How to switch audit technology and when is it available?

SQL Server audit technology is the method used to collect audit information from audited SQL Server instances.

Technologies available will depend on the SQL Server version the audited server instance is running. Currently, three are available:

1. Trace – all SQL Server versions
2. Extended Events – SQL Server 2012 or higher
3. SQL Audit – SQL Server 2017 and up

ApexSQL Audit defaults to Auto, implementing the best available auditing method for the audited SQL Server instance, prioritizing SQL Audit over Extended Events, and Extended events over SQL Trace.

To manually customize the collection method:

1. Open the ApexSQL Audit GUI and navigate to the Configure section:
   
2. Select the audited SQL Server instance to customize
3. Click the Additional button
4. Select the collection method:
   
5. Click OK

For more information SQL auditing and data flow overview with ApexSQL Audit