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How to view app and program usage history on Windows 11?

Anonymous
2023-03-02T21:24:00+00:00

Hello everyone!

Is there any way to view the history of what apps/programs were opened or what actions(such as folder views) were performed on Windows 11? I have heard about the Event Viewer, but I have no clue of what to check and under what category to check. For example, suppose I want to know when the Windows Photos app was opened, is there any logs where I can view the history of these actions, alongwith timestamps?

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Files, folders, and storage

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  1. Anonymous
    2023-03-02T22:13:50+00:00

    Hi, Mayukh. I'm Robinson, and I’m happy to help you today.

    You can do it using the Audit Policy, but this feature is only available on the Windows Pro version.

    1-Right-click on Start then click on Run

    2-Type: gpedit.msc and click on Ok

    3- Go to:

    Computer Configuration\Windows Settings\Security Settings\Local Policies\Audit Policy

    The basic audit policy settings under Security Settings\Local Policies\Audit Policy are:

    -Audit account logon events

    -Audit account management

    -Audit directory service access

    -Audit logon events

    -Audit object access

    -Audit policy change

    -Audit privilege use

    -Audit process tracking

    -Audit system events

    After enabling the Audit Policy you will be able to see the events in the Event Viewer under Windows Logs > Security.

    You can see which event ID you need to check at this link.

    https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/secur...

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  1. Anonymous
    2023-03-04T14:04:39+00:00

    Thank you Robinson for the detailed and clear explanation. It was of immense help.

    2 people found this answer helpful.
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