SharePoint Document Issues

How to View SharePoint Editing Activity and Audit Logs

Chanuka Geekiyanage Oct 23, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to identify who edited a SharePoint page and review recent document changes using audit logs before discarding or restoring content.

How to View SharePoint Editing Activity and Audit Logs

Product: Microsoft SharePoint
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Tracking document modifications and team editing activity to ensure accurate version control and content management.
Observed behavior: The user requires visibility into specific editing events to find out which user modified a page and what historical actions took place.

Before you start

Ensure you have Site Collection Administrator permissions or access to the Microsoft 365 compliance center, as standard users typically cannot generate detailed audit log reports.

Solution 1Recommended

Generate a SharePoint Audit Log Report

Use the built-in site collection settings to generate a comprehensive audit report detailing content viewing and modifications.

SharePoint provides dedicated audit logging features that allow administrators to see exactly who interacted with site content. This is the most thorough method for identifying unauthorized changes or tracking team activity over a specific date range.

Access Site Settings

Log in to your SharePoint site as a Site Collection Administrator. Click on the gear icon (Settings) in the top right corner and select 'Site information', then 'View all site settings'.

Navigate to Audit Log Reports

Under the 'Site Collection Administration' section, locate and click on 'Audit log reports'.

Select the Desired Report

Click on 'Content modifications' or 'Content viewing' depending on the activity you wish to track. Specify the document library and the date range for your search.

Review the Output File

SharePoint will generate an Excel workbook containing the audit data. Open the file to review the 'User ID', 'Date', and 'Event' columns to identify who edited the page.

Audit Log Retention: Audit logging must be previously enabled in the Site Collection Administration settings for data to be available. Microsoft retains these logs for a limited period depending on your subscription.

Solution 2

Check Page or Document Version History

Use the Version History feature to quickly see who made recent changes without needing administrator permissions.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Looking for a Simpler Way to Manage and Track Documents?

While SharePoint offers enterprise-level activity tracking, managing daily document workflows can sometimes feel complex. WPS Office provides a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative to Microsoft Office. With built-in track changes and a familiar interface, you can effortlessly collaborate on documents without the heavy administrative overhead.

1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installation package for your operating system.
2. Install the Software: Run the installer and follow the quick on-screen instructions to set up WPS Office on your computer.
3. Track Changes Easily: Open your Word, Excel, or PowerPoint files and use the 'Review' tab to intuitively track all edits and collaborate with your team.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Office formats including .docx, .xlsx, and .pptx.Built-in track changes and version history for straightforward document collaboration.Lightweight application that runs smoothly on Windows, Mac, and Linux.Free to use with a familiar, easy-to-navigate user interface.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can't I see the Audit log reports option in SharePoint?

The 'Audit log reports' link is only visible to users who have Site Collection Administrator permissions. If you are a standard member or owner, you will need to request an administrator to generate the report for you.

How long does SharePoint retain audit log data?

By default, Microsoft 365 retains audit logs for 90 days for standard enterprise licenses. Organizations with advanced compliance or premium auditing licenses can configure retention policies for up to one year or longer.

Can I see exactly what text was changed in the audit log?

No, audit logs only show metadata such as who modified a file, the file name, and the timestamp. To see the exact line-by-line text edits, you should use the 'Version history' feature and compare the document versions directly.

Does version history work for lists as well as document libraries?

Yes, version history can be enabled for both SharePoint lists and document libraries. Once enabled via the list settings, you can view the item's history to see who modified specific fields and what the previous values were.

Document & File Issues