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Why OneDrive Folder Dates Change After Sync and How to Check Them
Question details
Users notice that the modification dates of synchronized OneDrive folders differ between multiple computers.
- Product
- Microsoft OneDrive
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Synchronizing OneDrive folders and checking file properties across two or more devices.
- Observed behavior
- The local folder modification date reflects the download or local creation time rather than the original cloud modification date.
Ensure your computers are connected to the internet and that the OneDrive sync client is currently running and up to date on all devices.
Check Original Modification Dates on OneDrive Web
Verify the true modification date of your folders by accessing the web version of OneDrive.
When OneDrive syncs files to a new computer, the Windows operating system often stamps the folder with the date it was downloaded and created locally. To see when the content was actually last modified by you or a collaborator, you must check the cloud version directly.
Launch your preferred web browser and navigate to the official OneDrive website.
Sign in using the Microsoft account credentials associated with your synchronized files.
Navigate to the folder in question and look at the 'Modified' column. This displays the original cloud modification date regardless of when it was downloaded to a local PC.
Manage Local Storage with 'Free up space'
Use the 'Free up space' feature to remove local copies, keeping files online-only so they don't generate new local creation dates.
Experience Seamless File Management with WPS Office Cloud
While OneDrive handles your Windows file synchronization, WPS Office provides a lightweight, free alternative to Microsoft Office with its own robust, built-in cloud storage. Avoid confusing local file dates and enjoy seamless document management across all your devices without the heavy subscription costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the 'Date Modified' change when I download a folder from OneDrive?
When you download a folder from OneDrive to a new computer, your local operating system treats it as a newly created directory on that specific hard drive. As a result, it updates the 'Date Modified' to the time of the download rather than keeping the original edit time from the cloud.
What do the different OneDrive status icons mean in File Explorer?
A cloud icon means the file is online-only and doesn't take up local storage space. A green checkmark with a white background means the file has been downloaded and is stored locally on your device. A solid green circle with a white checkmark indicates a file is permanently set to 'Always keep on this device'.
How can I make my files online-only again after downloading them?
Right-click the locally stored file or folder in File Explorer and select 'Free up space'. The status icon will immediately change to a blue cloud, indicating that the local copy has been removed and the file is now securely stored only in the cloud.
