How to Change File Date And Time on Windows 10

Changing file dates and times on Windows 10 can be a useful tool in various situations. Whether you need to organize your files, keep track of versions, or modify the metadata for specific purposes, being able to manipulate the date and time of files is a valuable skill to have. In this blog post, we will explore different methods to change file date and time on Windows 10, providing step-by-step instructions and insights into each method. By the end of this article, you will have a comprehensive understanding of how to modify file dates and times on your Windows 10 system.

Video Tutorial:

Why You Need to Change File Date and Time

There are several reasons why you may want to change the date and time of files on your Windows 10 system. Here are a few scenarios where this ability can come in handy:

1. File organization: Changing the date and time of files can help you sort and arrange them in a more logical manner. For example, you may want to group files by a specific date or time range for easier navigation and retrieval.

2. Version control: If you are working on a project that involves multiple iterations or versions of files, modifying the date and time can help differentiate between different versions and track the progress more efficiently.

3. Legal and compliance requirements: Some industries or organizations have specific regulations or legal requirements that mandate keeping accurate records of file creation, modification, or access. Being able to modify file dates and times can ensure compliance with these regulations.

4. Privacy and security: Changing the date and time of files can help protect your privacy and security by obscuring sensitive information. For example, if you are sharing files with others and want to hide the exact date or time of creation, modifying the metadata can provide an additional layer of anonymity.

Method 1: Changing File Date and Time Using File Properties

Changing the file date and time using file properties is the most straightforward method available on Windows 10. This method allows you to modify the file’s creation, modification, and last access dates and times.

Here’s how you can change file date and time using file properties:

1. Right-click on the file you want to modify and select "Properties" from the context menu.
2. In the properties window, navigate to the "Details" tab.
3. Under the "Origin" section, you will find the current file dates and times. To modify them, click on the "Change" button next to the specific date or time you want to change.
4. In the "Change Date and Time" dialog box, adjust the values to your desired date and time. You can also use the arrows to modify the values incrementally.
5. Click "OK" to apply the changes.
6. Finally, click "Apply" and then "OK" in the properties window to save the modified dates and times.

Pros:
1. Easy and straightforward process to change file dates and times.
2. Provides the ability to modify creation, modification, and last access dates and times.

Cons:
1. Modifying file dates and times using file properties can be time-consuming for multiple files.
2. The changes made using this method may not be reflected in some applications that rely on specific metadata for sorting or organizing files.

Method 2: Changing File Date and Time Using Command Prompt

Another method to change file date and time on Windows 10 is by using the Command Prompt. This method allows you to modify the file’s creation, modification, and last access dates and times through a command-line interface.

Here’s how you can change file date and time using Command Prompt:

1. Open the Command Prompt by pressing the Windows key + R, typing "cmd" (without quotes), and then pressing Enter.
2. Navigate to the directory where the file is located using the "cd" command. For example, if the file is in the "Documents" folder, you can use the command "cd Documents" to navigate to that folder.
3. Once you are in the correct directory, type the following command to change the creation date and time:
copy /b filename +, , where "filename" is the name of the file you want to modify.
4. To change the modification date and time, use the following command:
copy /b filename +,,
5. To change the last access date and time, use the following command:
copy /b filename +,,
6. Replace "filename" with the actual name of the file, and make sure to remove the "," symbols when using the commands.
7. Press Enter to execute the command. The file’s dates and times will be modified accordingly.

Pros:
1. Allows changing file dates and times through a command-line interface.
2. Can be used to modify creation, modification, and last access dates and times simultaneously.

Cons:
1. Requires familiarity with Command Prompt commands.
2. Modifying file dates and times using Command Prompt can be time-consuming for multiple files.

Method 3: Changing File Date and Time Using Third-Party Software

If you prefer a more user-friendly approach to change file dates and times on Windows 10, there are several third-party software options available. These software programs offer a graphical user interface (GUI) and additional features to efficiently modify file metadata.

