How to See When a Microsoft Word Document Was Created Or Modified in Windows

Helps you track changes to the document

Microsoft Word records the date (and time) you create, edit, print, or save a Word document. These data are digitally embedded in the document, and you can access them in the Microsoft Word app or Windows File Explorer.

We’ll show you how to see when a Word document was created or modified. You’ll also learn to insert the creation or modification date in the Word document.

Check Word Document Creation Date in Microsoft Word

The steps below apply to Microsoft Office 365, Microsoft Word 2016, and newer versions. SeeViewing the Date a Word Document was Last Modifiedif you use an older version of Word.

You can also check the document creation date in the “Advanced Properties” window. Open thePropertiesdrop-down menu and selectAdvanced Properties.

Open theStatisticstab and check the “Created” row to see the document’s creation date. Select OK or Cancel to close theAdvanced Propertieswindow.

Check Word Document Creation Date via File Explorer

You can check the creation date of Word documents usingWindows File Explorer. Use this method if you don’t have Microsoft Word installed on your computer.

If you don’t see the “Date modified” column, right-click theNameheader, and selectDate modified.

You might see a Date created column in the folder. The information in the column describes when the document was saved/downloaded to your computer. Proceed to step #4 to see when documents were first created in Microsoft Word.

You can also see when the document was last modified/edited in theDate last savedrow. TheTotal editing timerow shows how long the author took to make changes to the document.

Check Document Modification Date in Microsoft Word

The Microsoft Word app homepage is another place to see the date Word documents were last modified. Open the Microsoft Word app on your computer and follow the steps below.

Insert Creation or Modification Date in Word Documents

Microsoft Word allows you to insert the date (and time) a document was created or edited as text.

Although you’ll see the current date in the “Date formats” field, Word inserts the actual creation date in the document when you selectOK.

Word will insert a text field displaying the last time the document was saved or modified.

You can also insert the date the document was last printed—open the text field window and choosePrintDate. Choose a preferred date format and selectOKto close the dialog box.

Note:Word automatically updates the print and modified date each time you edit or print the document.

Check Word Document Properties and History

Seeing when a Word document was created, modified, or printed can help you track changes made to the document.Update Microsoft Word on your computerif you have trouble viewing or inserting a document’s creation or modification date.

Sodiq has written thousands of tutorials, guides, and explainers over the past 4 years to help people solve problems with Android, iOS, Mac, and Windows devices. He also enjoys reviewing consumer tech products (smartphones, smart home devices, accessories, etc.) and binge-watching comedy series in his spare time.Read Sodiq’s Full Bio

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How to See When a Microsoft Word Document Was Created Or Modified in Windows#

Check Word Document Creation Date in Microsoft Word#

Check Word Document Creation Date via File Explorer#

Check Document Modification Date in Microsoft Word#

Insert Creation or Modification Date in Word Documents#

Check Word Document Properties and History#