Encountering issues while using Windows 11 is a common experience, whether it’s a minor application crash or the more severe Blue Screen of Death (BSOD). Fortunately, Windows offers a built-in tool known as the Event Viewer, which serves as a vital resource for diagnosing these problems.
How to use the Event Viewer to view information about Windows errors
The interface of the Windows Event Viewer may seem daunting at first, but navigating it to find crucial information is quite straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Open Event Viewer by utilizing the Windows Search bar.
- Once inside, direct your attention to the left menu. Most relevant logs can be found under Windows Logs, specifically within the System or Application categories, with the former typically holding more significance.
- Utilize the right pane to select Filter Current Log….
- Check the boxes for Critical and Error. You can further refine your search using the Logged and Event sources dropdown menus if you have an idea of the issue. Click OK.
After applying these filters, you will be presented with a list of significant errors that have occurred on your system. It’s essential to review both Critical and Error events, as often, Critical-level events may indicate power loss, which can be traced back to an Error-level event that initiated the failure.
For each error listed, you will find the source and event ID, which can be instrumental in searching for solutions online. For instance, an event ID 56 from the source Application Popup might suggest common fixes such as installing the latest Windows updates, rolling back recent updates, or reinstalling graphics drivers—often a frequent culprit behind BSOD errors.
Additionally, the Details tab in the lower section of the viewer can provide further insights into the error. You can conveniently copy all relevant details by right-clicking on the error in the top view and selecting Copy details as text.
Should you wish to share the event details for collaborative troubleshooting, you can save a copy of the event and send it to another user who can view it in their own Event Viewer.
Pay special attention to events marked with the BugCheck source, as these indicate instances of BSOD and generate a dump file for analysis. Utilizing applications like BlueScreenViewer can help you delve deeper into these dump files, offering greater clarity on the underlying causes of your errors.
Troubleshoot your PC more easily
While IT professionals and seasoned users may be well-acquainted with the Windows Event Viewer, it’s a valuable tool for anyone facing technical difficulties. Incorporating BlueScreenViewer into your toolkit can also enhance your ability to diagnose specific errors effectively.
