title | description | author | ms.author | ms.reviewer | ms.date | ms.service | ms.subservice | ms.topic | helpviewer_keywords | |||
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View a SQL Server Audit Log |
Learn how to view a SQL Server audit log in SQL Server by using SQL Server Management Studio. Viewing requires CONTROL SERVER permission. |
sravanisaluru |
srsaluru |
vanto |
05/15/2024 |
sql |
security |
how-to |
|
[!INCLUDE SQL Server]
This article describes how to view a SQL Server audit log in [!INCLUDE ssnoversion] by using [!INCLUDE ssManStudioFull].
Requires the CONTROL SERVER permission.
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In Object Explorer, expand the Security folder.
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Expand the Audits folder.
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Right-click the audit log that you want to view and select View Audit Logs. The Log File Viewer - server_name dialog box opens. For more information, see Log File Viewer F1 Help.
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When finished, select Close.
[!INCLUDE msCoName] recommends viewing the audit log by using the Log File Viewer. However, if you're creating an automated monitoring system, the information in the audit file can be read directly by using the sys.fn_get_audit_file
function. Reading the file directly returns data in a slightly different (unprocessed) format. For more information, see sys.fn_get_audit_file (Transact-SQL).