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WEVTUTIL Windows command

The Windows wevtutil command is a powerful tool used to manage event logs, query logs, export logs, and perform other administrative tasks related to event logging. With wevtutil, users can easily clear event logs, export logs to various file formats, query specific events based on filters, and manage subscriptions for event forwarding. This command-line utility provides a wide range of functionalities to help system administrators maintain and troubleshoot event logs efficiently. Whether you need to automate log management tasks or analyze specific events, wevtutil is a valuable tool in the Windows operating system toolkit.

Terminal window
wevtutil [options] [parameter]
OptionDescription
elEnumerates the events in a log or a channel.
clClears the specified channel.
gliGets information about a log or a channel.
slGets the contents of an event log.
imImports an XML-formatted query from a file to a specified log.
xeExports events from an event log.
imhImports an XML-formatted subscription from a file.
xhExports a subscription.
slcGets and sets the configuration for log files.
glGets information about a log.
veEnumerates the occurs extension events in a log.
tqSubmits an XPath query against a log.
dumpDisplays event logs in text.
swStarts the Windows Event Log service.
esEnds the Windows Event Log service.
umUpdates automatically published manifests.
im umImports an XML-formatted manifest.
wssDisplays the schema version.
urSpares a log.
rRenames a log.
clcClears a log of events.
regsrvRegisters the Event Message File.
unregsrvUnregisters the Event Message File.
ParameterDescription
[channel]Specifies the channel name in which you want to perform an operation.
[logname]Specifies the name of a channel or a log.
[query]Specifies a query to be executed.
[logfile]Specifies the file to export or import events.
[file]Specifies the source file for importing.
[destination]Specifies the destination file for exporting.
[SubName]Specifies the name of the subscription to import or export.
Terminal window
wevtutil epl Application C:\Logs\Application.evtx

Exports the Application event log to a file named “Application.evtx” located at “C:\Logs”.

Terminal window
wevtutil qe System /q:"Event[System/EventID=1001]"

Queries the System event log for events with Event ID 1001.

Terminal window
wevtutil cl Setup

Clears the Setup event log, removing all events from it.

Terminal window
wevtutil es

Displays subscription details such as subscription ID, name, query, status, and delivery information.

Terminal window
wevtutil gli Security

Displays detailed metadata information for the Security event log.

Terminal window
wevtutil export-log System C:\Backups\SystemBackup.evtx

Creates a backup of the System event log configuration to the file “SystemBackup.evtx” located at “C:\Backups”.

To use the wevtutil command in Windows, execute the following command:

Terminal window
wevtutil query-events System

What is the purpose of the wevtutil command?

Section titled “What is the purpose of the wevtutil command?”

The wevtutil command in Windows is used to manage event logs from the command line.

How can I export event logs using wevtutil?

Section titled “How can I export event logs using wevtutil?”

To export event logs using wevtutil, use the following command:

Terminal window
wevtutil epl System C:\Logs\SystemEvents.evtx

You can clear event logs using wevtutil with the following command:

Terminal window
wevtutil cl System

How can I backup event logs using wevtutil?

Section titled “How can I backup event logs using wevtutil?”

To backup event logs using wevtutil, run the following command:

Terminal window
wevtutil gli System C:\Backup\SystemEventsBackup.evtx

What is the syntax for querying event logs with wevtutil?

Section titled “What is the syntax for querying event logs with wevtutil?”

To query event logs with wevtutil, use the following syntax:

Terminal window
wevtutil qe System /q:"*[System[Provider[@Name='ServiceControlManager']]]"

How do I find the path to the event logs using wevtutil?

Section titled “How do I find the path to the event logs using wevtutil?”

To find the path to the event logs using wevtutil, execute the following command:

Terminal window
wevtutil el

How can I display detailed information about a specific event log with wevtutil?

Section titled “How can I display detailed information about a specific event log with wevtutil?”

To display detailed information about a specific event log using wevtutil, use the following command:

Terminal window
wevtutil gli System
  • Querying event logs
  • Exporting event logs
  • Clearing event logs
  • Managing event logs
  • Reconfiguring event logs
  • Checking event log properties