On Windows 10, File Explorer always included the ability to show dates to identify when files and folders were created, modified, etc. However, dates were shown using the standard format, which can be a little bit tricky to decode at glance.
Starting with Windows 10 version 1903, File Explorer includes a new option to use friendly dates to show dates in a friendly conversational format. For example, “5 hours ago,” instead of “1/2/2019 1:15 PM.”
In this guide, you’ll learn the steps to list files and folders using the friendly dates format options in File Explorer available starting with version 1903 (19H1).
- How to show friendly dates using Folders options
- How to show friendly dates using File Explorer options
How to show friendly dates using Folders options
To use the new conversational date format when using the “Details” view in File Explorer, use the steps:
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Open File Explorer (Windows key + E).
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Click on the View tab.
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Click the Options button.
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Click on the View tab.
File Explorer, View tab -
Under the “Advanced settings” section, check the Use friendly dates option.
Folder options, Use friendly dates option -
Click the Apply button.
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Click the Ok button.
Once you’ve completed the steps, when using the “Details” view, the “Date modified” column and any other date column that you may be using will display dates using the new friendly format.
How to show friendly dates using File Explorer options
Alternatively, you can also switch to the friendly dates on Windows 10 using these steps:
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Open File Explorer (Windows key + E).
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Right-click one of the column headers.
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Select the Use friendly dates option.
Right-click, Use friendly dates option
After completing the steps, dates will show with new friendly format.
If you don’t see these settings, it’s because you’re not running the version that supports this feature. The friendly dates format is available starting with Windows 10 version 1903 and later.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows expert and the Editor-in-Chief who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He is also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 12 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows, software, and related technologies, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me.