Every file you create or alter on Windows x has file attributes attached to it, telling you lot (or somebody else) when the file was created, modified, opened, and perchance more. It doesn't matter if you're late submitting an consignment or you're simply trying to encompass your tracks—the information will always be there unless y'all change it.

If you want to change file attributes similar these, you have a few options. You can utilise the new Windows PowerShell to change or remove this data, or you tin do it using Windows File Explorer or some other 3rd-political party app similar Aspect Changer. Hither's how to modify file attributes on Windows 10 using these methods.

Removing File Attributes Using Windows File Explorer

If you want to change the last modified engagement or other file attributes on Windows 10, your start thought may be to do so using the Properties card for a file in Windows File Explorer.

Unfortunately, this isn't possible. Yous tin can view certain and modify certain file attributes in File Explorer, only you can't alter the last viewed, edited, or modified dates. It will remove other personal data, however, such as author name for documents, ratings for media files, likewise equally set a file to read-merely or subconscious.

To change other file attributes similar your last modified date, creation engagement, and other essential file information, you'll demand to utilize one of the methods listed subsequently in this commodity—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 Backdrop box, press the Details tab, and then click the Remove Properties and Personal Information option link.
  • Equally we've mentioned, yous can't remove or change the file creation engagement or other essential file attributes hither. If your file has other personal data fastened, you can create a copy of the file with that information removed past pressing the Create a copy with all possible properties removed selection, then printing OK to save and perform the activeness. A copy of your file will appear in the aforementioned folder as 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, then choose the properties you want to remove. Press OK to save and remove this data from your file.
  • Y'all tin can also use File Explorer to alter or set up other file attributes, such equally whether your files are subconscious or read-simply. In the Properties box, switch to the General tab, then press either the Subconscious or Read Only checkboxes to enable or disable those settings, then click OK to save.

To change the concluding modified date and other attributes, yous'll need to use some other method listed below.

Change File Attributes Using The PowerShell

The attrib command from the Windows PowerShell allows y'all to view and change file attributes for Windows 10 files. It's included as standard, and then you don't need any additional software to apply information technology.

This is a adequately circuitous method, but also quite limited. If you want an easier way to alter file attributes, apply the Attribute Changer app listed beneath.

  • To start, open a PowerShell window—preferably with administrative privileges. To do this, correct-click the Windows offset bill of fare 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. In one case yous're in the correct folder, you can listing all the relevant attributes for your file by typing Become-ItemProperty -Path file | Format-list -Property * -Strength, replacing file with your file path.
  • Yous tin use the Set-ItemProperty command to modify file attributes such as read-only access. To do this, type Set-ItemProperty -Path file -Name IsReadOnly -Value Truthful, replacing file with your file name. For a full list of possible variables for this command, come across the full Microsoft PowerShell documentation for more details.

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

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

Using Attribute Changer To Change Windows 10 File Attributes

Attribute Changer offers the best way to modify file attributes on Windows. Along with typical subconscious and read-only attributes, Aspect Changer allows y'all to change file admission and file creation dates, equally well equally other options.

  • You'll need to download and install Attribute Changer first. Once installed, open Windows File Explorer and locate a file, then correct-click and press the Change Attributes option.
  • An advanced properties box for your file will open up—this is the Attribute Changer software in action. Bank check (or uncheck) to enable or disable various system attributes like subconscious file or read-merely admission at the top of the File Properties tab.
  • If you want to change the concluding modified date or change the file creation information, press to enable the Change date and time stamps checkbox. This will enable you to modify 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 will enquire yous to confirm the changes, so press the boosted OK button in the Processing Confirmation box that appears.

Attribute Changer volition switch to the Reporting tab and, assuming no issues, will list the progress of the changes and use 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 Direction On Windows

As the above methods show, in that location are plenty of ways to alter file attributes on Windows 10 and which will, hopefully, get y'all into the habit of better file management on Windows. Y'all could commencement by switching to a replacement for Windows Explorer to brand information technology easier to sort and manage your files.

If you're worried well-nigh losing your files, don't worry—y'all can foreclose Windows files from being deleted, also. Let us know your tips for file management in the comments section beneath.