Windows' event logs help you understand all the processes that take place on your PC. Ideally, you’d analyze these logs using the Event Viewer. But what do you do in case the Windows Event Viewer fails you? Also, what if the Event Viewer doesn’t provide all the features you’re looking for?
Fortunately, there are plenty of third-party log management tools you can use instead of Windows' own offerings. So, in this article, we’ll explore the best log management tools for Windows.
1. ManageEngine EventLog Analyzer
This incredible Windows log management tool comes with an appealing, customizable dashboard.
Here's the best part: ManageEngine EventLog Analyzer compares old and new log data to detect signs of cyber attacks. So, it’s a reliable tool to use if you want to make your device more secure.
The tool allows you to search and filter your results with ease. It also makes it easy for you to compile, edit, customize, and save log reports.
So, if you want an easy-to-use log management tool, try ManageEngine EventLog Analyzer!
Download: ManageEngine EventLog Analyzer for Windows (30-day free trial, Subscription available)
2. SolarWinds Log Analyzer
SolarWinds Log Analyzer is a reliable tool that helps you analyze event logs in real-time. The software program has an intuitive interface and is fairly easy to use.
The tool’s search and filtering features make it easy for you to navigate through log data. So, if your device has thousands of logs, SolarWinds Log Analyzer makes it easy for you to find only what you’re looking for.
SolarWinds Log Analyzer also uses tags to help you understand your log data even better. The log management tool uses four tags: warning, alert, error, emergency, and debug.
The warning and alert tags are displayed on logs that might run into issues in the future. Meanwhile, the error and emergency tags are displayed on problematic logs that need troubleshooting. Lastly, the debug tag is displayed on logs that need to be attended to immediately.
SolarWinds Log Analyzer notifies you when there’s a critical issue that needs your attention. In most cases, you will get an alert while you’re running the tool. However, you can also configure some settings so that the tool can send you alerts via email.
Download: SolarWinds Log Analyzer for Windows (30-day free trial, Subscription available)
3. Site24x7 Log Management
This brilliant tool detects anomalies in Windows event logs and alerts you instantly. It has a data analysis feature that allows you to sort and filter logs with ease.
You can choose to filter your logs based on keywords, log IDs, or Source (the computer that recorded the event log).
The tool also helps you handle forwarded log events. So, someone can send you log data remotely, and you can use this tool to analyze that data.
You don’t always have to be on the tool to get alerts. Instead, you can configure settings so that Site24x7 Log Management sends you critical alerts via SMS or email.
Download: Site24x7 Log Management for Windows (30-day free trial, Subscription available)
4. Netwrix Event Log Manager
This free-to-use tool makes event log management quite easy. The best part is that it allows you to analyze event logs for multiple computers simultaneously. So, it’s a reliable tool that you can use even if you're running a business.
To use it for multiple devices, all you need to do is enter the names of the target computers. From there, you should configure the settings for each device—one at a time.
Finally, you can configure a few settings so that the tool can send you alerts. Depending on how you configure these settings, you will receive alerts for one, two, or more devices in the network.
Download: Netwrix Event Log Manager for Windows (Free)
5. Syslog-ng
Here’s another log management solution that helps you easily and quickly analyze Windows event logs. This powerful tool collects more than half a million log messages per second from thousands of log sources.
Just like most log management tools, Syslog-ng sends you alerts about logs that need your attention. It also allows you to encrypt your data so that only you can access and analyze your PC's log events.
The tool’s filtering feature helps you easily navigate through the tons of log events stored on your device.
Syslog-ng also allows you to forward log data to other devices. This feature could be helpful if you want to view and analyze your log data on another PC.
Download: Syslog-ng for Windows (Free)
6. Sumo Logic Log Management Solution
Looking for a log management tool with advanced security features? If so, then the Sumo Logic Log Management tool is for you! This tool provides log information that can help you stop breaches and any Indicators of Compromise (IOCs).
Once it detects a threat, it sends you detailed log information via email.
The tool also helps you view log dashboards so that you can observe log event error patterns. These dashboards can also be quite useful in case you want to present your results to an audience.
Download: Sumo Logic Log Management Solution for Windows (30-day free trial, Subscription available)
7. Datadog Log Management
The Datadog Log Management tool helps you analyze event logs for multiple devices in one place. Whether you want to troubleshoot PC issues, optimize performance, or investigate security threats, the tool has you covered.
You can visualize a summary of your log data on the tool’s interactive dashboard.
Handling log data on multiple devices can be a bit risky. However, this tool comes with some cool security features. For example, it has a feature that allows you to restrict access to some of your log data.
Download: Datadog Log Management for Windows (30-day free trial, Subscription available)
Analyze Windows Logs With Your Favorite Tool
Need a tool that’ll give you valuable feedback about the event logs on your PC? Try the built-in Windows Event Viewer! But if you’re looking for something advanced, try any of the tools we’ve recommended.
Most of the log management tools on our list are quite easy to use. So, you should be able to install them and start analyzing Windows logs in just a few minutes.