or even ...

Discover More
More WindowsTips

Creating a Custom View in the Event Viewer

Creating a custom view in the Event Viewer allows you quick access to those events you're interested in watching over time. ...

Discover More

Deleting Events in Your Event Logs

You don't need to worry about event logs filling up your disk, but you still may want to clean them out eventually. This tip ...

Discover More

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 events ...

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. 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 one less than 4?

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 © 2017 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.