All files on our computers have timestamps associated with them. The timestamps host some crucial information like when the file was created and when was it last accessed or modified. These timestamps are automatically updated as we normally use and open these files. There might be a few scenarios where you want to change these timestamps without opening or modifying the file. You might want to make the file look a few days younger or older. This can be easily done by using a free tool called NewFileTime.
NewFileTime for Windows PC
NewFileTime is a freeware program for Windows that lets you modify timestamps on any file. You can modify all types of timestamps, including Last Accessed Time, Last Modified Time and Creation time.
How to change Date Created Timestamp on a File
The tool is quite simple to use and comes with many intuitive features. NewFileTime is a batch tool, meaning you can run it on multiple files and folders at once. All you need to do is drag all files and folders for which you want to modify timestamps for. Including subfolders and subfiles can also be enabled if you want to run this tool on all files and folders inside the main folder.
Once you are done adding the files, you can move on to modifying their timestamps. You can also view a file’s existing timestamps by clicking on it. There are three ways in which you can modify the timestamps, all of which are discussed as follows.
Set Time
This mode will let you set an exact date and time for selected files. You can use the checkboxes to control what information you want to change. You can modify only the time and preserve the date or do it the other way around. Also, you can totally leave out any timestamp out of Date Modified, Date Created and Date Accessed. This mode is ideal if you want to give an exact date to selected files.
Be Older
Be Older mode makes your files look older. This means that the tool will make your file look as if it were created/accessed/modified a few days before its actual date. This mode is ideal if you want to say, “I did my work on time.” You can check the timestamps. As in the Set Time mode, you can use the checkboxes to select all the information you want to change.
Be Younger
This mode works the opposite way from the Be Older mode. It makes your file looks a little young by adding a few days to the actual date. This mode is ideal when you want to convey that the work was done later than it was done.
So, these were the modes that NewFileTime has to offer. Once you have selected a suitable mode, you can you can click a file to preview the new timestamps that are going to be applied. And you can compare both new and old timestamps too.
The last step that you need to do now is hit Set-Time button, and the timestamps will be updated. You can also export the results as text files, and the same file can also be used later to import.
NewFileTime is a great utility for quickly batch-updating timestamps across different files. You don’t need to open the file or require any other software to view/edit the file. NewFileTime works with any file and gets the job done quickly. Click here to download NewFileTime.
Does copying a file change the creation date?
Yes, copying a file changes its creation date, whether you copy it to internal or external storage. The date and time at which you copy that file will become its creation date and time. However, the date of modification does not change on copying the file(s).
What is the difference between date modified and date created?
The date on which you create a file is its date of creation and the date on which you modify that file is its date of modification. Let’s say, you created a file on 5 May 2025 and made changes to it on 10 May 2025, the former is its date of creation or date created and the latter is its date of modification or date modified.
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