OneDrive File Issues

How to Fix OneDrive Showing Today as the Last Saved Date

Chanuka Geekiyanage Oct 12, 2026 868 views

Question details

Users need a way to see the actual date a file was modified or saved, rather than the date it was synced to OneDrive.

How to Fix OneDrive Showing Today as the Last Saved Date

Product: OneDrive
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Viewing synchronized cloud files in a local file manager.
Observed behavior: OneDrive displays the synchronization date (often 'Today') in the 'Date modified' column instead of the actual date the file was last edited or saved.

Before you start

Ensure your OneDrive client is running and fully synced, and confirm you are viewing your files within the local File Explorer application.

Solution 1Recommended

Enable the 'Date last saved' Column in File Explorer

Since the default 'Date modified' column may show the sync date, switching your view to 'Date last saved' reveals the true modification time.

Windows File Explorer often uses the synchronization event as the latest modification for cloud files. By adjusting your column details, you can bypass this behavior and read the embedded metadata of your Office documents.

Right-click the column heading

Open the folder containing your OneDrive files in File Explorer. Right-click on any existing column heading (such as Name or Date modified).

Select More

Click on 'More...' from the context menu to open the Choose Details window.

Adjust the date columns

Scroll down the list and uncheck the 'Date modified' box. Then, locate and check the box for 'Date last saved'.

Apply changes

Click 'OK' to apply the changes. Your File Explorer will now display the accurate date your files were last saved.

Enable the 'Date last saved' Column in File Explorer

Verify Online: You can log into OneDrive.com to compare the dates. The web version typically displays the correct modified dates natively.

Solution 2

Unlink and Reconnect Your OneDrive Account

If adjusting the columns does not work or the sync dates are persistently stuck, resetting the connection to your PC can resolve underlying synchronization glitches.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for Seamless Document Management

While dealing with Microsoft OneDrive and Office sync quirks can be frustrating, WPS Office provides a lightweight, highly compatible alternative. It offers built-in cloud support and seamless synchronization for all your documents without the metadata hassle.

1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS website and download the free WPS Office installation file.
2. Install the Suite: Run the setup file and follow the on-screen instructions for a quick, one-click installation.
3. Enable Cloud Sync: Sign in to your WPS account to instantly enable WPS Cloud and start managing your documents with accurate save dates.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does OneDrive change the date modified when downloading a file?

When OneDrive syncs or downloads a file to your local machine, Windows sometimes registers the download process as the newest modification event, changing the 'Date modified' to the current date instead of the actual file edit date.

Does modifying the column settings affect my actual files?

No, changing the columns in File Explorer from 'Date modified' to 'Date last saved' only changes how the metadata is displayed on your screen. It does not alter the actual file contents or intrinsic metadata.

How can I check the true version history of my OneDrive files?

You can view the accurate version history by logging into OneDrive.com, right-clicking the file in question, and selecting 'Version history'. This will show you exactly when the file was last edited and saved.

Document & File Issues