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Short answer
Photo metadata can include GPS location, the date a picture was taken and camera details. Much of this is called EXIF data. In File Explorer, right-click the photo and choose Clean Metadata, then Create clean copy. Read the file's result and check the saved photo's properties before sharing.
This guide covers Clean Metadata. Check requirements and download options before you begin.
Before you start
- Clean Metadata with an active license on Windows 11 24H2 or later, x64.
- A disposable test photo on a local NTFS drive and enough free space.
- A supported image type: JPEG, PNG, WebP, GIF, BMP, AVIF, HEIC or HEIF. Some encodings and features are not supported.
Start here
Choose one photo
Start with a sample JPG, PNG or another supported photo. Close any editor that is changing it, and keep a backup of important originals.
Create a clean copy
In File Explorer, select the photo, right-click, open Clean Metadata and choose Create clean copy. Your original stays in place.
Read the result
Read the status, Removed metadata fields count and any retained-field notes beside the filename. The count does not name the removed fields.
Find the reported copy
An individually selected photo usually gets - clean before its extension, or - processed if required personal fields remain. Existing names get a number. Follow the result to the actual file rather than guessing from its name.
Open and share that copy
Open the copy and check the picture, its colors and which way up it appears. In File Explorer, right-click it and open Properties > Details, where available, to check GPS or camera entries. Look for visible faces, addresses and screens too; metadata cleaning does not hide them. Share the copy you checked.
Check your result
- The original is still available and the reported copy opens correctly.
- The location or other fields you wanted removed were checked in the saved photo's properties, and any retained-field notes were reviewed.
- Visible details in the picture are suitable for sharing.
Why there may be no new file
If no removable metadata is found, the current operation can finish without creating a copy. Read the result instead of assuming every selected photo produces an output.
If the source folder cannot accept the clean copy, the app can ask you to choose another folder. Use a writable local folder with enough free space.
What stays in the picture
Cleaning metadata leaves the picture itself in place. A street sign or name badge remains visible, even when GPS data has been removed. The app does not guarantee anonymity or securely erase older copies.
If the file cannot be processed, keep the original. You can try a separate standard-format export from its original app if that suits your needs. Check the new picture before trying again; changing a filename extension does not convert it.
Clean Metadata
View app detailsRelated guides
- Clean Metadata: keep a copy or replace the original?
- Why did Clean Metadata skip a file or keep a field?