Windows file share event log. Under Windows Logs, select Security.

Windows file share event log Jan 15, 2025 · Describes how to move Event Viewer log files to another location on the hard disk. Effective log management is an important part of system administration, security, and application development. Aug 28, 2024 · Learn how to check system logs in Windows 10 with our comprehensive guide, covering steps to access Event Viewer and analyze crucial system events. Jun 9, 2025 · My goal is to have access to certain file shares by certain groups or users be logged. XML, . Sep 15, 2025 · The Event Viewer is a built-in tool in Windows 11 that logs different types of system events. Go to the Event Viewer, expand the Windows Logs, right click on Security, click on Properties, choose the options 'Archive the log when full' and increase the maximum log size to 1024000KB (1GB) or higher. This information includes automatically downloaded updates, errors, and warnings. For example, if you use Windows Server 2016 to reach an SMB share that is hosted on Windows 10, Windows Server 2016 is the SMB Client and Windows 10 the SMB Server. Aug 9, 2025 · The Windows Event Viewer is a powerful tool that logs everything happening on your PC from the moment it starts up to shutdown. But, it seems that there is difference between log time and real operating time. Event Logs At the end of the day, Event Logs are what WEC is all about on both sides of the WEC process: source and destination. We had that virus that hides all of your folders and creates exe files in a network share last week. Jun 14, 2024 · Discover how to easily access Event Viewer in Windows 11 with our step-by-step guide. The exported . Sep 10, 2019 · 2 In Windows 10, no logging by default is enabled to files and folders. On the right hand side, select Filter current log option. You can use it to see details about app errors, warnings generated by different system services, information about the state of drivers and services. Master Windows Event Logs with this comprehensive guide. Jul 8, 2024 · Configure File and Folder Access Auditing on Windows (GPO) The file system audit policy in Windows allows to monitor all access events to specific files and folders on a disk. Once auditing is enabled, administrators can use the Event Viewer to identify relevant security events and determine which user deleted a file or folder on the file server. The Event Viewer is a built-in tool that records application and system messages, including errors Jun 16, 2025 · Windows Event Logs are essential records generated by the Windows operating system that track system activities, security events, and application behavior. Nov 15, 2022 · Purpose: The purpose of this article is to show how to audit the Event logs for File Delete operations. Windows event log analysis, view and monitoring security, system, and other logs on Windows servers and workstations. Forenisc research of event log files. Step 3: Tracking events in the “Event Viewer” Let us have a look at the steps to track events: Open “Event Viewer”. This event generates once per session, when first access attempt was made. Learn to access, manage, and utilize Windows logs effectively. Examples Windows logs this event the first time you access a given network share during a given logon session. Apr 26, 2019 · Configuring auditing for a specific file or folder is by right-click, Properties, Security tab, Advanced, Auditing tab, where you may specify auditing for users and groups. It does not appear in earlier versions of Windows. microsoft. Here is how you can implement this: 1. We will use XPath to filter for the Delete event inside the Event Data level of the XML detail. The table below provides a complete list of permissions, the corresponding names used by Object Access events in the Security log, and an explanation the permission as applied to folders and files. Open the Event Viewer console (eventvwr. " - Go to the "Security" tab and click Since we already have the Local Policy Audit set to your preferences, what we need to do is look for Security Events by following: Control Panel> Administrative Tools> Event Viewer> Windows Logs> Security Then we look for the said events. Apr 25, 2023 · A Windows event log is a log file that contains information about system events and errors, application issues, and security events. Enable Auditing: - Right-click on the folder where your PowerShell scripts are located and choose "Properties. Be aware that Windows Server 2008 logs off network logon sessions even sooner than past versions of Windows. On this page Description of this event Field level details Examples A network share object was checked to see whether client can be granted desired access This is the only event under the "Detailed File Share" Subcategory which is new to Windows 2008 Release 2 and Windows 7. Feb 25, 2025 · The Detailed File Share setting logs an event every time a file or folder is accessed, whereas the File Share setting only records one event for any connection established between a client and file share. Learn how to check event logs in Windows 11 quickly and easily with our step-by-step guide. I have the group policy Computer config\windows settings\security settings\advanced audit policy config\Audit File Share set to 'Success and Failure'. To do so, right-click Start, click Run, type eventvwr Mar 11, 2024 · Now, if someone has changed NTFS permissions on items in the specified folder, an event with event ID 4670 will