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Short answer
Read the status and notes beside the filename. Skipped means it was not cleaned. A retained-field note explains information that was kept, sometimes so the file still works. Read the reason before trying again. If Recovery needs attention appears, keep the recovery files at the location shown.
This guide covers Clean Metadata. Check requirements and download options before you begin.
Before you start
- A completed, canceled or interrupted Clean Metadata operation.
- Access to the original location and any recovery path shown by the app.
- A backup before changing, converting or restoring an important file.
Start here
Read the per-file result
Find the filename in the result list. Read its status, Removed metadata fields count, output path if present, notes and any Support code. The count says how many fields were removed, not which ones.
Check whether cleaning was needed
No removable metadata found means the app found nothing to remove under its supported rules, so there may be no new copy. Unsupported or failed verification is different: that file has not been successfully cleaned.
Read the retained-field notes
Read any Retained or Preserved for file compatibility notes shown with the result. A document field or audio timing information may need to stay. Decide whether that information is suitable for what you plan to share.
Fix only the stated cause
For a file in use, close the other application. For a changed source, finish editing and select it again. For unsupported storage, use an ordinary local NTFS location. For a damaged or unsupported structure, keep the original and consider exporting a separate copy in its original app.
Preserve recovery data
If Recovery needs attention appears, keep the recovery location intact. Read the status before acting. Use Restore original only when the app offers it for a restorable state; an occupied original name is not overwritten. Contact support if the state remains unclear.
Check your result
- Each file you plan to share has a result you understand.
- Any retained personal information is suitable for that use.
- Recovery files remain available until the issue is resolved.
- Support receives the message or code and a non-sensitive example when needed.
An extension is only the first check
The app checks both the extension and what is inside the file. A JPG, DOCX or MP3 can still contain a feature that cannot be processed.
Changing the extension does not fix that feature. If you export a new copy, check its content and quality before trying again.
A successful result still needs a privacy review
Clean Metadata can keep text, pictures, audio and information needed for the file to work. Embedded material may have its own note about metadata that remains or could not be checked.
Check the actual content before sharing. A successful cleaning result does not hide a name on a page, remove a face from a photo or erase a spoken address.
Review a recent operation in History
Open Clean Metadata and select History when recent operations are available. Individual-file entries show their recorded explanation; select a batch entry to review its file results. The app keeps up to five operations for up to seven days.
History records names, paths and outcomes; it is not a copy of your documents and cannot prove a file is still at its recorded location. Clear history removes these entries, not your outputs or protected recovery data. Save any details needed for support before clearing it.
What to send to support
Include the app version, file type, exact message, Support code if shown, and whether you chose Create clean copy or Replace original. Explain whether the original is present and whether a recovery path is shown.
Use a synthetic or non-sensitive sample if one reproduces the issue. Hide personal paths in screenshots and keep recovery files locally until support explains a safe next step.
Clean Metadata
View app detailsRelated guides
- Clean Metadata: keep a copy or replace the original?
- Remove author names and document metadata on Windows
- Remove MP3 and other audio metadata on Windows