How to Check the Shutdown and Startup Log in Windows 11

Knowing how to check the shutdown and startup logs in Windows 11 can be useful for troubleshooting issues, monitoring system performance, or simply keeping track of your PC's activity. Windows 11 provides detailed event logs that can help you pinpoint the exact time and reason your system was started or shut down. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to access these logs.

Method 1: Using the Event Viewer

Event Viewer is a built-in Windows tool that allows you to view detailed information about significant events on your computer, including shutdowns and startups.

1. Press Win + R, type eventvwr.msc and press Enter to open the Event Viewer.
 

2. In the Event Viewer window, navigate to Windows Logs > System on the left pane. 

3. In the right pane, click on Filter Current Log.

4. In the Event IDs field, type the ID that you wish to check. Then click OK to apply the filter.

• Event ID 41: This event indicates that Windows rebooted without a complete shutdown.
• Event ID 1074: This event indicates that a shutdown command from the Start menu or when an application causes the computer to restart or shutdown.
• Event ID 6005: This event indicates system startup.
• Event ID 6006: This event indicates that system was adequately shut down.
• Event ID 6008: This event indicates an unexpected shutdown.

 

Method 2: Using the Command Prompt

If you prefer a command-line approach, Command Prompt provides a quick way to check startup and shutdown times.

1. Press Win + S and type cmd. Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator to Open Command Prompt.

2. Enter the following command (if you want to check other history, just replace the event ID with another ID):

wevtutil qe system "/q:*[System [(EventID=6006)]]" /rd:true /f:text /c:1
If you only want to view the date and time of the event, enter the following command:

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can easily monitor your Windows 11 PC's shutdown and startup events. Understanding these logs can also help you keep your system running smoothly and identify any potential problems early on.