appear in the Security log. This guide covers commands, examples, and tips to streamline your log management process. This tutorial will guide you through the process of checking who has accessed a shared folder and when, which can help you in troubleshooting any issues related to folder sharing. Audit shared folder activities and gain insights into user actions. . Be careful about enabling this audit subcategory because you will get an event for every file accessed through network shares each time the application opens the file. This article explains, how to track who is accessing or reading files on your File Servers, using Windows Server’s built-in auditing as well as LepideAuditor. We are trying to audit one folder on our shares with more sensitive files. I can see in the Security log whenever I access the file share. Select Event Viewer from the list of options. com - Audit Policy Settings Under Local Policies\Audit Policy For events Oct 30, 2024 · Ever Wondered Where are the Windows 10 Event Logs Stored? Here, We Have Best Ways to View Event Logs on a Windows PC. Monitor system events effortlessly with these simple instructions. Event logs will not grow beyond the maximum size defined for each log via Event Viewer, group Microsoft Windows supports auditing access to shared folders and files. Ensure your system's health and troubleshoot issues effectively. Subcategory: Audit File Share Event Description: This event generates every time network share object was accessed. write. Aug 29, 2024 · How to View Log Files in Windows 10 Viewing log files in Windows 10 is quite straightforward once you know where to look. Jun 23, 2023 · Read on to learn more about file system auditing on Windows, and why you will need an alternative solution to get usable file audit data. What they want from me is a file activity log for all users accessing the file shares (file creation, edit, open, delete, etc. Here’s a step-by-step guide to accessing and saving your event logs. Oct 1, 2024 · In the Event Viewer, Navigate to For Client Applications and Services Logs > Microsoft > Windows > SMBClient For Server Applications and Services Logs > Microsoft > Windows > SMBServer For both client and server, there are multiple log files that we can check. from my uncle who owns a small business. Search for the Event ID 4670 that corresponds to permission changes on an object. Figure 6: Auditing entry “Advanced Security settings” window Click “Apply” and “Ok” and close file “Properties”. Event 4913 displays the security identifiers (SIDs) of the old and new central access policies. Jul 4, 2017 · When the application receives permission to open the file, and a file handle is generated, the Windows logs will show an object access event for that file, with type = file and accesses field containing the types of access, i. Nov 14, 2024 · Learn how to configure, access, and analyze Windows 11 event logs to monitor system performance, troubleshoot issues, and enhance security. Although, this information is available through event viewer, I am trying to extract the information through PowerShell to an excel file. The paths to the log files vary depending on the installation phase of Windows. , it is logged only once per session. In Windows Vista, the event logging infrastructure was redesigned. Event tracking: Keeping track of significant activities helps in understanding system behavior and assessing configuration changes over time. It explains about how to monitor What file was accessed by Who and When. Create folders/append data Delete sub folders and files Step 3: View audit logs in Event Viewer Every time a user accesses the selected file/folder and changes the permission on it, an event log will be recorded in the Event Viewer. Sep 6, 2021 · Audit Detailed File Share Audit Detailed File Share allows you to audit attempts to access files and folders on a shared folder. Event XML: May 30, 2024 · Discover how to effortlessly check event logs in Windows 11 with our comprehensive step-by-step guide. Sep 18, 2023 · This article tells you how to export the event logs to a file using the Event Viewer or the wevtutil console tool. Reasons to Audit File Systems How to Enable File System Auditing Windows File System Auditing Scenarios Windows File Activity Audit Flow Interpreting File System Accesses Windows Event Log Limitations What to Consider: Scalability Varonis Windows File System Whenever a network share object is added, event 5142 is logged by Windows. This beginner’s guide is designed for system administrators, IT professionals, and everyday Windows users looking to understand Windows Event Log analysis and monitoring techniques. They currently have an office with about 10-15 employees and a file share on a Linkstation LS500 Buffalo. The list of all such plausible Security Events are listed at technet. Nov 13, 2025 · After configuring auditing, you can use the information from the Event Viewer to find the user who deleted a specific file from a shared folder on a file server. Note For recommendations, see Security Monitoring Recommendations for this event. Oct 12, 2020 · In order to "accidentally" share an event log, you would have to right-click on the respective log, say Application > and choose Save All Events As > Save the file > then save it to a shared location. Oct 4, 2023 · Discover the new subcategories for file share events in Windows Server. Redirecting from https://netwrix. com/en/resources/guides/how-to-detect-who-read-file-on-windows-file-server