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Before you start
- Clean Metadata on Windows 11 24H2 or later (x64), with full access or trial uses remaining.
- Sample files on a local NTFS drive. Use a separate backup for anything important.
Follow these steps
Start with Create clean copy
Right-click a sample in File Explorer, choose Clean Metadata, then Create clean copy. Wait for the file’s result; the original stays in place.
Follow the reported filename
In File Explorer, open the source folder or the alternative destination you chose and find the filename shown in the result. An individual file normally adds - clean or - processed before its extension, with a number if needed. Folder selections use a separate folder beside the source. If nothing needed removal, there may be no new file.
Find the new copy beside the original recording. Enlarge image. - Check the result and removed-field count.
Prepare before replacing
If you prefer replacement, use a disposable sample first. Close its editor and keep a backup. Check the selected file before choosing Replace original: do not rely on another replacement confirmation. A separate trial allowance prompt may appear.
Wait for the result
Leave the files in place until processing finishes. If you select Cancel, wait for its attempt to undo the batch. Read the final result; undo can be incomplete if a file has changed or is no longer accessible.
Check the file and any recovery note
Read the file's result and open the file at its original location. A completed replacement sends the old file to the Recycle Bin. If Recovery needs attention appears, keep the named recovery files and follow the guidance before trying again.
Check your result
- The chosen action matches whether you wanted a separate copy or replacement.
- The output opens correctly and any retained fields are understood.
- Your independent backup remains available; the Recycle Bin is not treated as a guaranteed long-term backup.
If you need more help
Replacement is not secure deletion
Replacement uses a newly written, independently verified file with new creation and modification dates. The old original can remain in the Recycle Bin; recovery data may remain after interruption.
Create clean copy also leaves the original present. Neither action erases all previous copies, cloud versions, backups or recoverable storage data.
Restore carefully
Before restoring an original from the Recycle Bin, check the destination. Do not overwrite a cleaned or unrelated file without deliberately preserving the version you need.
The app's Recover files action is separate from ordinary Recycle Bin restoration. It uses verified recovery data. If another file occupies the original name, it can save a separate recovered copy instead of overwriting that file. If recovery cannot be verified, keep the data and use Open recovery folder when offered.
Try both actions with five shared uses
The Store trial has five shared uses with no time limit. Create clean copy and Replace original draw from the same allowance.
A use counts only when personal metadata is removed or neutralized, the result passes verification and the file is kept after the batch finishes. Failed, unchanged, unsupported and technical-only cleanups do not count.
Available is what remains; Reserved is held for unfinished work; Used is finalized. If a selection exceeds the allowance, Continue within the allowance processes files in order. Check final results before counting uses.
Cancellation and your allowance
Cancel attempts to undo the active batch. A verified rollback releases its reserved uses. If undo or recovery is incomplete, keep the recovery data; do not assume the allowance has been returned.
Restoring a file after its completed batch, deleting an output or clearing History does not refund a finalized use. A broken or unresolved trial record can block more trial cleaning; it does not mean your saved files should be deleted.
Buy the full version when ready
Choose Buy Clean Metadata, finish the Store purchase and wait for license confirmation. Use Check license if needed. Full access keeps your history and recovery files; it does not replay skipped or canceled work. Keep recovery files if Trial record needs recovery appears.
Does reinstalling give another five uses?
Clearing History or ordinary reinstall does not renew the trial. Protected records are local to this Windows user and device, not shared across your Microsoft account. Keep recovery records; deleting them is not a supported reset.
Need the app?
Clean Metadata. Check requirements and download options.