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Short answer
Choose Create clean copy when you want to inspect a separate result and keep the original in place. Replace original starts the replacement workflow directly: for files that need cleaning, the original goes to the Recycle Bin and a verified result takes its place. Neither option is a backup or secure erasure.
Before you start
- Clean Metadata with an active license on Windows 11 24H2 or later, x64.
- Disposable sample files on a local NTFS drive.
- A separate backup before trying replacement on anything important.
Start here
Try the copy workflow first
In File Explorer, select a sample, right-click, open Clean Metadata and choose Create clean copy. If cleaning is needed, inspect the reported output and File details while the source stays in place.
Understand copy naming
An individually selected file normally gets - clean or - processed before its extension, with a number if needed. Folder selections use a separate sibling tree instead. If no removable metadata is found, there may be no output.
Prepare a separate replacement test
Use another disposable sample that needs cleaning. Close any editor and keep a backup. Before choosing Replace original in the Clean Metadata Explorer menu, verify your selection: this release does not show an additional replacement confirmation dialog.
Run only when ready
Choose Replace original only when you intend to start that operation. Let it finish before editing or moving files. Cancel stops the active batch and attempts to undo changes made by that batch, including restoring replaced originals. Wait for that recovery to finish and inspect every result; changed or inaccessible files can leave Recovery needs attention instead of a complete undo.
Check both outcome and recovery
After completion, open the file at the original location and read File details. A successful replacement sends the old original to the Recycle Bin. If Recovery needs attention appears, keep the stated recovery data and follow the recovery guidance instead of blindly repeating replacement.
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.
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 Restore original recovery action is separate from ordinary Recycle Bin restoration. It is offered for an eligible interrupted state and does not overwrite an existing file.