How to get Active Directory Reports using PowerShell?

In Active Directory, every event has an ID. Using the PowerShell Get-WinEvent cmdlet we can find auditing records. Alternatively, you can use a comprehensive AD auditing solution like ADAudit Plus that will make things simpler for you.

This article compares the method of getting AD audit reports using PowerShell and ADAudit Plus.

PowerShell

Steps to get auditing records using PowerShell:

Using the Get-WinEvent cmdlet, basic security logs can be audited. A particular event can be audited by using the event ID.
```
Get-WinEvent -Computer dc1 -FilterHashtable @{LogName="Security";ID=4720} | fl 
```

Additional basic details such as time and username can be retrieved using the below script.

Get-WinEvent -Computer dc1 -FilterHashtable @{LogName="Security";ID=4720} | Select TimeCreated,@{n="WHO";e={([xml]$_.ToXml()).Event.EventData.Data | ? {$_.Name -eq "SubjectUserName"} |%{$_.'#text'}}},@{n="User Account";e={([xml]$_.ToXml()).Event.EventData.Data | ? {$_.Name -eq "SamAccountName"}| %{$_.'#text'}}} |fl

Copied

Click to copy entire script

ADAudit Plus

To obtain the report,

Security logs comprise multiple events like, file or AD object modifications, account logon or logoff failures, permission changes.

Log in to the ADAudit Plus web console.
Go to the Reports tab. All reports concerning Active Directory are readily available. This tab offers you a number of event reports. You can use search filters to find a particular event within the report.
Select the report and domain.
Select Export As to export the report in any of the preferred formats (CSV, PDF, HTML, CSVDE and XLSX).

screenshots:

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Why ADAudit Plus is the better solution for you?

Comprehensive dashboard so you can compare and correlate reports.
ADAudit Plus allows you to export reports in the desired format with a single click easily.
Advanced filter options to save you the trouble of creating complex LDAP queries to fetch only the required information.

Avoid complex PowerShell-scripting, and simplify AD change auditing with ADAudit Plus.
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How to get Active Directory Reports using PowerShell?

PowerShell

Steps to get auditing records using PowerShell:

ADAudit Plus

To obtain the report,

Related Resources

ADAudit Plus Trusted By

Meet all auditing and IT security needs with ADAudit Plus.

A single pane of glass for complete Active Directory Auditing and Reporting

Identity and access management

Unified service management

Unified endpoint management and security

IT operations management and observability

Security information and event management

Advanced IT analytics

Low-code app development

Cloud solutions for enterprise IT

IT management for MSPs

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IT asset managementCentralize and automate the complete IT asset life cycle

SIEM Spot, investigate, and neutralize security threats

Log and compliance managementGain deeper visibility into security events and ensure compliance

Security auditingAudit Active Directory, cloud platforms and files to enhance your security posture

Endpoint management and protection platform (UEM and EPP)Secure and manage endpoints to protect your IT assets effectively

Endpoint managementAchieve intelligent IT device management with zero user intervention

Endpoint securityDefend against threat actors with proactive and reactive measures

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Cloud cost managementRight-size and take control of your cloud costs

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Business applications for ITBoost productivity and improve team collaboration

Custom solution builderBuild tailor-made apps to automate operations at your organization

Solutions for MSPsGrow your MSP business with scalable and secure IT management solutions

How to get Active Directory Reports using PowerShell?

PowerShell

Steps to get auditing records using PowerShell:

ADAudit Plus

To obtain the report,

Related Resources

ADAudit Plus Trusted By

Meet all auditing and IT security needs with ADAudit Plus.

A single pane of glass for complete Active Directory Auditing and Reporting

Active Directory
management Manage, track, and secure Active Directory

Identity governance
and administrationOrchestrate user identity management and access controls for Zero Trust

Privileged access
managementControl and secure privileged access to critical enterprise systems

Enterprise and IT service
managementDeliver a consistent employee experience across business functions

Customer service
managementBuild a one-stop portal for customers with efficient account management

IT asset
managementCentralize and automate the complete IT asset life cycle

Network and server
performance monitoringEnsure network, server, and storage reliability with AI-powered insights

IT incident
managementEfficiently manage and resolve IT incidents while ensuring transparency

Cloud-native solutions for IT managementMonitor, manage, audit, and secure your multi-cloud
and hybrid infrastructure