Every file yous create or modify on Windows 10 has file attributes attached to it, telling y'all (or somebody else) when the file was created, modified, opened, and perhaps more. It doesn't matter if yous're belatedly submitting an assignment or you lot're but trying to cover your tracks—the information will e'er be there unless you modify information technology.

If you want to change file attributes like these, you have a few options. You can use the new Windows PowerShell to modify or remove this data, or you tin can practice it using Windows File Explorer or another tertiary-party app like Attribute Changer. Here'due south how to change file attributes on Windows ten using these methods.

Removing File Attributes Using Windows File Explorer

If yous desire to change the terminal modified date or other file attributes on Windows 10, your first thought may be to exercise then using the Properties carte for a file in Windows File Explorer.

Unfortunately, this isn't possible. Y'all can view sure and change certain file attributes in File Explorer, but you tin't alter the concluding viewed, edited, or modified dates. It will remove other personal data, yet, such every bit author name for documents, ratings for media files, as well equally fix a file to read-merely or hidden.

To change other file attributes similar your last modified engagement, cosmos appointment, and other essential file information, yous'll need to employ one of the methods listed later in this article—in item, using the Attribute Changer app.

  • To remove certain personal file attributes, open up Windows File Explorer and locate a file. Right-click the file and press Properties.
  • In the Properties box, press the Details tab, then click the Remove Properties and Personal Information option link.
  • As we've mentioned, you tin't remove or change the file creation appointment or other essential file attributes here. If your file has other personal information attached, you can create a re-create of the file with that data removed by pressing the Create a copy with all possible properties removed option, then press OK to save and perform the activity. A copy of your file will 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 option instead, and then choose the properties you want to remove. Press OK to save and remove this data from your file.
  • You lot can too use File Explorer to change or prepare other file attributes, such as whether your files are hidden or read-just. In the Backdrop box, switch to the Full general tab, then press either the Hidden or Read But checkboxes to enable or disable those settings, then click OK to relieve.

To modify the last modified date and other attributes, you'll need to use some other method listed beneath.

Change File Attributes Using The PowerShell

The attrib command from the Windows PowerShell allows you to view and modify file attributes for Windows ten files. Information technology'due south included as standard, then you don't need any additional software to use information technology.

This is a fairly circuitous method, simply also quite limited. If you desire an easier mode to alter file attributes, use the Attribute Changer app listed below.

  • To start, open a PowerShell window—preferably with administrative privileges. To practise this, right-click the Windows start menu and printing PowerShell (Admin) to launch a new PowerShell window with admin privileges enabled.
  • Use the cd and ls commands to motility folders and list file contents. Once you're in the correct binder, you lot can list all the relevant attributes for your file past typing Get-ItemProperty -Path file | Format-listing -Property * -Force, replacing file with your file path.
  • You lot can utilise the Set-ItemProperty command to change file attributes such as read-only admission. To do this, type Set-ItemProperty -Path file -Proper name IsReadOnly -Value True, replacing file with your file proper name. For a total list of possible variables for this command, come across the full Microsoft PowerShell documentation for more than details.

A successful alter will result in the PowerShell returning no response, merely you tin cheque whether it was successful past typing the Get-ItemProperty -Path file | Format-listing -Holding * -Force command once 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-party apps similar Aspect Changer exist to make this far easier, as well every bit allowing you to change the final modified date and more.

Using Aspect Changer To Change Windows 10 File Attributes

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

  • You'll need to download and install Aspect Changer first. One time installed, open Windows File Explorer and locate a file, then right-click and press the Change Attributes option.
  • An advanced properties box for your file will open—this is the Aspect Changer software in action. Check (or uncheck) to enable or disable various organization attributes like hidden file or read-only admission at the top of the File Properties tab.
  • If you want to change the last modified engagement or alter the file creation information, press to enable the Alter engagement and fourth dimension stamps checkbox. This volition enable you to change the created, modified, and accessed timestamps—change these using the options provided.
  • Once you've made your changes, press the OK or Employ buttons. Attribute Changer will ask you to ostend the changes, and so printing the additional OK 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 you've requested. Yous 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

As the above methods testify, there are enough of means to alter file attributes on Windows ten and which will, hopefully, get you into the habit of amend file management on Windows. You could start by switching to a replacement for Windows Explorer to make it easier to sort and manage your files.

If you're worried nigh losing your files, don't worry—you lot tin can prevent Windows files from existence deleted, besides. Allow us know your tips for file management in the comments section below.