Easy Ways To Monitor Log or Text File Changes in Real Time

This article explains how to monitor text and log files in real-time on Windows, using both third-party tools and Notepad++. For automatic file updates, third-party tools like ManageEngine OpManager, Site 24×7, and Loggly are effective. If you prefer Notepad++, it can be configured to auto-refresh with a simple plugin or setting change.

Monitor Text Files in Real Time with a Third-Party Utility

If you need to track changes in a log or text file without constantly reopening it, there are third-party tools that can do the job. These tools function similarly to the tail command in Unix, updating the file in real-time as new entries are added.

ManageEngine OpManager

ManageEngine OpManager provides a powerful agent-based system for monitoring text files in real-time. It scans log files every 10 seconds, alerting you as soon as a specific string appears. It supports features like duplicate entry tracking, log scanning, and compatibility with Windows 2003 and above.

ManageEngine OpManager

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Site 24×7

Site 24×7 allows users to monitor log files in real-time by selecting server logs and monitoring app data. The tool helps identify performance bottlenecks, slow queries, and request rates while offering customizable log monitoring options.

Site 24X7

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Loggly

Loggly is a cloud-based log management tool that helps IT teams consolidate, structure, and analyze logs with visual insights. The “View Surrounding Events” feature lets administrators analyze logs before and after a specific event, providing better context for issues.

Loggly

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mTail

mTail is a simple, free tool for personal use that supports log monitoring with filters and alerts. You can set it up to run in the background and even trigger actions when specific keywords are detected.

mTail

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SnakeTail

SnakeTail is an open-source tool for monitoring text and log files. It can even track Event log files and allows you to monitor multiple files simultaneously. It includes features like keyword highlighting and external program launching when specific keywords are found.

SnakeTail

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Monitor Text File Changes in Real Time Using Notepad++

Notepad++ can be a great alternative to monitor text file changes in real-time. Although it doesn’t update files automatically by default, a few settings can enable this feature.

Enable Silent Updates

1. Go to Settings > Preferences > MISC, and check both the Update silently and Scroll to the last line after update boxes.
2. When the Notepad++ window is in focus, it will automatically reload the file when it detects changes.

Notepad++ Auto Reload

Set Up Document Monitor Plugin

For background updates, use the Document Monitor plugin, which checks the file every 3 seconds.

Enable Silent Updates in Notepad++

To install, go to Plugins > Plugin Manager > Show Plugin Manager, select Document Monitor, and click Install.

Conclusion

Monitoring text and log files in real time is essential for quickly identifying issues and maintaining optimal system performance. Whether you rely on third-party tools like ManageEngine OpManager, Site 24×7, and Loggly or configure Notepad++ with silent updates and the Document Monitor plugin, these methods ensure you stay informed as changes occur.

For additional insights on system monitoring and file management, be sure to check out our related guides:

• A Built-in System Monitor That’s Easier to Read Than Event Viewer
• Replace Microsoft Notepad with Latest Notepad v5.0 in Windows

These articles offer further tips and recommendations to enhance your monitoring setup and keep your systems running smoothly.