When using Event Viewer for troubleshooting, what is an important first step?

Reviewing recent Error logs is a critical first step when using Event Viewer for troubleshooting because it allows you to identify specific issues that have occurred on the system. Error logs provide detailed information about hardware or software failures, application crashes, and critical system events that can directly relate to the issue you're facing. By focusing on these logs, you can prioritize which problems need immediate attention based on their impact, effectively guiding your troubleshooting efforts.

Error logs often contain error codes and descriptions that can help in diagnosing the cause of an issue, saving time and effort in the long run. This targeted approach helps in quickly zeroing in on possible solutions or fixes, leading to a more efficient troubleshooting process.

In contrast, checking for system updates, analyzing the last shutdown events, or running antivirus software are also important but are generally secondary steps or may not provide immediate insights for the specific issue at hand. System updates can help in ensuring your system is secure and operates with the latest features, but they do not address the existing problems directly. Analyzing shutdown events can give context on how a system problem may have started, while running antivirus software is essential for system health but may not be directly relevant if the issue isn't malware-related. Therefore, reviewing recent Error logs serves as the most