Here’s an example of how you can change file date and time using a third-party software program, "File Date Corrector":

1. Download and install the "File Date Corrector" software from a trusted source.
2. Launch the software and select the files you want to modify.
3. Choose the specific date and time attribute you wish to change (creation, modification, or last access).
4. Input the new date and time values or use the provided calendar and clock interfaces to adjust them.
5. Click on the "Modify Dates" or similar button to apply the changes.
6. The software will update the files’ metadata according to the specified modifications.

Pros:
1. User-friendly interface with additional features for managing file metadata.
2. Allows modifying file dates and times for multiple files simultaneously.

Cons:
1. Requires downloading and installing additional software.
2. Third-party software programs may have limitations or restrictions based on their individual licenses.

Method 4: Changing File Date and Time Using PowerShell

PowerShell is a powerful scripting language that can be utilized to change file dates and times on Windows 10. By leveraging PowerShell’s capabilities, you can automate the process of modifying file metadata for multiple files or perform more complex tasks.

Here’s how you can change file date and time using PowerShell:

1. Open PowerShell by pressing the Windows key + R, typing "PowerShell" (without quotes), and then pressing Enter.
2. Navigate to the directory where the file is located using the "cd" command, similar to the Command Prompt method.
3. To change the file’s creation date and time, use the following command:
(Get-Item filename).CreationTime = "yyyy-MM-dd HH:mm:ss"
Replace "filename" with the actual name of the file, and "yyyy-MM-dd HH:mm:ss" with the desired date and time in the format indicated.
4. To change the file’s modification date and time, use the following command:
(Get-Item filename).LastWriteTime = "yyyy-MM-dd HH:mm:ss"
5. To change the file’s last access date and time, use the following command:
(Get-Item filename).LastAccessTime = "yyyy-MM-dd HH:mm:ss"
6. Replace "filename" and "yyyy-MM-dd HH:mm:ss" as needed.
7. Press Enter to execute the command. The file’s dates and times will be modified accordingly.

Pros:
1. Offers more powerful scripting capabilities compared to Command Prompt.
2. Can automate the process of modifying file dates and times for multiple files.

Cons:
1. Requires familiarity with PowerShell scripting language.
2. More complexity compared to other methods, especially for beginners.

FAQs:

Q1: Can changing file dates and times negatively impact my computer?

A: No, changing file dates and times won’t negatively impact your computer itself. However, it’s important to note that modifying file dates and times can have unintended consequences, such as affecting applications that rely on specific metadata for sorting or organizing files.

Q2: Is it possible to change file dates and times to dates in the future?

A: Yes, it is possible to change file dates and times to dates in the future using some methods. However, it’s worth noting that setting dates in the future may result in unexpected behavior within certain applications or systems. It’s recommended to exercise caution and consider the implications before setting future dates.

Q3: Can file dates and times be changed back to their original values?

A: Yes, the file dates and times can be changed back to their original values using the same methods described in this article. Simply follow the steps and input the original date and time values to revert the changes.

Q4: Does changing file date and time affect file integrity or content?

A: No, changing file dates and times does not affect the integrity or content of the files. Only the metadata, such as creation, modification, and last access dates and times, are modified while leaving the file’s content intact.

Q5: Can file dates and times be modified for system files?

A: Modifying file dates and times for system files may require administrative privileges and is generally not recommended unless you have a specific reason for doing so. Any changes to system files should be done with caution, as they can potentially affect the stability and functionality of your computer.

Final Thoughts:
Changing file dates and times on Windows 10 can be a valuable skill to have, whether for organizational purposes, version control, or compliance requirements. In this blog post, we have explored four different methods to change file date and time on Windows 10. From using file properties and Command Prompt to third-party software and PowerShell, each method offers its own advantages and considerations. As always, it’s important to exercise caution and be mindful of the implications when modifying file dates and times, especially if they are critical to the functionality or organization of your files.