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Applies to: 
SQL Server on Windows
When SQL Server is configured to use the Microsoft Windows application log, each SQL Server session writes new events to that log. Unlike the SQL Server error log, a new application log isn't created each time you start an instance of SQL Server.
View and manage the Windows application log by using Windows Event Viewer or the Log Viewer in SQL Server Management Studio.
There are three logs that can be viewed with Event Viewer.
| Windows log type | Description |
|---|---|
| System log | Records events logged by the Windows operating system components. For example, the failure of a driver or other system component to load during startup is recorded in the system log. |
| Security log | Records security events, such as failed login attempts. This helps track changes to the security system and identify possible breaches to security. For example, attempts to log on to the system might be recorded in the security log, depending on the audit settings in the User Manager. Only members of the sysadmin fixed server role can view the security log. |
| Application log | Records events that are logged by applications. For example, a database application might record a file error in the application log. |
For more information about using Event Viewer, managing the application log, and understanding the information it presents, see the Windows documentation.
To view the Windows application log
Permissions required
To view the Windows Application Log using SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS), the following permissions are required:
- The user account must have access to the Event Viewer.
- Typically, the account must be a member of the Administrators group or the Event Log Readers group on the server where the logs reside.
- If SSMS isn't running with elevated privileges, you might encounter an error. To resolve this, right-click the SSMS shortcut and select Run as Administrator.
Troubleshooting permissions
If you still encounter issues:
- Verify that your account has the appropriate group memberships.
- For domain accounts, contact your system administrator to ensure you have the correct Active Directory permissions.
- As a workaround, consider exporting the Event Log and viewing it on a machine where you have the required privileges.
For more information about how to view the Windows application log, visit Windows Application Log (Windows).