How to Erase Windows Event Log Permanently?

Summary: The Windows Event Log offers information about hardware and software in a PC. However, the logs are also a potential treasure trove for those with nefarious intentions. We explain how to delete the Windows Event Logs permanently.
Request A Call Back

In this article, we describe how to erase Windows Event Log permanently.

Table of Contents

• What is Windows Event Log?
• What is Windows Event Viewer?
• Why should we erase Windows Event Log?
• How to erase Windows Event Log?
• Why rely on BitRaser File Eraser?
• How to erase Windows event log permanently with BitRaser File Eraser?
• Wrapping Up

What is Windows Event Log?

Windows Event Log is a system that maintains records of all system, security, and application events.

Typically, event logs maintain data about when new programs are installed, old programs are uninstalled, users log in and out, errors encountered by the operating system, etc.

Unlike UNIX and Linux, Windows Event Logs are not simple notepad files. The log files can only be accessed through the Windows Event Viewer.

What is Windows Event Viewer?

Event logs can be viewed and managed using the Event Viewer tool built into Windows.

The Windows Event Viewer has been a component of the Microsoft ecosystem since 1993. Windows NT had an event viewer that is very similar to the one found in Windows 10/11.

It classifies events as:

• Application
• Security
• Setup
• System

The event viewer shows a log of every event, including minor ones that usually mean nothing to an end user.

It is normal for the Windows Event Viewer to show Errors with a red exclamation mark and gibberish text such as:

The server Microsoft.SkypeApp_15.92.3401.0_x86__kzf8qxf38zg5c!App.AppXtwmqn4em5r5dpafgj4t4yyxgjfe0hr50.mca did not register with DCOM within the required timeout.

Administrators can use the Event Viewer to troubleshoot system and application issues, track security-related events, and monitor system performance.

Why should we erase Windows Event Log?

There are many reasons it is essential to erase Windows Event Log permanently from time to time.

1. Disk Space

Over time, the logs can become quite large and occupy several hundred MB. If your C drive is large enough, it is not a problem. But many users maintain downloads on C (the default setting of most browsers). Clearing up a few hundred MB can help.

2. Security

The event log can contain the old IP address and login attempts. These have to be removed so that anyone breaking into your computer finds no trace of your activity.

3. Troubleshooting

If the Windows Event Viewer refuses to work as it should, deleting the old records helps the system to recover. You might need to clear the Windows Event Log for troubleshooting.

4. Monitoring

If you want to keep an eye on a certain component, cleaning the old logs helps. Instead of being overwhelmed by reports and details for the past many years, you can focus on what is happening now.

How to erase Windows Event Log?

There are several ways to erase Windows Event logs.

1. Clear all event logs with a .bat file

A .BAT or .bat file is a batch file that contains a list of commands that are executed in order by the command prompt in Windows.

It executes a batch of commands and hence the extension name .bat

When you execute the file, the command prompt reads the file line by line and executes the commands in the order they appear.

• Open notepad.
• Copy and paste the following commands.

@echo off

FOR /F “tokens=1,2*” %%V IN (‘bcdedit’) DO SET adminTest=%%V

IF (%adminTest%)==(Access) goto noAdmin

for /F “tokens=*” %%G in (‘wevtutil.exe el’) DO (call :do_clear “%%G”)

echo.

echo All Event Logs have been cleared!

goto theEnd

:do_clear

echo clearing %1

wevtutil.exe cl %1

goto :eof

:noAdmin

echo Current user permissions to execute this .BAT file are inadequate.

echo This .BAT file must be run with administrative privileges.

echo Exit now, right click on this .BAT file, and select “Run as administrator”.

pause >nul

:theEnd

Exit

• Save the file and give it the extension .bat e.g. cleanlog.bat
• Now right-click on the file and select Run as administrator.
• If UAC pops up asking permission, click Yes or Okay.

The command prompt will now run and delete Windows Event Log.

2. Clear all event logs from CMD

You have to open the elevated command prompt.

There are many ways to do that:

• Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box, then type “cmd” and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter.

OR

• Type “cmd” in the Search bar, right-click and select Run as administrator.
• At the systems 32 prompt, type

for /F “tokens=*” %%G in (‘wevtutil.exe el’) DO (call :do_clear “%%G”)

• Press Enter

3. Clear all event logs from PowerShell

You need to open Windows PowerShell from the Start screen.

• On the keyboard, press the Windows key + X together
• Click on Windows PowerShell (Admin)
• Copy and paste the following command

Get-WinEvent -ListLog * | where {$_.RecordCount} | ForEach-Object -Process { [System.Diagnostics.Eventing.Reader.EventLogSession]::GlobalSession.ClearLog($_.LogName) }

• Hit Enter.
• Windows Event Log files have been deleted permanently.

4. Using the Windows Event Viewer

Open the Event Viewer and delete the Windows Event log using its settings.

• Click the Start button and type “Event Viewer” in the search box.
• Click on the Event Viewer app from the search results.
• In the left panel, expand Windows Logs.
• Select the kind of logs you want to clear (Admin, Security, Setup, System) and right-click on them.
• In the context menu, select Clear Log.

The advantage of this method is you can choose what you erase.

5. Clear all event logs with BitRaser

BitRaser File Eraser is a secure data eraser tool. There is no better application for removing all traces of unnecessary files from your PC.

BitRaser File Eraser scans your hard drive for temporary files, cookies, and residual files, and then deletes them.

It can clear browser history, cookies, and other sensitive information that could be used to track your online activity. If you wish to erase Windows Event Log permanently, there is no better and easier option.

BitRaser File Eraser is one of the most trusted names in the world for data eraser software.

Why rely on BitRaser File Eraser?

• Securely erases files and folders.
• Easy to use UI.
• Granular control over deletion. You can select the exact application to clear – e.g. Excel or Chrome.
• Makes browsing safer by removing cookies and browser history.
• Can generate secure reports in PDF and XML formats.
• You can save reports on the cloud and retrieve them when needed.

How to erase Windows event log permanently with BitRaser File Eraser?

• Buy BitRaser File Eraser and install it.
• You will receive an email with a download link and activation instructions within moments of payment.
• Open BitRaser File Eraser by clicking on the desktop icon.
• Select “Erase Traces” from the left pane.

• To erase Windows Log Files, select “System Traces”.

• Expand “System Traces” and select “Windows Event Log”.

• Hit “Erase Now”.

Note – Before you erase Windows Event Log permanently, backup all your files to another location and create a System Restore point. It is a good idea to export the logs before clearing them.

Wrapping Up

Deletion of junk files from time to time helps a PC run faster. It also reduces the risk of data exposure, in case your device is hacked. Use BitRaser File Eraser to erase Windows Event Log permanently and be safe.