How To Stop Large ISST Log Files by Editing Registry

Select Language:

If you’re experiencing an issue where your computer’s storage fills up quickly due to large log files related to microphone activity, you’re not alone. Many users have noticed that Intel’s Smart Sound Technology (ISST) generates enormous trace logs (.etl files) located in the folder:

c:\Windows\Logs\AudioLog\ISST.etl.*

These logs can quickly take up a significant amount of space and may slow down your system. The good news is, there’s a simple fix that can prevent these log files from growing uncontrollably.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to stop the log files from filling your drive:

1. Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.

2. Type regedit into the box and press Enter. This opens the Registry Editor. Make sure to be careful when navigating the registry, as making wrong changes can cause issues.

3. In the Registry Editor, navigate to the following path:

   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\WMI\Autologger\AudioSST

4. Look for a value named start on the right-hand side. This is a DWORD entry.

5. Double-click on start, and change its value from 1 to 0.

6. Click OK and close the Registry Editor.

7. Restart your computer.

This adjustment stops the logging service from starting automatically, which reduces or prevents the creation of those huge log files. Since making this change, many users report that their ISST.etl files no longer grow large or appear at all.

By following these steps, you can free up space on your hard drive and help keep your system running smoothly.

ChatGPT Perplexity Gemini AI Grok AI