OneDrive File Issues

How to Show Actual Dates Instead of Relative Dates in OneDrive

Huda Qurayshi Oct 10, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user wants to view exact calendar dates instead of relative timestamps (e.g., '3 days ago') for their files in OneDrive.

How to Show Actual Dates Instead of Relative Dates in OneDrive

Product: Microsoft OneDrive
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Checking accurate file modification or creation dates within the OneDrive interface.
Observed behavior: OneDrive displays relative dates that can sometimes appear inaccurate, making it difficult to determine the exact time a file was modified or created.

Before you start

Verify whether you are viewing your files through the OneDrive desktop client for Windows, the OneDrive web browser interface, or a mobile app, as the date display settings and available workarounds vary across these platforms.

Solution 1Recommended

Use Windows File Explorer to View Exact Dates

Syncing your files to Windows File Explorer is the most reliable method, as Windows natively displays exact dates instead of relative timestamps.

The OneDrive app for Windows integrates with File Explorer, which defaults to showing exact calendar dates and times for your synchronized files.

Open File Explorer

Press the Windows Key + E on your keyboard to launch File Explorer.

Navigate to OneDrive

Click on your OneDrive folder from the left-hand navigation pane.

Enable Details View

Go to the 'View' tab at the top of the window and select 'Details' from the Layout section.

Check Date Columns

Look at the 'Date modified' column to see the exact timestamps. You can also right-click the column headers to add 'Date created' if needed.

Accurate Timestamps: File Explorer will always display the precise date and time synced from the Microsoft servers, completely avoiding relative 'x days ago' phrasing.

Solution 2

Check File Info Pane in OneDrive Web

If you must use the OneDrive web interface, you can find the exact timestamp by inspecting the properties of individual files.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does OneDrive show 'x days ago' instead of the date?

OneDrive uses relative dates (like '2 days ago') for recently modified files to provide a quick, user-friendly sense of recency. Older files typically revert to standard calendar dates automatically.

Can I disable relative dates in the OneDrive web settings?

Currently, Microsoft does not provide a direct toggle within the OneDrive web settings to disable relative dates across the entire list view. The best workaround is using the Info pane or viewing the files via Windows File Explorer.

Does the OneDrive mobile app show exact dates?

Similar to the web version, the mobile app often uses relative dates for recent files. To see the exact date, you usually need to tap the three-dot menu next to the file and select 'Details' or 'Info'.

Document & File Issues