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Boot logging is a useful feature in Windows 11 that helps you diagnose and troubleshoot startup problems. By enabling boot logging, Windows records detailed information about the drivers and services that load during startup. This can help identify what might be causing your computer to slow down or fail to start properly.

In this guide, you will learn how to enable boot logging step-by-step in the simplest way possible. No technical knowledge is required, and every step is explained clearly.

Whether your PC fails to boot normally or takes too long to start, boot logging provides valuable insights that can assist in fixing the issue. Let’s walk through the process together.

By the end of this article, you will also find answers to common questions and additional troubleshooting tips if boot logging doesn’t solve your problem.

Quick Note Before You Begin

• Make sure you have administrative privileges on your Windows 11 PC. Without admin rights, you won’t be able to enable boot logging.
• Boot logging creates a file called ntbtlog.txt which is saved on your system drive (usually C:). Ensure you have enough free space on this drive.
• If your computer is unstable or won’t boot normally, you can enable boot logging from the Advanced Startup Options menu.
• Having a USB recovery drive or Windows installation media is helpful if you need to access recovery options.

How to Enable Boot Logging in Windows 11: Step-by-Step

Method 1: Enable Boot Logging Using System Configuration (msconfig)

This is the simplest method for most users and works when you can log in to Windows normally.

1. Open the Run dialog: Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run box.
2. Type msconfig and press Enter: This opens the System Configuration window where you can change boot settings.
3. Navigate to the Boot tab: At the top of the System Configuration window, click the Boot tab to view startup options.
4. Enable Boot Logging: Under the Boot options, check the box that says Boot log. This tells Windows to record the drivers and services during startup.
5. Apply and restart: Click Apply and then OK. You will be prompted to restart your computer. Click Restart to reboot with boot logging enabled.

After your PC restarts, Windows will create a log file named ntbtlog.txt in the C:Windows folder. This file contains detailed information about loaded and unloaded drivers during boot.

Method 2: Enable Boot Logging from Advanced Startup Options

If your PC is not booting normally or you cannot log in, use this method.

1. Access Advanced Startup Options:
   • If Windows is still booting, hold Shift and click Restart from the Start menu.
   • If Windows doesn’t load, force shutdown your PC three times during boot to trigger recovery mode.
2. Select Troubleshoot: In the blue Advanced Startup screen, click Troubleshoot.
3. Go to Advanced Options: Click on Advanced options to see more recovery tools.
4. Open Startup Settings: Click Startup Settings and then click Restart.
5. Enable Boot Logging: After restart, you will see a list of startup options. Press F2 or 4 to enable Enable boot logging.

Your PC will boot with boot logging enabled, and the log file will be created in the usual location (C:Windowsntbtlog.txt).

Why is Boot Logging Important?

Boot logging records every driver and service that loads during startup. This helps you or a technician understand what might be causing startup failures or delays. For example, if a specific driver fails to load or causes errors, it will be listed in the log file.

This information is crucial when troubleshooting startup problems because it narrows down the potential causes and speeds up the repair process.

Alternative Methods and Advanced Options

• Using Command Prompt: You can enable boot logging manually by editing the Boot Configuration Data (BCD) using commands like bcdedit /set {current} bootlog Yes. This is more advanced and recommended only for users comfortable with command-line tools.
• Safe Mode Boot Logging: Boot logging can also be combined with Safe Mode startup to isolate driver issues further. From the Advanced Startup Options, you can select Safe Mode with boot logging enabled.

How to View and Interpret the Boot Log

After boot logging is enabled and your PC restarts, you can view the log file by following these steps:

1. Open File Explorer and navigate to C:Windows.
2. Look for the file named ntbtlog.txt.
3. Double-click the file to open it in Notepad or any text editor.
4. Review the list of loaded and unloaded drivers. Drivers marked as loaded started successfully, while those marked as not loaded may be causing issues.

If you see drivers or services failing to load, note their names and search online or consult with a technician for further troubleshooting.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the location of the boot log file?

The boot log file is saved as ntbtlog.txt in the C:Windows folder.

Can boot logging slow down my computer?

Boot logging may add a slight delay during startup because Windows is recording detailed information. However, this delay is usually minimal and acceptable for troubleshooting purposes.

Do I need to keep boot logging enabled all the time?

No. It’s best to enable boot logging only when troubleshooting startup issues. After resolving the problem, disable it to avoid unnecessary logging.

How do I disable boot logging?

To disable boot logging, open msconfig, go to the Boot tab, and uncheck the Boot log option. Then restart your PC.

Is boot logging helpful for hardware problems?

Boot logging focuses on software drivers and services during startup. While it can indirectly suggest hardware-related driver failures, it does not diagnose hardware issues directly.

When Nothing Works

If enabling boot logging does not help you identify or fix the startup issue, consider these final steps:

• Use System Restore: Restore your PC to an earlier working state via Advanced Startup Options.
• Run Startup Repair: Available in the Advanced Startup Options, this tool automatically fixes common startup problems.
• Contact Microsoft Support: For persistent problems, visit the official Microsoft Support site for assistance.
• Consult a professional technician: Sometimes hardware diagnostics or deeper analysis is needed.

Conclusion

Enabling boot logging in Windows 11 is a straightforward and effective way to troubleshoot startup issues. It records detailed information about the drivers and services involved in the boot process, helping you pinpoint problems faster.

Starting with the easy System Configuration method is recommended for most users. If your PC won’t boot normally, the Advanced Startup Options provide a reliable alternative.

Remember to review the boot log carefully, and disable boot logging once your issues are resolved to keep your system running smoothly. Armed with these steps and tips, you are better equipped to tackle Windows 11 startup problems confidently.