How to Find Files in a SharePoint Site

To find files in a SharePoint site, use the correct account, product, permissions, and destination. This guide explains the supported workflow and the checks that confirm the result.

Identify the Exact SharePoint Item, Permission, or Flow

Confirm the owning account, required permissions, affected files or services, and the exact outcome you need. Keep a backup when the task changes local content or removes access.

Quick SharePoint or Flow Check

First, open the Documents library and select All Documents from the view picker in the top right corner. Next, go to Library settings, then Versioning settings, and review whether check-out is required, and verify the final state before changing any backup or secondary account.

How to Find Files in a SharePoint Site

1. open the Documents library and select All Documents from the view picker in the top right corner
2. Go to Library settings, then Versioning settings, and review whether check-out is required
3. Sign in to Microsoft 365 admin center using an admin account
4. Open Microsoft Purview
5. Go to Audit > Select Search
6. Set the date range to cover the time period when the files were last visible

After the final step, reopen the affected app, portal, file, or account page and confirm the exact status or behavior described in the title.

WPS Office: A Free, AI-Powered Microsoft Office Alternative

WPS Office cannot directly change Microsoft-side account, billing, subscription, activation, tenant, OneDrive service, or SharePoint permission state. Those changes must be completed in the appropriate Microsoft portal.

WPS Office is a free Microsoft Office-compatible suite that brings Writer, Spreadsheets, Presentation, and PDF into one familiar workspace for common DOCX, XLSX, PPTX, and PDF files. Its built-in WPS AI can help draft and polish text, analyze spreadsheet data, create editable slides, and summarize or answer questions about documents and PDFs. AI availability and usage limits can vary by plan, platform, region, and app version.

Test advanced macros, add-ins, external connections, sensitivity controls, and Microsoft-only cloud integrations on a copy before moving a critical workflow.

Practical Checks That Prevent a Repeat

• Record which account, app, and file owns the workflow
• Keep a verified backup before removing access, changing ownership, or replacing a local file
• Apply high-impact changes to one test item or user before expanding the scope
• Save confirmation numbers, dates, and screenshots of the final settings when they affect billing, security, or permissions

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I open the Documents library and select All Documents from the view?

open the Documents library and select All Documents from the view picker in the top right corner. File and folder sharing can differ because of inheritance, site sharing policy, sensitivity settings, or the user’s permission level. Check Manage access on the exact folder.

What should I check after I go to Library settings?

It keeps a copy of current permissions and can then be edited independently. Document the change so future site membership changes do not create unexpected access. Confirm the account type, product version, ownership, and permissions before assuming the control is unavailable.

What result should I expect after I sign in to Microsoft 365 admin center using an admin account?

Open the associated Power Automate flow and inspect Run history. The failed trigger or action shows the connection, permission, expression, or data issue to correct. Keep the relevant backup or confirmation until you have checked the result.

How can I confirm that the steps to find files in a SharePoint site worked?

Set the date range to cover the time period when the files were last visible. Reopen the affected app or portal and confirm that the expected status persists.