Depending on what you’re doing, sometimes it’s preferable to view file creation or file-access dates, rather than last modification dates. Right-click on the file list to open the context menu and click Show Dates to choose from when Last Modified or when Created or when Last Accessed*.
Tips:
You can cycle through the three sorting schemes by pressing Ctrl+D.
Sorting by Last Accessed dates give you split-second access and feedback on the files you’re currently working with even if you're not modifying them.
Note: Under some circumstances, a file can have a newer date for modification than for last access.
True last accessed dates are shown for regular file types with the following important exceptions:
File Folders
The last modification date of the shortcut representing the folder is used.
Network Drive, Removable Drive, CD Drive, Deleted or Renamed
The last modification date of the file (if available) or the shortcut representing the file is used.