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How to find the Windows Update Log in Windows 10
Follow one of the two tested methods to view the event logs on your device
2 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Key notes
In previous versions of Windows, whenever you performed a system update, the update log would be stored on your PC in the form of a text document that you could open easily.
However, all of these changed whenWindows 10came along. Instead of a typical text file, the Windows Update service now writes a number of Event Tracing for Windows logs.
So actually, there is no Windows update log location. Opening these logs isn’t as simple as it once used to be. However, there are workarounds for this.
How can I find the Windows Update Log in Windows 10?
We’ve compiled this step-by-step guide to show you how you can access theWindows Updatelogs using 2 different methods.
1. Use PowerShell
Once the command finishes running, it will create the classicWindowsUpdate.logfile in your Desktop folder.
This folder can be then easily opened with Notepad, and you can troubleshoot any issues you may have with Windows Update.
IfPowerShell has stopped working, check out our article and fix the issue in no time.
2. Use Event Viewer
The update logs on your device can be easily accessed using the built-in Event Viewer. You can select the events you are interested in and read the logs for each one of them.
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PressWindows+Xto open the WinX menu.
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SelectEvent Viewerfrom the list.
3.Go to the following path:Applications and Service Logs\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdateClient\Operational
- Select the events whose logs you want to see from the middle column.
5.Read the log details listed for every event you are interested in.
- Close Event Viewer when you finish.
If you want more options, check our comprehensive article to find thebest event log viewers that you can use on Windows 10.
By following these two methods you will be able to once again read the Windows Update Log as you used to in previous versions of Windows.
Please remember that updating your Windows is important, and if you encounter any issues when trying to update, the Windows Update Log can come in handy.
Do you think that the Windows Update Log was better off being the way it was before Windows 10? Let us know in the comment section below.
Also, leave there any other questions or suggestions that you may have and we’ll be sure to check them out.
More about the topics:windows 10,windows updates
Radu Tyrsina
Radu Tyrsina has been a Windows fan ever since he got his first PC, a Pentium III (a monster at that time).
For most of the kids of his age, the Internet was an amazing way to play and communicate with others, but he was deeply impressed by the flow of information and how easily you can find anything on the web.
Prior to founding Windows Report, this particular curiosity about digital content enabled him to grow a number of sites that helped hundreds of millions reach faster the answer they’re looking for.
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