How to Check Crash Logs on Windows 11: Step-by-Step Guide

Overview

This guide explains how to check crash logs on Windows 11 in clear, practical terms. It covers the key concepts, recommended steps, common limitations, and useful checks so you can make a better-informed decision.

Windows creates a log file for all crashes, regardless of whether you have fixed the problem or not. This is extremely useful when you want to learn why your computer is having a problem. These logs can help pinpoint the exact cause so that users know how to fix it. Here are ways to check the crash log in Windows 11.

Using Windows Event Viewer Windows

Step 1:

You type event viewer in the search bar, then click on the search result below.

Step 2:

Displaying the new interface, the user clicks on Windows Logs in the leftmost section of the interface to view Windows logs.

Continue clicking System below to view the system log.

You will now see the Windows 11 system issues that have been logged.

Step 3:

To separate error events from other events, click Filter Current Log on the right side.

When the new dialog box appears, click Logged and select the time period you want to filter the incident log. Below is the filter for the incident importance level at Event level. Click Ok to proceed with the filtering.

Step 4:

As a result we will see the crash log on Windows 11 after filtering according to your request.

Using Windows PowerShell

Step 1:

We type powershell in the search bar and then click on Windows PowerShell.

Step 2:

Once the PowerShell window opens, paste the following command inside and press Enter: Get-EventLog -Log system | where {$_. entryType -match 'Error'}.

PowerShell will retrieve the entire event log, including computer crash events.

Using Reliability Monitor

Step 1:

We open Control Panel and click on System and Security.

Next, click on Security and Maintenance.

Step 2:

Switch to the new interface, users click on Maintenance to expand options.

Click View reliability history to view the crash log on Windows 11.

View Windows 11 crash log with BSOD

Step 1:

We open the Start menu, type regedit and click Registry Editor in the search results.

Step 2:

We will navigate to the path ComputerHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetControlCrashControl.

Right-click on the white part, select New, select DWORD (32-bit) Value.

Step 3:

We enter the name for the new value as DisplayParameters and press Enter.

Double click this value and change it to 1, then press OK to save the change.

Then restart your computer. Now, whenever you encounter a BSOD error, the error details will also appear on the screen.

Key Takeaways

Use the guidance above as a practical reference for instructions for viewing Windows 11 crash log. Check compatibility, follow the steps carefully, and verify important details with official documentation when software, security, accounts, health, or purchases are involved.

FAQ

How do I check crash logs on Windows 11?

Follow the steps in this guide in order, confirm each setting before continuing, and save, restart, or reconnect the device when the instructions require it.

What should I check before I begin?

Confirm the correct device, account access, software version, compatibility, and a current backup whenever the process could affect files, settings, or security.

What should I do if the process does not work?

Repeat the steps carefully, check for model or version differences, install available updates, and consult the manufacturer's official support documentation.