Summary: It’s necessary to have log files you can look through for system problem diagnostics and monitoring. But with time they can become bulky. This post covers ways you can manually clear log files in Windows 10, or free up disk space in order to boost system performance.
What are Windows Log Files in Windows 10?
If there are errors or other important operations on your PC, Windows will keep a log of them so as to help solve the problem. This information is stored on specialized files located in the Windows folder called logs. Further, these files are commonly referred to as Windows Logs.
The log files can usually be located at >>> C:\Windows\System32\winevt or C:\Windows\System32\config <<< depending on the version of Windows.
But, these log files take too much space on the disk drive. You can remove log files sooner or later in order to save disk space. But, How to Clear Log Files in Windows 10?
In the section below, we will provide you with some manual methods to do so.
How to Clear Log Files in Windows 10? Manual Methods
Log files consumes valuable disk space and slows down your system. So, here we will provide you with the best methods to delete log files to free up space and maintain smooth performance.
Delete Log Files Using Disk Cleanup Tool
- Firstly, press Windows + S to open the search bar.
- Then, type Disk Cleanup and press Enter.
- Choose the drive which you want to clean (especially C:drive) and click on OK.
- Checking the box for the System created Windows Error Reporting and other log files you wish to delete in the Disk Cleanup window.
- Now, Click on OK and Delete Files in order to confirm.
How to Clear Log Files in Windows 10? By Clearing Event Viewer Logs
- Press Windows + X and select Event Viewer.
- Search for Windows Logs and click on System or Application when inside the Event Viewer.
- Select Clear Log by right-clicking on the log category (e.g., Application or System).
- Confirm this by clicking Clear.
Clear Windows Log Files Using Storage Sense
- Press Windows + I to open your settings.
- Go to System > Storage.
- Either click on the “Configure Storage Sense” button or just go ahead and run it now.
- You can choose to automate this process by turning on Storage Sense to work automatically, or manually delete these log files.
Log Files Vs System Files – Comparison Table
| Feature/Aspect | Log Files | System Files |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Files that record events, transactions, or messages generated by software applications, systems, or devices. | Core files that are essential for the operating system’s functionality and for running software applications. |
| Purpose | Applications and systems management is a necessity for a range of tasks, including monitoring, analysis, troubleshooting, and auditing. | Give the required features and directions for the operating system and software applications to run accurately. |
| Location | Typically found in specific directories like >>> /var/log/ (Linux) or C:\Windows\Logs\ (Windows) <<<. | Located in system directories such as >>> C:\Windows\System32\ (Windows) or /bin, /sbin, /usr/bin, /usr/sbin (Linux)<<<. |
| Examples | >>>syslog, application.log, error.log, access.log<<< | >>>kernel32.dll, user32.dll, ntoskrnl.exe, libc.so<<< |
| Content | Contains timestamped entries of events, errors, usage statistics, and system messages. | Contains executable code, libraries, configurations, and data essential for the OS and applications. |
| Modification Frequency | Frequently updated as events and transactions occur. | Less frequently modified; changes typically occur during OS updates or software installations. |
| User Interaction | Mainly accessed by administrators, developers, and support personnel for troubleshooting and monitoring. | Generally not directly accessed by users; used by the system and applications behind the scenes. |
| Retention | Often rotated and archived to manage disk space and maintain historical records. | Retained as long as the OS and applications are installed; crucial for system stability and functionality. |
| Security Concerns | Sensitive data exposure, tampering, unauthorized access to logs can reveal system and application behavior. | Integrity and security are critical; corruption or unauthorized modification can lead to system instability or failure. |
| Size Management | Log rotation, archiving, and deletion policies are used to manage size. | Typically fixed in size but can grow with updates and installations. |
Easy Trick to Clear Log Files in All Versions
By following all these manual methods on how to Clear Log Files in Windows 10, still not able to delete log files or having issues with the steps. Then, you can go with SysTools Data Destruction Software. It is designed to provide a complete solution for clearing log files and other redundant data across different versions of windows. It makes sure that all log files are erased forever to prevent them from being recovered. It uses advanced wiping algorithms such as NIST 800-88 to make data unrecoverable.
Conclusion
How to Clear Log Files in Windows 10? By solving these queries, one of the most easy ways to maintain the performance of the system and remove disk space is cleaning up windows 10 log files. Running system clean-up may be through Disk Cleanup, Event Viewer, command prompt or Storage Sense among others. Keeping your windows 10 PC functioning well involves using these ways.
Remember that any important data should be copied elsewhere first if you’re going to erase it from your computer system cache and save it on disk so for immediate quick action which could have included required immediate backup procedure during boot process.
