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Clean Metadata guide

Remove GPS and photo metadata on Windows

Right-click a photo in File Explorer and choose Clean Metadata → Create clean copy. Read the result, open the reported copy and check it before sharing.

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 photo on a local NTFS drive with enough free space.

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. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

    Clean Metadata shows the cleaned Sunflower photo and retained print settings beside File Explorer.
    Read the notes about information kept for compatibility. Enlarge image.
    1. Read the information kept for compatibility.

  4. Find the reported copy

    In File Explorer, open the source folder, or the alternative destination you chose, and find the filename reported by the app. Individual files usually add - clean before the extension, or - processed when metadata must be retained for compatibility. A number avoids an existing name.

  5. Open and share that copy

    Open the copy and check colors and orientation. In File Explorer → Properties → Details, inspect available GPS or camera fields. Also check visible faces, addresses and screens; metadata cleaning leaves those visible. Share only the checked copy.

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.
If you need more help

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.

If a photo cannot be processed

Supported image types are JPEG, PNG, WebP, GIF, BMP, AVIF, HEIC and HEIF. Some encodings and features within these formats are not supported.

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.

Need the app?

Clean Metadata. Check requirements and download options.

Clean Metadata on Microsoft Store

Next steps