How do I truncate a SQL log file?

Question

Truncate the transaction log Right-click the database and select Properties -> Options. Set the recovery model to Simple and exit the menu. Right-click the database again and select Tasks -> Shrink -> Files. Change the type to Log . Under Shrink action, select Reorganize pages before releasing unused space and click OK.

How do I reduce the size of my log file?

To reduce the physical size of a physical log file, you must shrink the log file. This is useful when you know that a transaction log file contains unused space. You can shrink a log file only while the database is online, and at least one virtual log file (VLF) is free.

What does truncating SQL logs do?

Log truncation deletes inactive virtual log files (VLFs) from the logical transaction log of a SQL Server database, freeing space in the logical log for reuse by the Physical transaction log. If a transaction log is never truncated, it will eventually fill all the disk space allocated to physical log files.

How do I shrink a SQL Server query log file?

Method to Shrink MS SQL Transaction Log file1Open SQL Server Management Studio and connect to SQL Server Database Engine instance.2Now right click on the database that you want to shrink and select Tasks >Shrink > Files.3Select the File type, file group and file name.4Now you have three shrink action option.Method to Shrink MS SQL Transaction Log File

Is it safe to shrink SQL log file?

It's safe, but do it at a quiet time when there's low transactional activity. It's recommended to shrink the log to its minimal size and then grow it to its normal size (this will ensure the correct number of VLFs (internal virtual log files) are created, which improves performance for logged commands).

Expert · Answer