Through Windows it is possible to receive and edit files that contain metadata. A website sometimes sends that personal information when you upload the file. This can have a negative impact on your privacy, so we’re taking a look at it now. Deleting metdata works as follows.
Metadata consists of all kinds of data that you cannot easily see with the naked eye. For photos, for example, it could be the type of camera with which the photo was taken, in which place (exact GPS location even) and more. You may not want to share all that once you share that photo on the web. So get rid of that metadata.
How exactly do you do this? Fortunately, this is not a difficult process, but you do have to spend a few minutes on it.
Delete metadata on Windows
- Right-click on the file whose metadata you want to remove
- In the contextual menu, select the option Properties
- Now go to the tab of Details (if correct the second from the right)
- At the bottom of this window is a line of blue text: Delete properties and personal data; click on it
When you click on that link, you can then proceed in two ways. You have the choice of two options:
- Make a copy with all possible properties removed
- Remove the following properties from this file
If you choose option 1, you will create a file that does not contain any metadata. If you choose option two, you can decide for yourself which data is or is not present. When you click on the ball at option two, you select the data you want to save in the window below. Whatever choice you make and whatever steps you take afterwards, press after editing OK.
For each file
You can basically do this with any file on your computer. It doesn’t matter if it’s a photo, image, document or song. If you own that file, then you can decide for yourself what personal data remains when you share a creation with the world – whether that is for personal or business purposes.
Incidentally, there are also several similar tools for this, such as Photo Anonimyzer.
More tips on protecting your digital data? Order the Security & Privacy course!
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