to /en/resources/guides/how-to-detect-who-read-file-on-windows-file-server Sep 7, 2017 · This event actually logs the access attempt and allows you to see failure versions of the event as well as success events. csv and . Over the years, security admins have repeatedly asked me how to audit file shares in Windows. Until Windows Server 2008, there were no specific events for file shares. Log files record various events and activities on your system, which can be helpful for troubleshooting. From the moment the system starts until it shuts down, Windows leaves traces in these files: application openings, service errors, unexpected reboots or access to the computer. This quick guide will show you how. To view this audit log, go to the Event Viewer. Witness resources From this option, you can easily add filters to find specific event logs from all the logs on the file server. In this first post of our Windows Logging Guide series, we will begin with the basics: Event Viewer. Jun 1, 2017 · But then goes on to list the event IDs for when a network share object is added, modified, or deleted. Click “Filter current log”. From this option you can easily add filters to all the permission changes happening on the file server. Dec 1, 2017 · Open Event viewer on file server and search Security log for event ID 4656 with “File System” or “Removable Storage” task category and with “Accesses: DELETE” string. Click on "From Text/CSV" and select the exported Windows event log file. You can view the event logs with different severity across various categories in the Event Viewer (eventvwr. There are differences between logs to install, debug, or audit the system. Audit, Connectivity, Operational, Security. When a user closes all open files on a server it seems to immediatelly log him off. Aug 16, 2017 · Hello tfl, I am trying to get the event logs for users that are accessing shared folders on the fileserver through event viewer. The most common and efficient method is through the Event Viewer. I am having a tough time getting my File auditing to work. Filter the event list by the EventID 4670 (Permissions on an object were changed) and open the latest event. Apr 25, 2025 · How to view Windows logs: simple instructionsLearn how to quickly open and view Windows logs using the built-in tools. This event log contains the following information: Security ID Account Name Logon ID Object Type Source Address Source Port Share Name Share Path Access Mask Accesses Why does event ID 5140 need to be monitored? To monitor Mar 29, 2016 · Event ID 4660 & 4663 should be triggered in such circumstances. The Event Viewer is key to accessing and analyzing system logs. This event is generated when a network share object is deleted. Event Viewer is one of the most important basic log management tools an administrator can learn for Windows logging. Jan 18, 2022 · In this tutorial you will be shown how to configure group policy to track file change events on your windows file server. If you're experiencing problems installing Windows, check the log files to help troubleshoot the installation. After configuring auditing, you can use the information from the Event Viewer to find the user who deleted specific file on the file server. By monitoring the events in this log, you can quickly identify and resolve problems causing system crashes or other errors. Mar 22, 2024 · Learn how to access, filter, and save Windows Event Logs to streamline troubleshooting and enhance system analysis with clear, step-by-step guidance. Nov 6, 2025 · Failover cluster quorum and Witness resources (File Share Witness, Disk Witness, Cloud Witness) are foundational for Windows Server and Azure Stack HCI clusters. The event you want is 5140: A network share object was accessed, which might look similar to this: Describes security event 5142(S) A network share object was added. Jun 25, 2025 · Learn how to troubleshoot error logs in Windows 11. Learn how to locate Windows log files with this beginner-friendly guide to discover default file locations, access logs using Event Viewer, and manage logs with command-line tools. Whenever a network share object is accessed, event ID 5140 is logged. Windows Event log can also provide insights into an application's behavior by tracking its interactions with other processes and services. Under Windows Logs, select Security. One possible approach is to enable File and Folder auditing so that Windows logs these changes for you. Feb 3, 2025 · Learn how to view the history log of shared and unshared folders in Windows Server 2022. Applications that are designed to run on the Windows Vista or later operating systems should now use Windows Event Log. Event Viewer aggregates application, security, and system logs Aug 12, 2025 · Want to analyze your Windows network logs but not sure where to start? Here’s a quick guide to help you access, filter, and export network logs using built-in Windows tools like Event Viewer and PowerShell. Aug 1, 2024 · Yes, you can track changes made to files in a folder or subfolder using native Windows functionalities. This event log contains the following information: Security ID Account Name Account Domain Logon ID Share Name Share Path Why does event ID 5142 need to be monitored? To monitor the creation of new file shares by high value computers To ensure Share Dec 5, 2015 · Is there a way to log users upon accessing shared folders in Windows Server? My goal is to write a program that sort of runs in the background