How to Change Modified Date of a File in Windows 10: Step-by-Step Guide

Changing the modified date of a file in Windows 10 might seem tricky, but it’s actually quite straightforward once you know the steps. This article will guide you through the process, using a simple method that involves using Command Prompt. By the end, you’ll be able to easily change the modified date and time of any file on your Windows 10 system.

How to Change Modified Date of a File in Windows 10

To change the modified date of a file in Windows 10, you’ll be using the Command Prompt. This involves a few steps where you’ll find and use a special command called "PowerShell." Below are the steps to accomplish this task:

Step 1: Open Command Prompt as an Administrator

First, click on the Start menu, type "cmd," right-click on Command Prompt, and select "Run as administrator."

Running Command Prompt with administrative privileges ensures you have the necessary permissions to change file attributes. This is crucial because some files require higher-level access to modify.

Step 2: Locate the File Path

Find the full path of the file you want to change. You can do this by navigating to the file in File Explorer, right-clicking it, and selecting "Properties."

This step helps you get the exact location of the file, which you’ll need to input into the Command Prompt. Without the correct file path, the command won’t know which file to change.

Step 3: Open PowerShell in Command Prompt

Once in Command Prompt, type "powershell" and press Enter. This switches from Command Prompt to PowerShell within the same window.

PowerShell offers more powerful commands and flexibility compared to the regular Command Prompt. It’s like switching from a basic toolkit to a more advanced one.

Step 4: Type the Command to Change the Date

Input the following command:

(Get-Item "C:pathtoyourfile.txt").LastWriteTime=("MM/DD/YYYY HH:MM:SS")

Be sure to replace "C:pathtoyourfile.txt" with your file path, and "MM/DD/YYYY HH:MM:SS" with your desired date and time.

This command specifically targets the "LastWriteTime" attribute, which controls the modified date. Replace the placeholders to match your file and the exact date and time you want.

Step 5: Press Enter to Execute

After entering the command, press Enter to execute it. If successful, the modified date of your file will change to the specified date and time.

Executing the command commits the change to the file’s metadata. If there’s an error, make sure to double-check the file path and date format.

What Happens After Completing These Steps

After completing these steps, the modified date of your file will be updated to the new date and time you specified. You can verify this by right-clicking the file, selecting "Properties," and looking at the "Modified" field. Your file will now show the new date and time as if it was last modified at that moment.

Tips for Changing Modified Date of a File in Windows 10

• Always back up your file before making changes.
• Ensure you are logged in with an administrator account.
• Double-check the date and time format to avoid errors.
• Use quotes around the file path if it contains spaces.
• Verify changes by checking the file’s properties afterward.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why would I need to change the modified date of a file?

Changing the modified date can be useful for organizational purposes or to align files within a specific timeline.

Is it legal to change the modified date of a file?

Yes, it is legal for personal use. However, altering file dates for fraudulent reasons is illegal.

Can I change the modified date of multiple files at once?

Yes, but you’ll need to use a script to do so. PowerShell can handle batch changes efficiently.

Will this method work on Windows versions other than Windows 10?

Similar methods can be used on other Windows versions, but the steps might slightly differ.

Can I revert the modified date back to the original?

No, once you change it and save, the old date is not retained unless you have a backup.

Summary

1. Open Command Prompt as an Administrator.
2. Locate the File Path.
3. Open PowerShell in Command Prompt.
4. Type the Command to Change the Date.
5. Press Enter to Execute.

Conclusion

Changing the modified date of a file in Windows 10 is a handy skill that can make managing your files much easier. Following these steps, you can ensure your files are organized just the way you want. Remember to always create backups before making any changes, just in case something goes wrong. Understanding how to use PowerShell for these tasks can also open up new possibilities for automating and managing your files more effectively. So go ahead, give it a try, and see how smoothly you can manage your file dates!