Why SharePoint Shows the Wrong Folder Creator and How to Check It
Question details
Users notice that the creator name displayed on a SharePoint file or folder does not match the person who actually created it.
- Product
- Microsoft SharePoint
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Checking document or folder properties and ownership in SharePoint.
- Observed behavior
- The displayed creator name is incorrect due to automated processes, synchronization, migration tools, or delegated actions.
Ensure you have the necessary administrative privileges in the Microsoft 365 admin center to access and search the compliance audit logs.
Check the Microsoft 365 Audit Log to Find the Real Creator
Use the Microsoft 365 Compliance Audit tool to track the exact creation event and identify the actual account that created the file or folder.
SharePoint often attributes folder creation to the system account or the account running a migration tool rather than the end-user. The audit log bypasses these display quirks by recording the exact user action.
Log in to the Microsoft 365 admin center with your administrator credentials.
Click on 'Show All' in the left navigation pane, then select 'Compliance' to open the Microsoft Purview compliance portal.
In the left menu, navigate to 'Solutions' and click on 'Audit'.
Set up a new search query by specifying the date range and selecting file and folder creation activities.
Run the search and review the matching file or folder activity to identify the exact creation event and the associated user account.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can OneDrive sync cause SharePoint to show the wrong creator?
Yes, if files are synchronized or uploaded using a shared sync client or automated tool, SharePoint may record the system or the tool's account as the creator instead of the individual user.
How do migration tools affect SharePoint document ownership?
When migrating files from local servers or other cloud storage to SharePoint, the migration service account is often logged as the creator. To preserve original authors, migration tools must be specifically configured to retain original metadata.
Who has access to view the Microsoft 365 audit log?
Only users with the appropriate admin roles, such as Global Administrator or Compliance Administrator, can access and search the audit logs in the Microsoft Purview compliance portal.