monitoring the shared folders and logs user information Aug 19, 2024 · Learn how to effortlessly check error logs on Windows 10 with our step-by-step guide, ensuring you can quickly identify and resolve system issues. Windows event logs are digital documents where all relevant system events are recorded. Generally, you just need to access the Event Viewer application, navigate through its menus, and select the log files you want to view. Expand “Windows Logs” and select “Security”. Nov 5, 2025 · Import the Windows event logs into Excel: Launch Excel and go to the "Data" tab. Discover how to navigate and find the Windows logs. In this article, you'll learn what the event vie Feb 13, 2024 · In Windows Server 2012 , Event 4911 differentiates file attribute policy changes from other authorization policy change events. We will refer to it as GPO from Sep 11, 2025 · Discover how Windows logs provide vital system insights, track activities, troubleshoot errors, and enhance security. May 2, 2018 · Get in detailed here about: Windows Security Log Event ID 5140 Windows Security Log Event ID 4663 Set this to [Success]: Computer Configuration\Windows Settings\Security Settings\Advanced Audit Policy Configuration\Audit Policies\Object Access: File Share You may also get help from this File Auditing solution to audit, monitor and report changes occurring across your File Server environment. Following conditions must be met for proper function: It is necessary to have WES installed on the server, where file share folders are – more in chapter Microsoft Windows Event Sender (WES) Set up auditing of file share folders Aug 8, 2023 · The SMB Client (CLI) refers to the system that is trying to access the file system, regardless of the OS version or edition. Now, if you are on a network and have administrative permissions, you can connect to other computers on the network and see their event logs. Dec 24, 2024 · Learn how to get Windows Event Logs using PowerShell. After you have found the events, double-click any event to view its properties in the “Event Properties” window. However logging can be enabled, using windows auditing. This event is generated when a network share object is added. From here, you can quickly search for and open the Event Viewer tool. Sep 28, 2023 · In this link, it will show you how to configure event auditing for files on a shared network folder on Windows Server. Apr 20, 2021 · Use PowerShell to sift through security event logs to produce a comprehensive Windows file server audit to determine who accessed a file and when. Nov 1, 2014 · This is a step-by-step guide about how to track file access in Windows Folder using Windows File Access Auditing events. It works. Nov 14, 2024 · The Start Menu is your gateway to accessing all the features and tools in Windows 11. I have created a group policy that enables "Audit File System" in Advanced Audit Configuration. Are these event IDs for when objects (folders/files) are created/modified/deleted inside the share? Jul 3, 2025 · How to View Log Files in Windows 10: A Comprehensive Guide Understanding how to view log files in Windows 10 is an essential skill for system administrators, IT professionals, developers, and even regular users who wish to troubleshoot issues, monitor system health, or analyze application behavior. The issue I am having is This article provides step-by-step instructions to track file and folder activities on Windows File Server. That is why the Windows 11 and Windows 10 Event Viewer features are the go-to utilities when you need to identify or Mar 4, 2024 · Windows event logs store the information for hardware and software malfunction, including other successful operations. Apr 6, 2025 · Export Event Viewer Logs into . Chang tracking for the central access policy associated with a file. Free Security Log Resources by Randy Click 'Show advanced permissions' to the right Choose Full Control Don't add any conditions Audit events will now appear in the Security log. Solution: Step1: Enable file auditing from Group Policy Object. Log files serve as a record of system and application activities, capturing errors, warnings Describes security event 5144(S) A network share object was deleted. txt files Export Event Viewer Logs into ZIP file Export Event Viewer Logs to Excel Let us talk about them in detail. Open Event Viewer: Press Win + X to open the Power User Menu. Stay informed and keep your PC running smoothly by monitoring Windows 11 event logs effectively. Windows matches this failed access attempt to the first entry in the folder’s audit policy and trigger an Object Access event in the Security log. 5140 (S, F): A network share object was accessed. Describes security event 5145(S, F) A network share object was checked to see whether client can be granted desired access. May 10, 2016 · Professional event log software for Windows. Please check this reference for more information : Windows Security Log Event ID 4660 - An object was deleted If you want to filter the reports at more granular level, you can try using LepideAuditor for file server which should be an ideal solution to resolve your concern. Failures in Witness configuration or operation can jeopardize production workloads and trigger loss of quorum, unplanned failovers, or node shutdowns. Follow the prompts to import the Windows event logs into Excel. Enable the auditing of object events from the Local Security Policy. ). Aug 14, 2025 · Note The Event Logging API was designed for applications