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Clean Metadata guide

Remove author names and document metadata on Windows

Choose Clean Metadata → Create clean copy from the document’s File Explorer menu. Read the result, then open the reported copy to check its properties and pages.

By Osenpa · Updated
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Before you start

  • Clean Metadata on Windows 11 24H2 or later (x64), with full access or trial uses remaining.
  • A sample document and a backup on a local NTFS drive.

Using the free trial? Copy and replacement share five uses. Only verified personal-metadata cleanup kept after the batch finishes counts. How the free trial works.

Follow these steps

  1. Save and close the file

    Finish your edits and close the document. Start with a sample DOCX, PDF, PPTX or another supported type, and keep a backup of important files.

  2. Create a separate copy

    In File Explorer, right-click the document, choose Clean Metadata, then Create clean copy. Wait for the result before moving or editing the source.

  3. Read the result

    Check the file’s status and any retained-field notes. A successful result shows the removed-field count and output path. If an error appears, follow its message before trying again.

  4. Open the reported output

    In File Explorer, find the reported filename in the source folder or the alternative destination you chose. Open it in your usual reader or editor. Check the author or other property you wanted removed, then check the pages, slides or sheets, including images, links, formulas and fields.

  5. Check the content before sharing

    Review names on pages, comments, tracked changes and embedded material separately. These are not all removed by metadata cleaning. Send the checked copy, with any retained information understood.

Check your result

  • The copy opens with the expected text, layout and working features.
  • The author or other property you wanted removed was checked in the saved copy's document properties.
If you need more help

Why a property can remain

A document can display a property as part of its text. For example, a field may look up a stored value. Removing that value could change the page, so Clean Metadata can keep it and explain why.

Some embedded images or drawings may also remain unchanged when their metadata cannot be checked safely. Read the notes for the file before sharing it.

Check comments and revisions in Word

In desktop Word, work on a separate copy and open File → Info → Check for Issues → Inspect Document. Choose the categories to inspect, including Comments, Revisions, Versions, and Annotations, then select Inspect.

Review the findings before choosing Remove All for a category you want removed. The removal may not be undoable. Save and reopen the copy, then check its pages before sharing. This is a separate Word check; Clean Metadata does not promise to remove all document comments or tracked changes.

If the document cannot be cleaned

Supported document families are PDF, DOCX, PPTX/PPSX, XLSX and ODT/ODS/ODP. Some features within these formats are not supported.

If a PDF or PowerPoint file failed in an earlier version, update Clean Metadata and try Create clean copy again. The current release handles more embedded fonts, PDF page structures and PowerPoint media links. Open any new copy and check its pages or slides.

An extension alone does not guarantee support. Read the reason if a document is skipped. Keep the original; when suitable, export a separate copy from its original app and check that copy before trying again.

Clean Metadata reports that the XML structure of Debrief and lessons learned.docx could not be processed safely.
Follow the message for the file that needs attention. Enlarge image.
  1. Follow the reason shown for this document.

Need the app?

Clean Metadata. Check requirements and download options.

Clean Metadata on Microsoft Store

Next steps