How to Start / Stop Windows Event Log

This practical guide walks through how to start / stop Windows event log, explains the main requirements, and highlights common issues that may appear along the way.

How to start / stop the Windows Event Log service from Services.msc

Take the following steps:

Click the Start menu and select Search programs and files .

Enter services.msc and press Enter.

Locate the Windows Event Log service , observe its current state, and open it to make changes.

From the General tab , you can choose Start / Stop and change the Startup type of the Windows Event Log service .

How to start / stop the Windows Event Log service from Registry Editor

Take the following steps:

Click the Start menu and select Search programs and files .

Enter regedit and press Enter.

Confirm the User Account Control pop-up window .

Warning:

Serious problems might occur if you modify the registry incorrectly by using Registry Editor or by another method. You may need to reinstall your operating system and Microsoft cannot guarantee that these problems can be resolved.

Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetserviceseventlog  and locate the Start registry key .

Double click on Start and edit the value:

Change Startup type :

• Automatic - 2
• Manual - 3
• Disabled - 4
• Automatic (Delayed Start) - 2

Note : When you change to Automatic (Delayed Start) , the new key DelayedAutostart is created with the value 1.

How to start / stop the Windows Event Log service from the Command Prompt

Take the following steps:

Click the Start menu and select Search programs and files .

Open Command Prompt with admin rights (enter cmd , right-click on the cmd icon in Programs and click Run as administrator ).

Confirm the User Account Control pop-up window .

Select and copy a registry key, then right-click on the Command Prompt window, then click Enter.

To start the Windows Event Log service:

net start eventlog

Note : You cannot start a service if the Startup type is Disabled.

To stop the Windows Event Log service:

net stop eventlog

To change the Startup type :

• Automatic:

REG add "HKLMSYSTEMCurrentControlSetserviceseventlog" /v Start /t REG_DWORD /d 2 /f

• Manual:

REG add "HKLMSYSTEMCurrentControlSetserviceseventlog" /v Start /t REG_DWORD /d 3 /f

• Disabled:

REG add "HKLMSYSTEMCurrentControlSetserviceseventlog" /v Start /t REG_DWORD /d 4 /f

• Automatic (Delayed Start):

REG add "HKLMSYSTEMCurrentControlSetserviceseventlog" /v Start /t REG_DWORD /d 2 /f

Note : When you change to Automatic (Delayed Start) , the new key DelayedAutostart is created with the value 1 .

REG add "HKLMSYSTEMCurrentControlSetserviceseventlog" /v DelayedAutostart /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f

When you change from Automatic (Delayed Start) to Automatic , DelayedAutostart changes the value to 0 .

How to start / stop the Windows Event Log service using System Configuration

Take the following steps:

Click the Start menu and select Search programs and files .

Enter msconfig and press Enter.

In System Configuration , go to the Services tab and look for Windows Event Log service .

Uncheck the corresponding box to prevent this service from starting and then click OK to finish

Any changes in System Configuration will be applied later.

Key Takeaways

Use the information above as a practical reference for how to start / stop Windows event log. Review each step carefully, confirm any requirements, and choose the option that best fits your situation.

FAQ

What does this guide explain about Start / Stop Windows Event Log?

It explains the main concepts, practical considerations, and useful steps related to start / stop Windows event log without requiring advanced knowledge.

Who can benefit from learning about Start / Stop Windows Event Log?

This information is useful for readers who want a clear overview, practical guidance, and reliable steps related to start / stop Windows event log.

What should I check before applying this information?

Review the requirements, confirm that your device, software, or situation matches the instructions, and back up important data before making major changes.