that run on the Windows Server 2003, Windows XP, or Windows 2000 operating system. May 6, 2025 · On Windows 10, you can use the legacy Event Viewer to find logs with information to help you troubleshoot and fix software and hardware problems. I then configure a SACL for the desired file share targeting my username as the principal (for testing purposes). You can find all the audit logs in the middle pane as displayed below. This event was first added to Windows 7 and Windows 2008 Release 2. Learn about Windows logging, using Event Viewer, and Windows log storage locations. Step 3: View audit logs in Event Viewer Every time a user accesses the selected file/folder, and makes changes on it, an event log will be recorded in the Event Viewer. evtx log can be sent to a support technician for diagnosis. Windows logs this event when someone changes the access control list on an object. msc), or using the Reliability Monitor (Control Panel > System and Security > Security and Maintenance > Maintenance > View reliability history). Step 3: View audit logs in Event Viewer Every time a user accesses the selected file/folder, and the attempt fails, an event log will be recorded in the Event Viewer. Accessing System Logs in Windows 11 Windows 11 provides several ways to access system logs. Detect malicious file share activity with our deep-dive guide to Windows Event Logs. Discover methods to access and analyze system, security, and application logs for troubleshooting. Dec 21, 2017 · This article explains how to share Event Logs from the event viewer in case if you have a Windows problem as investigation would help. evtx, . msc) -> Windows Logs -> Security. Detailed File Share audit events include detailed information about the permissions or other criteria used to grant or deny access. Aug 20, 2024 · The Windows Event Logs are essential for recording events from various system and application processes, serving a variety of purposes such as troubleshooting, monitoring, and security analysis. Jun 3, 2024 · Discover how to easily check crash logs in Windows 11 with our step-by-step guide, designed to help users troubleshoot system issues effortlessly. The Detailed File Share setting logs an event every time a file or folder is accessed, whereas the File Share setting only records one event for any connection established between a client and file share. To filter the event logs to view just the logs about the file/folder permission changes, select Filter Current Log from the right pane. They provide critical vote count to maintain high availability. Jul 2, 2024 · A Windows event log is a file that keeps track of system events and errors, application issues, and security events. Windows event logs are more than a simple, discreet text file. Export Windows Event Logs To export the event logs to a file, follow one of the methods below. May 9, 2022 · I set 'local security policy' - 'Audit' and checked log at 'Event viewer' - 'Windows Log' - 'Security'. Jan 20, 2022 · Windows Setup Log Files and Event LogsWindows Setup creates log files for all actions that occur during installation. Simple instructions for finding errors, analyzing your system and exporting event logs. The access is logged only the first time the attempt is made, i. Feb 26, 2013 · I’m trying to use Event Viewer to see when and why a particular folder in a Windows share will get “hidden”. Jul 11, 2025 · Monitoring Windows file sharing and permissions requires a combination of native tools, scripting, third-party utilities, and automation. Option 1: Using the Event Viewer Start the Event Viewer. Mar 11, 2025 · Learn how to navigate Windows 11's Event Viewer with this step-by-step guide, helping you monitor system logs and troubleshoot issues effectively. Step 2: Search for Event Viewer Type “Event Viewer” into the search bar and select the Event Viewer application from the results. An administrator can enable the audit policy to identify file and folder creation, read, modification, and deletion events on the NTFS file system. The event identifies the object, who changed the permissions and the old an new permissions. Oct 19, 2021 · The Windows 10 Event Viewer is an app that shows a log detailing information about significant events on your computer. By leveraging Event Viewer for auditing, PowerShell for automation, Glary Utilities for streamlined management, advanced reporting tools for detailed oversight, and scheduled monitoring, advanced users can Jan 5, 2016 · Now open the event logs and go to Windows logs and select security. In order to enable the auditing in a folder or file there are 2 steps needed. By searching for it directly, you can quickly access this powerful utility. e. Aug 14, 2025 · Find out how to view and interpret Windows Event Logs to track system activity and spot issues before they happen. The event can be viewed using the Event Viewer, under Windows Logs > Security. Use Event Viewer, know when to check logs, and identify key details to resolve system issues. Sep 21, 2023 · I want know event that user has been copy file into my Network Share Drive. This audit can be configured so that the audit log could be sent to the Logmanager server. Learn to enable advanced auditing and use key Event IDs to hunt for threats like lateral movement and data theft. The actual file representing the event log is only directly accessed via the Windows Event Logging service. vjxsygw hvqu qavl zpjo idmqb szlfsub gqbjy qwnjst qjr apvq ijd buzaf ngwkwyt sbzcyv fwap