Another benefit is you can examine the data before formatting the Windows file server permissions report. Because it can take a long time to collect all the permissions on a large or complex file share, the variable assignment route is the best way. There are two options: either run the PowerShell command from one line, which would be large, or assign the previous output to a variable and then output the variable to a spreadsheet. To keep it simple, we will export the report as an Excel spreadsheet. In my experience, the report will usually go to the owners of each file share and a manager in IT. Now that we have been able to produce the data, we can proceed to the presentation of the report to produce output in a readable fashion to share with a decision-maker in the department. How to format the Windows file share permissions output into a report There may be a logical explanation for it, but it is questionable behavior. They disabled inheritance and removed the File Share Admins group. This user has performed a few irregular actions on the file share.

This article will focus on PowerShell 7 however, unless noted, the commands will work the same in Windows PowerShell. Trouble can occur when a user with a higher access level, such as a C-level executive, changes Windows Server folder permissions that prevent users with a lower access level from getting to their files in that folder or a subfolder beneath it.īefore we dive into how to create a Windows file server permissions audit, you should understand the two methods to retrieve access information from a folder. Microsoft's documentation often uses Windows ACLs and NTFS permissions synonymously.īased on the organization's needs, the administrator tailors NTFS permissions to control the access level to a folder, from full control rights to no access.

While there are several file systems available for Windows systems, the New Technology File System (NTFS) is the one used most widely today.Īmong the features of NTFS is the ability to restrict access using access control lists ( ACLs), which catalog each access control entry (ACE) that contain information about the user or group account and their access rights to an object, such as a file or a folder. How permissions work on a Windows file server

Ntfs report