A text file known as the Boot Log or System Initialization Log may be created during your computer’s boot process. It lists every driver that is initiated during bootup, in addition to any anticipated drivers that haven’t been loaded. This feature is turned off by default and can be enabled in two ways, all of which are covered here. It helps to have as much computer information as possible while diagnosing issues with your Windows PC. The boot log is one of the most helpful items to check if you are having startup problems.
How to Enable Boot Log in Windows 11/10
You can access and examine the text file produced once you activate boot logging in a word processor like Notepad. Each driver is displayed individually with the label “LOADED” or “NOT LOADED.” Each driver’s folder path is also shown. Ntbtlog.txt will be the filename of the boot log file that is generated. It is located in C:\Windows\ntbtlog.txt. The file will only have one version and will be rewritten each time you turn on boot logging on your computer.
A created log can be moved to your desktop or another location on your computer to avoid this. You can now compare boot logs from various periods.
How to Use MSConfig to Activate the Boot Log
The simpler of the two techniques for turning on the boot log is probably the MSConfig tool, also referred to as the System Configuration tool.
Step 1: Press Windows + R to launch the RUN box
Step 2: Type MSconfig in the text space and click on the OK button.
Step 3: A new dialog box will open by System Configuration. Locate and click on the Boot tab.
Step 4: Check the box next to the Boot log in the Boot settings section.
Step 5: Click on Apply and OK.
Step 6: Reboot your computer.
Step 7: You will find the boot log will be generated after the PC restarts.
How to Use the Command Prompt to Enable the Boot Log
If MSConfig is unavailable, you can use Command Prompt to activate the boot log. Even while this method needs a little more effort, it’s still easy to do if you stick to these instructions.
Step 1: Type Command Prompt into the Windows Search box.
Step 2: In the list of results, right-click it and choose “Run as Administrator.”
Step 3: Enter bcdedit in the Command Prompt window and then hit Enter.
Step 4: A list of boot details is produced as a result.
Step 5: The Identifier under Windows Boot Loader should be noted. Typically, this will be “current.”
Step 6: Type the following to enable the boot log:
bcdedit /set {identifier} bootlog Yes
Note: Put the value you noted in the previous step in place of the identifier.
Step 7: To confirm that the boot log has been enabled, use the bcdedit once again. The list of boot information will be displayed at the bottom.
Step 8: The log can be created by closing Command Prompt and restarting your computer.
Bonus Feature: Disable Startup Items
Now that you know what drivers are being loaded when your PC boots up, it is good to check the programs that initiate the boot process. Some of these apps are unnecessary and slow up your startup time and consume RAM. The following steps constitute Advanced System Optimizer, an optimization software that will display the list of all startup items on your PC.
Step 1: Download and Install Advanced System Optimizer on your PC by clicking the download button below.
Step 2: Launch the application and click on the Regular Maintenance option from the left panel.
Step 3: Now, click Startup Manager in the right panel, and a new app interface will appear on your screen.
Step 4: Click on the Manage Startup button.
Step 5: A list of apps scheduled at the Startup will appear. Select the apps you don’t want and click on the Remove button.
The Final Word On How to Enable and Find Your Windows Boot Log
You can view a text list of each driver that is loaded and not loaded during the boot process by enabling the boot log feature in Windows. This might be pretty helpful for debugging starting issues and issues with apps and services not functioning properly after startup.
Note: You can even add your favorite program if you know the location of the executable file.
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