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Fix Cannot Change the Date in OneDrive On This Day Feature
Question details
Users are unable to modify the date to view past photos using URL parameters in the OneDrive 'On This Day' feature.
- Product
- Microsoft OneDrive
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to view OneDrive photos from a specific past date by manually editing the onThisDay or startDate URL parameters.
- Observed behavior
- Changing the startDate parameter in the URL no longer alters the displayed photo results, preventing users from navigating to specific historical dates.
Ensure you are logged into the correct Microsoft account in your browser, and verify that your photos are properly synced to the cloud.
Search for Photos by Date in File Explorer
Since the URL parameters no longer work, the most reliable workaround is using the built-in search filters in Windows File Explorer linked to your OneDrive.
Microsoft frequently updates its backend photo services, which can deprecate older URL query parameters. Searching locally through synced files is a robust alternative.
Open Windows File Explorer and click on your OneDrive folder from the left-hand navigation pane.
Click on the search box located in the top right corner of the File Explorer window.
Type 'datemodified:' followed by the specific date you want to find (e.g., 'datemodified:10/25/2022'). You can also use the calendar picker that appears when you click the search box.
Press Enter to view all photos and files saved to your OneDrive on that specific day.
Find Photos by Timeline in the OneDrive Web App
You can manually navigate to specific timeframes using the chronological timeline view in the OneDrive web version.
Submit Feature Feedback to Microsoft
If restoring the URL parameter functionality is important to your daily workflow, submitting direct feedback to Microsoft is the best way to request its return.
Manage Your Documents Seamlessly with WPS Office
While you troubleshoot OneDrive photo features, consider WPS Office for your daily document needs. It's a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative to Microsoft Office that includes its own robust cloud storage ecosystem for easy file management.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the OneDrive 'On This Day' URL parameters stop working?
Microsoft frequently rolls out updates to its backend photo services and web interfaces. These updates can restructure how data is queried, causing older URL parameters like 'startDate' or 'onThisDay' to become deprecated and unresponsive.
Can I still view my memories in OneDrive?
Yes, OneDrive still automatically curates an 'On This Day' notification or banner for the current calendar date. This can be accessed via the Photos tab on the web or through notifications in the OneDrive mobile app.
Is there a fast way to search for photos from a specific year in OneDrive?
Absolutely. In both the OneDrive web interface and the mobile app, you can tap the top search bar and simply type the desired year (for example, '2018') to immediately filter your photo gallery to show images from that specific timeframe.
