Drive for desktop files incorrect Modified Date

Problem

Files within Google Drive for Desktop show the incorrect modification date, even after making changes on the document.

Environment

  • Google Drive for desktop
    • Windows or Mac

Solution

  1. Add Google Drive for desktop in the anti-virus/malware allow list so the software understands that Drive for desktop does not need to be scanned. 
  2. Clear Google Drive for desktop cache:
    • Windows computer:
      1. Quit Google Drive by clicking the icon in your taskbar, then the gear icon
      2. Click Quit or Exit.
        • Note: Make sure there are no uploads in progress before doing this step.
      3. Open your file explorer and go to your C://Users/YourUser.
        • Replace YourUser with your username.
      4. Go to the top of the file explorer, click View, and select Hidden item.
      5. Open the hidden folder Apps data > Local > Google.
      6. Move the folder DriveFS to your desktop.
      7. Relaunch the app and sign in as normal.
        • At this point, you can uninstall and reinstall the app if you prefer.
    • Mac:
      1. Quit Google Drive by clicking the icon in your taskbar, then the gear icon and then click Quit or Exit.
        • Note: make sure there are no uploads in progress before doing this step.
      2. Open Finder.
      3. Press Command+Shift+G.
      4. Enter ~/Library/Application Support/Google/.
      5. Find a folder named 'DriveFS' and move it to your desktop.
        • Relaunch the app and sign in as normal. At this point, you can uninstall and reinstall the app if you would rather.

Cause

Third party app scanning files, most of the time a antivirus or malware.