Adjusting the Size of an Event Log

Written by Barry Dysert (last updated May 25, 2020)

2

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 Windows 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 20480 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

Limiting the Number of Login Attempts

You probably don't want to allow someone to continually attempt to login to your system until they finally guess your ...

Discover More

Creating a Simple Batch File

One of the powerful capabilities built into Windows is the ability to create and use batch files to perform a wide ...

Discover More

Specifying a Copy Schedule in Robocopy

There are a few ways to set up a copy schedule in Robocopy by using its options. This tip explains how.

Discover More
More WindowsTips

Understanding Event Logs

Windows event logs are great resources to see what is "invisibly" going on with your system. By understanding the various ...

Discover More

What is the Purpose of the System Event Log?

The System event log holds messages generated by device drivers. This tip explains more about it.

Discover More

What is the Purpose of the Security Event Log?

The Security event log captures success and failure audit events when auditing is turned on. This tip explains a bit more ...

Discover More
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}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) 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 1 + 0?

2022-01-29 11:29:39

Prasad Chitturi

I was trying to increase the the maximum size of System log from 1 MB to 16 MB. Although, I see the log size being increased in the window, the size is reverting back to original 1 MB after a reboot. Why does that happen?

2021-01-21 01:30:24

Wessel Van Wyk

I have seen the log size grow as required. We have however tried to reduce the log size, but after reducing the max file size, the log file persistently stays at the original size, it won't reduce to the new setting.

Newest Tips
Links and Sharing
OUR COMPANY
OUR PRODUCTS
OUR SITES
 

Copyright © 2025 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.