Every file yous create or modify on Windows 10 has file attributes fastened to it, telling yous (or somebody else) when the file was created, modified, opened, and mayhap more than. It doesn't affair if y'all're late submitting an assignment or you're just trying to cover your tracks—the information will always exist at that place unless you change information technology.

If you lot want to change file attributes like these, you have a few options. You can use the new Windows PowerShell to change or remove this information, or y'all tin can do it using Windows File Explorer or another tertiary-party app similar 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 final 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 sure and modify certain file attributes in File Explorer, but you can't change the terminal viewed, edited, or modified dates. Information technology volition remove other personal data, however, such as writer name for documents, ratings for media files, every bit well as fix a file to read-only or subconscious.

To change other file attributes like your terminal modified date, creation date, and other essential file data, you'll demand to use 1 of the methods listed after in this article—in particular, using the Attribute Changer app.

  • To remove sure 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 Data option link.
  • Equally we've mentioned, you can't remove or change the file creation engagement or other essential file attributes here. If your file has other personal information attached, you can create a copy of the file with that information removed by pressing the Create a copy with all possible properties removed option, and then printing OK to save and perform the action. A copy of your file will appear in the same binder as the original file with your chosen attributes removed.
  • To remove this information from an existing file, select the Remove the following properties from this option instead, and so choose the properties you desire to remove. Press OK to salvage and remove this information from your file.
  • Y'all tin besides use File Explorer to alter or set up other file attributes, such every bit whether your files are hidden or read-merely. In the Properties box, switch to the General tab, and so printing either the Hidden or Read Simply checkboxes to enable or disable those settings, and then click OK to save.

To change the concluding modified date and other attributes, y'all'll need to use another method listed below.

Alter File Attributes Using The PowerShell

The attrib control from the Windows PowerShell allows you to view and change file attributes for Windows 10 files. It's included as standard, so yous don't need any additional software to employ it.

This is a fairly complex method, but also quite limited. If y'all desire an easier style to change file attributes, employ the Aspect Changer app listed below.

  • To start, open a PowerShell window—preferably with administrative privileges. To do this, right-click the Windows showtime menu and printing PowerShell (Admin) to launch a new PowerShell window with admin privileges enabled.
  • Use the cd and ls commands to movement folders and list file contents. Once you're in the right folder, you can list all the relevant attributes for your file by typing Get-ItemProperty -Path file | Format-listing -Holding * -Force, replacing file with your file path.
  • Y'all can use the Fix-ItemProperty command to change file attributes such every bit read-only access. To exercise this, type Set-ItemProperty -Path file -Proper noun IsReadOnly -Value Truthful, replacing file with your file name. For a total listing of possible variables for this control, see the full Microsoft PowerShell documentation for more details.

A successful change will result in the PowerShell returning no response, only you can check whether information technology was successful by typing the Become-ItemProperty -Path file | Format-listing -Property * -Force control again, or by viewing the file backdrop using File Explorer.

This isn't the easiest method to modify file attributes, as nosotros've mentioned. 3rd-political party apps like Attribute Changer exist to make this far easier, also equally allowing you to modify the last modified date and more.

Using Attribute Changer To Change Windows 10 File Attributes

Attribute Changer offers the best way to change file attributes on Windows. Forth with typical hidden and read-only attributes, Attribute Changer allows you to modify file admission and file creation dates, also as other options.

  • You'll need to download and install Attribute Changer first. Once installed, open Windows File Explorer and locate a file, then right-click and printing the Change Attributes option.
  • An advanced backdrop box for your file will open—this is the Attribute Changer software in action. Check (or uncheck) to enable or disable various system attributes like hidden file or read-only access at the top of the File Properties tab.
  • If you lot desire to alter the last modified date or change the file creation data, press to enable the Change appointment and time stamps checkbox. This will enable you to alter the created, modified, and accessed timestamps—change these using the options provided.
  • Once you lot've made your changes, press the OK or Apply buttons. Aspect Changer will ask yous to confirm the changes, so printing the additional OK button in the Processing Confirmation box that appears.

Aspect Changer will switch to the Reporting tab and, assuming no issues, volition list the progress of the changes and utilise the changes you've requested. You can double-check this by correct-clicking your file, pressing Properties, and viewing your file attributes in the General and Details tabs.

File Management On Windows

Every bit the above methods prove, there are enough of means to change file attributes on Windows ten and which will, hopefully, get y'all into the habit of improve file management on Windows. Yous could showtime by switching to a replacement for Windows Explorer to arrive easier to sort and manage your files.

If you're worried about losing your files, don't worry—you can prevent Windows files from being deleted, likewise. Let united states of america know your tips for file direction in the comments department below.