How to Enable and Find Your Windows Boot Log

If you’re troubleshooting startup issues or tracking down slow boots, the Windows boot log is a powerful tool. It records every driver loaded (or failed to load) during startup—giving you insight into what’s happening behind the scenes.

Here’s how to enable it and where to find the log once it’s created.

🛠 Step 1: Enable the Boot Log in System Configuration

1. Press Win + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
2. In the System Configuration window, go to the Boot tab.
3. Under Boot options, check the box labeled Boot log.
4. Click Apply, then OK.
5. Restart your computer.

That’s it—Windows will now create a boot log file every time it starts.

📁 Step 2: Locate the Boot Log File

Once your PC restarts, Windows saves the log in a system file.

• Navigate to: C:\Windows\ntbtlog.txt
• You can open this file with Notepad or any text editor.

The log lists all drivers loaded during boot, including any that failed. Look for lines like:

Loaded driver \SystemRoot\System32\drivers\ACPI.sys
Did not load driver \SystemRoot\System32\drivers\xyz.sys

This is extremely useful for identifying problematic drivers or startup delays.

🧹 Pro Tip: Disable the Boot Log When You’re Done

Keeping boot logging enabled will create a new log each time you boot, which can clutter your system over time. To turn it off:

1. Open msconfig again.
2. Go to the Boot tab.
3. Uncheck Boot log.
4. Click Apply, then OK.
5. Reboot your PC.

Why Use the Boot Log?

• Diagnose driver failures
• Spot startup delays
• Troubleshoot black screens or BSODs
• Verify driver loading order

Whether you’re a system admin or a curious user, the boot log is one of Windows’ most underrated diagnostics tools.

Final Thoughts

Enabling the Windows boot log only takes a minute, but it can save you hours of guesswork. Next time your PC acts up during startup, check the log first—it might have all the answers.

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