---
title: "Where to Find PostgreSQL Logs"
url: "https://dm0bkdes5q7a2ls.productfruits.help/en/article/postgresql-logs"
language: "en"
last_updated: "2026-03-19T19:29:32.273Z"
---

# Where to Find PostgreSQL Logs

Where does PostgreSQL store logs by default?

## About PostsgreSQL Logs

PostgreSQL logs are primarily controlled by the `logging_collector`, `log_directory`, and `log_destination` parameters in the  `postgresql.conf` file. 

The `postgresql.conf` file is generally stored in the PostgreSQL **data directory** on Microsoft Windows. The specific location can vary based on the version and installation choices, but the common paths are: 

-   C:\\Program Files\\PostgreSQL\\<version>\\data\\ 
-   -   For example: C:\\Program Files\\PostgreSQL\\16\\data\\

archTIS Spirion installs the `postgresql.conf` file as a **.sample** file to the following directory:

-   C:\\Program Files (x86)\\Spirion\\Postgres\\pgsql\\share\\postgresql.conf.sample

Key Information about the PostgreSQL data directory:

-   The data directory might require administrator privileges to access or modify the files within it.
-   **Restart Required**: After editing the `postgresql.conf` file, you must reload the configuration (using `pg_ctl reload` or the `pg_reload_conf()` SQL function) or restart the PostgreSQL service for the changes to take effect. 

## Default Location of Spirion PostgreSQL Logs in Windows

On Microsoft Windows, archTIS Spirion installs PostgreSQL to the following directory:

-   C:\\ProgramData\\Identity Finder\\Postgres\\

Logs are stored in the `pg_log` directory within the main **PostgreSQL** data directory:

-   C:\\ProgramData\\Identity Finder\\Postgres\\Data\\pg\_log
-   This is not the default logs directory used by a stand-alone PostgreSQL installation.
-   This location is specific to the PostgreSQL instance installed and used by Spirion Sensitive Data Platform v13.6+

### Alternative Log Destination: Windows Event Viewer

PostgreSQL on Windows can also be [configured to send logs to the Windows Event Viewer](https://community.diligent.com/grc/s/article/Configuring-PostgreSQL-to-output-logs-to-Windows-Event-Viewer?language=en_US#:~:text=Summary,be%20viewed%20in%20one%20place.) instead of, or in addition to, files. This enables you to view all system and application logs in one centralized location using the built-in Windows Event Viewer application. 

If configured to use the Event Viewer, you can access the logs via the standard Windows `eventvwr.msc` tool, typically in the **Windows Logs** > **Application** section. 

For more details about logging, refer to the official [PostgreSQL documentation](https://www.postgresql.org/docs/current/runtime-config-logging.html).