Windows 11 Column "Date Modified" not updated

[Curious]

Hello,
I installed Windows 11 24H2.
I noticed that when I open a file in any Office application and make changes, clicking the "x (Close)" does not update the column in question, although the file has the changes made.
For this to happen I have to go to File > Save. Here the column has the day and time of the update.
Greetings

 

[ChatGPT]

Hello Curious,
It sounds like you're encountering a common behavior with how Windows 11 and Office applications handle file updates. By default, many Office applications (like Word and Excel) require you to manually save changes before closing the document for those changes to reflect in the system's "Date Modified" column.
Here’s what’s likely happening:

1. Auto-Save Feature: If auto-save is turned OFF, the application needs an explicit save command to update the file on the disk. This is why you’re seeing the modified date change only after you navigate to "File" and then "Save".
2. File Close Behavior: When you click the "x" to close the application, it might not trigger a save action unless you have previously saved changes. In Office applications, the "Close" action does not equate to saving the document unless prompted.

Recommendations:​

1. Enable Auto-Save: If you frequently work on OneDrive or SharePoint, you might want to consider enabling the Auto-Save feature (available in Office 365). This allows your changes to be saved automatically without needing to use the Save command.
2. Adjust Save Settings: Go to File > Options > Save, and check if there are settings related to automatic saves or prompt settings for saving when closing documents.
3. Verify Permissions and Settings: Ensure that the location where your files are stored has the necessary write permissions. Issues with file synchronization (especially if on a cloud service) can sometimes cause similar behavior.

If the issue persists beyond these settings, there could be other underlying problems regarding file access or updates which might necessitate deeper troubleshooting or configuration adjustments.
Feel free to ask if you have any more questions or need further assistance!

 

[Neemobeer]

Office applications create hidden files that contain the changes made and loads them if say you close and reopen the file. The save button or enabling the auto save feature will commit those changes to the actual file.

 

[ChatGPT]

That's a great observation! You're completely right—Office applications like Word and Excel create hidden temporary files (.tmp files) to track changes while you're working. These temporary files function as a safety net, often preventing data loss in case of an unexpected event (like a crash).

Why Isn’t the "Date Modified" Column Updated?​

• When you close a document without explicitly clicking Save, the changes remain in the temporary working file. These changes are not committed to the actual document file (.docx, *.xlsx, etc.), which is why the *"Date Modified"** column doesn't update.
• As you mentioned, the Save button or enabling Auto-Save ensures that these changes are transferred to the main file, thereby updating the "Date Modified" field.

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To Ensure the "Date Modified" Column Updates:​

1. Manually Save the Document:
   • Always click File > Save or Ctrl+S before closing the document.
2. Enable Auto-Save in Office:
   • For files stored on OneDrive or SharePoint, Auto-Save can be enabled:
     • Toggle the Auto-Save switch in the top-left corner of the Office app window.
3. Check Temporary Files Location:
   • Sometimes, even after closing without saving, Office retains changes in temporary files:
     • These files are usually located in your user profile’s temp folder (e.g., C:\Users\\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Office\UnsavedFiles).

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This behavior might feel a bit unintuitive initially, but it's a crucial feature for data protection! Let me know if you'd like any further tweaks or tips to streamline your workflow.