Every file yous create or modify on Windows x has file attributes fastened to it, telling you (or somebody else) when the file was created, modified, opened, and possibly more. It doesn't affair if you're late submitting an assignment or you're only trying to cover your tracks—the information will always exist in that location unless you change it.

If you desire to alter file attributes like these, you accept a few options. You can use the new Windows PowerShell to change or remove this data, or you tin do it using Windows File Explorer or another third-party app similar Attribute Changer. Hither's how to modify file attributes on Windows ten using these methods.

Removing File Attributes Using Windows File Explorer

If you desire to change the last modified date or other file attributes on Windows 10, your first thought may be to do so using the Properties menu for a file in Windows File Explorer.

Unfortunately, this isn't possible. You tin view certain and change certain file attributes in File Explorer, merely y'all tin't change the last viewed, edited, or modified dates. Information technology will remove other personal data, however, such as writer name for documents, ratings for media files, as well as set a file to read-but or hidden.

To change other file attributes similar your concluding modified date, creation appointment, and other essential file data, you lot'll need to utilise one of the methods listed afterward in this article—in particular, using the Aspect Changer app.

  • To remove certain personal file attributes, open up Windows File Explorer and locate a file. Correct-click the file and press Properties.
  • In the Properties box, press the Details tab, and then click the Remove Properties and Personal Information option link.
  • As we've mentioned, you lot can't remove or alter the file creation date or other essential file attributes hither. If your file has other personal information fastened, you lot can create a copy of the file with that information removed by pressing the Create a copy with all possible properties removed choice, then press OK to salve and perform the activity. A copy of your file volition announced in the same folder equally the original file with your called attributes removed.
  • To remove this information from an existing file, select the Remove the following properties from this selection instead, then choose the backdrop you desire to remove. Press OK to relieve and remove this information from your file.
  • Y'all can also use File Explorer to change or set other file attributes, such every bit whether your files are hidden or read-only. In the Properties box, switch to the General tab, then press either the Hidden or Read Only checkboxes to enable or disable those settings, then click OK to salve.

To change the final modified date and other attributes, you'll demand to use another method listed below.

Change File Attributes Using The PowerShell

The attrib command from the Windows PowerShell allows you to view and modify file attributes for Windows 10 files. It's included as standard, so y'all don't need any additional software to utilize it.

This is a fairly complex method, but also quite limited. If you desire an easier style to alter file attributes, use the Attribute Changer app listed beneath.

  • To start, open a PowerShell window—preferably with authoritative privileges. To practice this, right-click the Windows commencement carte and press PowerShell (Admin) to launch a new PowerShell window with admin privileges enabled.
  • Use the cd and ls commands to move folders and list file contents. Once you're in the correct folder, you lot can list all the relevant attributes for your file by typing Become-ItemProperty -Path file | Format-listing -Property * -Force, replacing file with your file path.
  • You can utilize the Set-ItemProperty command to change file attributes such as read-but access. To do this, type Fix-ItemProperty -Path file -Name IsReadOnly -Value True, replacing file with your file name. For a total list of possible variables for this control, see the full Microsoft PowerShell documentation for more details.

A successful modify will result in the PowerShell returning no response, only you can bank check whether information technology was successful by typing the Get-ItemProperty -Path file | Format-list -Property * -Strength command again, or by viewing the file backdrop using File Explorer.

This isn't the easiest method to change file attributes, as we've mentioned. Third-political party apps similar Attribute Changer exist to brand this far easier, besides as allowing you to alter the last modified date and more.

Using Aspect Changer To Change Windows 10 File Attributes

Attribute Changer offers the all-time style to alter file attributes on Windows. Forth with typical subconscious and read-just attributes, Attribute Changer allows you to modify file access and file creation dates, too as other options.

  • You'll need to download and install Attribute Changer start. Once installed, open Windows File Explorer and locate a file, then correct-click and press the Change Attributes option.
  • An advanced backdrop box for your file will open up—this is the Attribute Changer software in activeness. Cheque (or uncheck) to enable or disable various arrangement attributes similar hidden file or read-just access at the tiptop of the File Backdrop tab.
  • If you want to alter the concluding modified date or change the file creation data, printing to enable the Change appointment and time stamps checkbox. This will enable you lot to change the created, modified, and accessed timestamps—change these using the options provided.
  • One time yous've made your changes, press the OK or Apply buttons. Attribute Changer will inquire you to confirm the changes, so printing the boosted OK push in the Processing Confirmation box that appears.

Aspect Changer will switch to the Reporting tab and, bold no bug, will list the progress of the changes and utilize the changes you lot've requested. Yous can double-cheque this by right-clicking your file, pressing Properties, and viewing your file attributes in the General and Details tabs.

File Management On Windows

As the above methods show, at that place are plenty of ways to modify file attributes on Windows 10 and which volition, hopefully, become you into the habit of amend file management on Windows. You could outset by switching to a replacement for Windows Explorer to make it easier to sort and manage your files.

If you're worried about losing your files, don't worry—you lot can prevent Windows files from existence deleted, too. Permit u.s. know your tips for file direction in the comments section below.