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File Timeline guide

See what changed in a Windows folder

Follow a folder in File Timeline, rename a sample file and find that change in its history. Observation starts now; the app cannot show changes from before setup.

By Osenpa · Updated
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Before you start

  • File Timeline from Microsoft Store on Windows 11 24H2 or later, x64, with full access or an available seven-day trial.
  • An accessible folder on a local NTFS drive and a harmless sample file. To check the file system, open This PC in File Explorer, right-click the drive, and choose Properties.

Follow these steps

  1. Choose a folder

    Put a copy of a real PDF in a local NTFS folder. This example uses Research reading. Open File Timeline, select Add folder and choose that folder. Uncheck suggested folders you do not want to follow.

    File Timeline selects the Research reading folder while File Explorer shows its two research PDFs.
    Choose the folder containing the files you want to follow. Enlarge image.
    1. Add the folder you want to observe.

  2. Start observing

    Select Start observing. The seven-day trial timer starts when the first supported folder begins observation. If the button is disabled, follow the license message.

  3. Rename a sample file

    In File Explorer, rename the copied PDF inside the selected folder. Here, Study schedules and sleep.pdf becomes Sleep schedule study.pdf.

  4. Find the change

    Open File Timeline from its icon near the Windows clock. Select the Renamed event for your sample file.

    File Timeline selects the Renamed event for Sleep schedule study.pdf beside the same file in Explorer.
    Select the recorded change, then open Details. Enlarge image.
    1. Select the Renamed event.
    2. Open Details for the selected event.

  5. Read the recorded paths

    Choose Details. Compare Previous location and Current location, then close Details. Choose Show in folder to open the file’s current folder when available.

    File Timeline Details shows Study schedules and sleep.pdf as Previous location and Sleep schedule study.pdf as Current location, with its history and Explorer behind.
    Compare the previous name with the current location. Enlarge image.
    1. Previous location keeps the earlier filename.
    2. Current location shows the renamed file.

Check your result

  • The folder is available and observation is running.
  • Your sample rename appears with the name or path you recognize.
  • Use Back to live to return from older activity to the newest events.
If you need more help

Try seven days of folder observation

The Store trial gives one continuous seven-day period (168 hours). It starts when a supported folder first begins observation, not when you install or open the app. Pausing, sleep and closing the PC do not stop that timer.

After expiry, choose View existing history to read retained events. They still expire under Keep activity for; the trial ending does not delete your observed files.

Continue observing with the full version

Choose Buy File Timeline for full access. Return to the app and wait for Store confirmation; use Check license again if needed. Your folders, history and Pause choice remain. Choose Resume when requested. Missed events are not recreated.

If the trial needs attention

A license-check problem, expired trial and deliberate Pause are different states. Read the message and correct Windows date and time if requested. Clearing history or reinstalling does not renew the trial. Keep recovery records and contact Support if the problem continues.

If no activity appears

In Preferences, check the selected folder and Include subfolders. Check whether observation is paused or the trial has ended. With valid access, choose Resume if requested. Files in excluded folders are not followed.

Read any unavailable-folder notice or Observation interruptions. A gap does not prove that nothing changed, and the app cannot fill in activity from before it was observing.

Pause and retained history

Pause stops observation, not the trial timer. Closing the panel only hides it; Exit File Timeline ends the application. Changes made while observation is stopped are not a complete recorded history.

Preferences includes Keep activity for. The default is 30 days, with choices from four hours to 90 days. Clear activity history removes the records, not your observed files.

What the timeline records

The first example follows files directly inside the selected folder. After setup, open Preferences and turn on Include subfolders if you also want to follow folders inside it.

File Timeline stores names, paths and the activity it could observe. It does not save document contents or identify who or which program made every change.

Links, unavailable locations and partly available cloud metadata can leave gaps. Read the shown status before relying on the history.

Find a file now or follow future changes?

Use File Explorer search to find a file now. Use File Timeline to follow future changes in selected local NTFS folders. To recover deleted contents or an older version, check a backup or the Recycle Bin.

Need the app?

File Timeline. Check requirements and download options.

File Timeline on Microsoft Store

Next steps