The creation time and last activity date of each file are the most basic identifiers of the file. The creation time and modification time of files on a computer are traces of the file's history. Sometimes, for unified archiving or management needs, we may need to assign a specific time range to a group of files. For example, for all documents in a certain folder, we may want their creation and modification times to be neatly set within a certain week of the previous month. However, the Windows system cannot easily modify the time data in file attributes in a normal way. This article explains several methods to teach you how to batch modify file creation and modification times within a time range, freely define the start and end times, and turn messy timestamps into an orderly arrangement.
Why Change the Creation and Modification Times of Multiple Files to a Range?
Make Files More Uniform
When organizing a large number of files, you often find that the creation and modification times are very messy, some from years ago, some just generated, making them very uneven. If these files originally belong to the same project or batch of content, but the time gaps are large, it is very unreasonable. Adjusting the creation and modification times of multiple files uniformly to a reasonable time range can make the entire batch of files look more standardized.
Meet Time Requirements
When submitting materials, uploading, or reviewing files, there are certain time requirements. If the file creation time is too early or too late, it may be considered not from the same batch, requiring re-organization. We set the creation and modification times of multiple files to a range to avoid rejection due to time issues, allowing the materials to pass inspection smoothly and reducing unnecessary trouble.
Facilitate Sorting and Searching
Many people search for files by modification time. If the time span is too large, related files will be scattered in different positions, making it inconvenient to find them all at once. After adjusting the file times to a similar range, these files will be displayed together in the list, making searching and management much easier.
Preview of the Effect of Batch Modifying File Creation and Modification Times Within a Range
Before processing:
After processing:
Method 1: Use HeSoft Doc Batch Tool to Batch Change File Creation and Modification Times
Recommendation Index: ★★★★★
Pros:
The interface is simple and intuitive, with no complex operations. It can support batch processing of a large number of files, improving work efficiency. It can adjust creation, modification, and access times, accurate to the second. Furthermore, all files are processed on the local computer, with no requirement to upload files, protecting the privacy and security of user files.
Cons:
It can only be operated and used on the computer where it is installed.
Steps:
1. Open 【 HeSoft Doc Batch Tool 】, select 【File Organization】-【Modify Time in File System Properties】.
2. Choose a method from 【Add Files】 or 【Import Files from Folder】 to add the files whose times need modification. You can also directly drag and drop files into the import area below, then click Next.
3. Enter the settings interface, turn on the 【Creation Time】 and 【Modification Time】 options, adjust the type to Random Time, then select the time range interval, and finally click Next again. Then click Browse to select the save location for the new files.
4. Wait for the progress to complete, open the folder indicated by the red path, and you will see that both the creation time and modification time of the files have been successfully adjusted.
Method 2: Use BulkFileChanger to Modify Time in File Properties
Recommendation Index: ★★★★☆
Pros:
Only modifies metadata without affecting the actual file content, ensuring the safety and integrity of core data like documents and images, avoiding data loss due to actual modifications. Generally compatible with common formats like images, videos, and documents, eliminating the need to use multiple software specifically for different file types.
Cons:
Batch modification of file time attributes is irreversible. Once an operational error occurs, it may lead to confusion in file time information, making restoration very difficult, and potentially affecting file integrity.
Steps:
1. Install BulkFileChanger software. After opening, add files via the File menu.
2. Next, select the files to be modified, click Actions - Change Time. In the pop-up window, set the new creation time and modification time.
3. Then check the box and click Execute to start the modification.
Method 3: Use PowerShell Command Line Tool to Batch Adjust File Attribute Creation and Modification Times
Recommendation Index: ★★★☆☆
Pros:
Completely free, no need to install other software. Processing speed is very fast, especially suitable for large batches of files. Can write complex batch processing logic, and once written, it can be reused indefinitely, saving a lot of time in the long run.
Cons:
Requires basic command line knowledge, not friendly for users unfamiliar with the technology. Incorrect commands may lead to unexpected results, requiring careful operation and testing.
Steps:
1. Navigate to the folder containing the files to be modified, right-click and open PowerShell.
2. Modify the creation time of a single file:
(Get-Item "filename").CreationTime = "2026-01-15 10:30:00"
Modify the modification time of a single file:
(Get-Item "filename").LastWriteTime = "2026-02-01 10:30:00"
3. Batch modify all files in the current folder:
Get-ChildItem | ForEach-Object { $_.CreationTime = "2024-06-15 10:30:00" }
4. After confirmation, press Enter to execute the command and it is done.