Top 10 Best File Auditing Software of 2026

Netwrix Auditor is a powerful IT auditing platform specializing in monitoring changes across file systems, Active Directory, and other environments. For file auditing, it tracks file access, modifications, deletions, permission changes, and storage growth on Windows file servers with before-and-after views for complete visibility. It delivers real-time alerts, automated reports, and compliance templates to simplify security incident response and regulatory adherence.

ManageEngine ADAudit Plus is a robust auditing solution designed for monitoring Windows Active Directory, member servers, and file servers, with strong emphasis on file auditing capabilities. It tracks file and folder activities such as creations, deletions, modifications, and permission changes in real-time, providing detailed reports and alerts. The software supports compliance with standards like GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI-DSS through pre-built templates and customizable dashboards.

Lepide Auditor is a robust IT auditing solution specializing in real-time monitoring and reporting of changes across file servers, Active Directory, Exchange, and other Windows environments. It tracks file access, modifications, deletions, and permission changes with detailed who-what-when-where insights, enabling quick incident response and compliance adherence. The platform offers customizable alerts, pre-built reports for standards like GDPR and HIPAA, and a centralized dashboard for streamlined management.

Quest Change Auditor is a robust file auditing solution designed for Windows file servers, tracking all file system changes including access, modifications, deletions, and permission alterations. It offers real-time monitoring, forensic search capabilities via InstaQuery, and comprehensive reporting for compliance with standards like PCI-DSS, HIPAA, and SOX. The agentless architecture simplifies deployment while providing detailed 'who, what, when, where' insights into file activities.

SolarWinds Access Rights Manager (ARM) is a robust solution for auditing and managing user access rights across Active Directory, Exchange, and Windows file shares. It provides detailed visibility into file permissions, tracks changes in real-time, and identifies excessive privileges or dormant accounts to mitigate security risks. Ideal for compliance with standards like GDPR and SOX, ARM automates permission reviews and remediation workflows, making it a solid choice for file auditing in enterprise Windows environments.

Varonis DatAdvantage is an advanced data analytics and security platform focused on file system auditing across Windows, Unix, NAS, and cloud environments like SharePoint and Office 365. It provides real-time monitoring of file access, permissions analysis, and behavioral baselines to detect anomalous activity and insider threats. The solution also automates data classification, remediation, and risk prioritization to enhance data governance and compliance.

IS Decisions FileAudit is a robust file auditing solution for Windows file servers and NAS devices, providing real-time monitoring of all file activities including access, modifications, deletions, and permission changes. It captures detailed logs of who did what, when, and from where, with powerful filtering, searching, and customizable reporting capabilities. The software supports compliance needs like GDPR, HIPAA, and SOX through automated alerts and audit-ready reports, deployed agentlessly via kernel-level filters for minimal performance impact.

Tripwire Enterprise is a leading file integrity monitoring (FIM) solution designed to detect unauthorized changes to critical files, directories, and system configurations across enterprise environments. It establishes baselines of file states and provides real-time alerting, detailed auditing trails, and forensic analysis to help maintain system integrity and compliance with standards like PCI DSS, HIPAA, and SOX. The tool also includes policy compliance management and integrates with SIEM systems for enhanced security operations.

EventSentry is a comprehensive system monitoring platform with robust file auditing and integrity monitoring (FIM) capabilities, tracking changes to files, folders, registry keys, and permissions in real-time across Windows environments. It provides detailed audit logs, customizable alerts, and forensic reports to help detect unauthorized access or modifications. Ideal for security and compliance needs like PCI-DSS or HIPAA, it integrates file monitoring with event log analysis for holistic visibility.

AdminDroid is a Microsoft 365-focused auditing and reporting tool that provides detailed tracking of file activities in SharePoint Online and OneDrive for Business, including access, modifications, deletions, and permission changes. It offers over 200 pre-built reports, real-time alerts, and customizable dashboards to help admins monitor compliance and security in cloud file environments. While not designed for on-premises file servers, it excels in granular auditing within the Microsoft ecosystem.