How to Check the Event Log on PC or Mac

Written by Nicole Levine, MFA

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This wikiHow teaches you how to view a log of system events and errors using the Windows Event Viewer or the Mac Console.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

If you see the search bar next to the
menu, skip to the next step. Otherwise, press ⊞ Win+S to open it now.
A list of matching results will appear.

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This opens an Explorer window that contains several administrative options.
It’s in the main panel. This opens the Event Viewer, where you can view different types of event logs.
It’s in the left column. A list of logs that pertain to Windows will appear.
The log will appear in the main panel.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

To do this, click the Go menu and select Applications.
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This opens the Console app, which is where you can view system diagnostic logs for all sorts of events.
It’s near the top-left corner of the window, right above the left column. This displays all of the messages recorded by each process.
It’s next to the “All Messages” button. This refines the log results so it only displays errors.
This opens reports of system or user/application events in the right panel.