Every file you create or modify on Windows 10 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 lot're late submitting an consignment or y'all're only trying to encompass your tracks—the information will always be at that place unless you modify information technology.

If y'all want to change file attributes like these, you take a few options. Y'all tin use the new Windows PowerShell to change or remove this information, or you can do it using Windows File Explorer or another 3rd-party app like Attribute Changer. Here's how to change file attributes on Windows ten using these methods.

Removing File Attributes Using Windows File Explorer

If you want to change the last modified appointment or other file attributes on Windows x, your showtime idea may be to do so using the Backdrop menu for a file in Windows File Explorer.

Unfortunately, this isn't possible. Yous can view certain and modify certain file attributes in File Explorer, but you can't change the last viewed, edited, or modified dates. It will remove other personal information, however, such as author name for documents, ratings for media files, as well as set up a file to read-only or hidden.

To change other file attributes like your last modified appointment, creation date, and other essential file information, you'll need to use one of the methods listed after in this article—in item, using the Attribute Changer app.

  • To remove certain personal file attributes, open Windows File Explorer and locate a file. Right-click the file and printing Properties.
  • In the Properties box, press the Details tab, so click the Remove Properties and Personal Information choice link.
  • Every bit we've mentioned, you tin't remove or alter the file cosmos appointment or other essential file attributes here. If your file has other personal data attached, you tin can create a copy of the file with that information removed by pressing the Create a copy with all possible backdrop removed option, then printing OK to save and perform the action. A copy of your file will appear in the same folder every bit the original file with your chosen attributes removed.
  • To remove this data from an existing file, select the Remove the following backdrop from this pick instead, then cull the properties you want to remove. Press OK to salvage and remove this data from your file.
  • Y'all tin can too apply File Explorer to change or set other file attributes, such as whether your files are hidden or read-merely. In the Backdrop box, switch to the General tab, and then press either the Hidden or Read Only checkboxes to enable or disable those settings, then click OK to salvage.

To modify the last modified date and other attributes, you'll need to utilize another method listed below.

Change File Attributes Using The PowerShell

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

This is a adequately complex method, merely likewise quite express. If yous desire an easier manner to modify file attributes, use the Aspect Changer app listed below.

  • To start, open a PowerShell window—preferably with authoritative privileges. To do this, correct-click the Windows start carte and press PowerShell (Admin) to launch a new PowerShell window with admin privileges enabled.
  • Employ the cd and ls commands to motion folders and list file contents. Once yous're in the correct folder, you tin can list all the relevant attributes for your file by typing Become-ItemProperty -Path file | Format-list -Holding * -Strength, replacing file with your file path.
  • Y'all tin employ the Fix-ItemProperty command to modify file attributes such every bit read-only access. To exercise this, blazon Set-ItemProperty -Path file -Name IsReadOnly -Value True, replacing file with your file proper noun. For a total listing of possible variables for this command, come across the full Microsoft PowerShell documentation for more details.

A successful change volition effect in the PowerShell returning no response, but you can cheque whether it was successful by typing the Get-ItemProperty -Path file | Format-listing -Property * -Force control again, or by viewing the file properties using File Explorer.

This isn't the easiest method to change file attributes, equally we've mentioned. Third-party apps like Attribute Changer exist to make this far easier, also as allowing yous to alter the concluding modified appointment and more.

Using Attribute Changer To Change Windows 10 File Attributes

Attribute Changer offers the best way to change file attributes on Windows. Along with typical hidden and read-only attributes, Attribute Changer allows you to modify file access and file creation dates, likewise equally other options.

  • You'll need to download and install Aspect Changer first. One time installed, open Windows File Explorer and locate a file, and then correct-click and printing the Alter Attributes option.
  • An advanced properties box for your file will open—this is the Attribute Changer software in action. Check (or uncheck) to enable or disable various organisation attributes like subconscious file or read-only access at the top of the File Properties tab.
  • If yous want to modify the concluding modified date or modify the file creation information, printing to enable the Modify date and time stamps checkbox. This will enable you to change the created, modified, and accessed timestamps—modify these using the options provided.
  • Once you've made your changes, press the OK or Apply buttons. Attribute Changer volition enquire you to confirm the changes, so press the boosted OK push button in the Processing Confirmation box that appears.

Attribute Changer will switch to the Reporting tab and, assuming no issues, volition list the progress of the changes and use the changes y'all've requested. You lot can double-check this by right-clicking your file, pressing Properties, and viewing your file attributes in the Full general and Details tabs.

File Management On Windows

Every bit the above methods testify, there are plenty of ways to modify file attributes on Windows 10 and which volition, hopefully, get you into the habit of better file management on Windows. Yous could kickoff past switching to a replacement for Windows Explorer to get in easier to sort and manage your files.

If you're worried about losing your files, don't worry—you can preclude Windows files from being deleted, too. Allow united states know your tips for file management in the comments section below.