Check when programs were last used/ installed
The easiest native way to see when programs were last used/ installed is through Windows Settings.
- Press Windows Key + I to open Settings.
- Go to Apps > Installed apps (or Apps & features).
- Click the Sort by dropdown menu (which defaults to "Name" or "Size") and select Last used date (or check the Date installed if last used is unavailable).
Via Control Panel (Classic View):
- Press Win + R, type appwiz.cpl, press Enter
- Shows the same list but sometimes with more detailed publisher info
Windows removed native real-time tracking of app usage years ago, meaning programs like Photoshop or Atom will keep displaying their installation date even if you opened them five minutes ago.
